Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World has just gotten even more exciting with the debut of the brand-new Donkey Kong Country area. This immersive expansion brings the vibrant jungle setting of the beloved video game series to life, featuring a cutting-edge family roller coaster, interactive activities, mouthwatering treats, and a wide selection of exclusive merchandise.
Let’s dive into everything the exciting new Nintendo-themed land has to offer!
HOT TIP! Be sure to buy an Express Pass for Mine Cart Madness and get guaranteed access to Super Nintendo World for your visit.
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Donkey Kong Country
The new Donkey Kong area draws inspiration from the “Donkey Kong Country” video game series which debuted in 1994 with “Donkey Kong Country” and has since expanded to include five mainline games. Gamers were first introduced to the iconic gorilla and Mario in the 1981 arcade classic “Donkey Kong.”
As guests enter through a warp pipe, guests will find themselves immersed in the vibrant jungle world of Donkey Kong Country, home to Donkey Kong and his friends. Upon entering, fans of the popular video game franchise will recognise many familiar sights and sounds, from Donkey Kong’s house, DK Bongo’s, and Funky Kong’s plane, to the mysterious Golden Temple towering above the land.
Developed in close collaboration with Nintendo’s creative team, including Shigeru Miyamoto, Universal Studios Japan has spared no effort in bringing the world of Donkey Kong Country to life with remarkable attention to detail. As guests wander through the lush jungles, they’ll discover many interactive games, hidden details, and a tonne of easter eggs and references to the popular video game franchise.
The expansion is adjacent to the Mario World-themed area, with guests entering Dong Kong Country via a DK warp tube. As seen in the new area map below, the expansive Donkey Kong new area is approximately 1.7 times larger than the entirety of the Super Mario Bros area of Super Nintendo World!
Grand Opening Ceremony
Donkey Kong Country finally opened to the general public on December 11th 2024 (Wednesday) to great fanfare. The grand opening ceremony featured Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and JL Bonnier, President and CEO of USJ LLC, alongside Mario and Donkey Kong.
“We’ve worked closely with Universal Studios Japan and Universal Creative to create a jungle at the end of the tunnel. There’s a mine cart-shaped coaster that’s a little thrilling but fun for kids, and an activity where you can meet Rambi the rhino… There are hidden games and designs that let you feel the world of Donkey Kong in all sorts of places, so I think the whole family can enjoy it. I think it’s thanks to the strong partnership between Nintendo and Universal that we’ve been able to create an area full of surprises and discoveries like this. The world of Donkey Kong has been added to the world of Mario, making Super Nintendo World a new place. Come experience it with your friends and create lots of fun memories.”
– Shigeru Miyamoto, Fellow and Representative Director, Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Mine Cart Madness Attraction
The star attraction of Donkey Kong Country is Mine Cart Madness, a thrilling new state-of-the-art rollercoaster developed in collaboration with Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. The family coaster will have you jumping out of barrels, dodging and jumping over obstacles while racing through the wild jungle to protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe!
As guests navigate the detailed queue, they’ll encounter giant footprints and ancient artifacts scattered throughout the Golden Temple. Sharp-eyed visitors can spot easter eggs referencing Donkey Kong’s history, returning to his debut in the arcade game Donkey Kong. Can you find the hidden Pikmin?
Murals along the queue introduce the attraction’s story, showing characters reverently holding bananas—could these be the legendary golden bananas? Up ahead, impressive animatronics of Cranky Kong and Squawks urge guests to defend the golden bananas from intruders in the Golden Temple.
Guests board mine carts to embark on their adventure to protect the golden bananas. Ascending to the temple’s peak, they enter a massive cannon and are launched into an exciting jungle journey. But beware—the track seems to have some problems… are you bold enough for this adventure?
We got a first look inside Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan! Here’s a preview of Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness and the queue!
Ride Overview:
- Experience time: Approximately 2 minutes
- Capacity: 4 people per vehicle
- Height restriction: 107cm or taller
- *Those over 107cm and under 122cm must be accompanied by a guardian
Meet and Greet
Guests can meet the one and only Donkey Kong at the Donkey Kong Meet-Up! Located in front of his jungle home, this meet-and-greet encounter offers the opportunity to interact with the iconic character. Photographers are available to capture the moment, creating a memorable keepsake for visitors.
Interactivity
The new Donkey Kong Country area will significantly expand the interactive “play experience” established within Super Nintendo World with even higher interactivity. Using Power Up Bands, guests can participate in interactive mini-games and collect the letters K, O, N, and G – just like in the game!
Rambi’s Bongo Breakout challenges guests to work together to beat conga drums in rhythm with flashing lights and music to summon Rambi the Rhinoceros. Teamwork is essential in this high-energy interactive game! Guests will be rewarded with collectible stamps in the Universal Studios Japan app.
In addition to using Power-Up Bands from Super Nintendo World, which can also be used in the new area, new Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong bands will be introduced! There are plenty of hidden secrets to uncover with the Power-Up Band, so be sure to explore.
Food and Beverage
Worked up an appetite and in the mood for something sweet while exploring the lush jungles of Donkey Kong Country? Jungle Beat Shakes is the place for you! Located inside an iconic barrel from the Donkey Kong franchise, guests can purchase the land’s signature dessert drink, the DK Crush Sundae!
The DK Crush Sundae drink – available with Tropical Banana Flavor – is available as a single item or with a collectable DK barrel mug and a Donkey Kong Country spoon featuring classic artwork of the character. A hot version will be sold in “Donkey Kong Country” for a limited time only in winter.
After something a little more substantial? Check out the DK Wild Hot Dog — Avocado & Cheese Sauce available at the cart next to Donkey Kong’s tree house with a “KONG” sign above the door.
Merchandise
Those looking to pick up a souvenir to commemorate their trip to Donkey Kong Country should visit “Funky Kong’s Fly and Buy”. The specialty store offers plush toys of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, novelty hats and headbands, handy collectables and much more. Two new Power-Up bands featuring Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are also available, which can be used for mini-games in the area.
For more, check out our post on all the Donkey Kong Country merchandise available now at Universal Studios Japan.
Accessing Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country is part of Super Nintendo World, which means you’ll need an area-timed entry ticket to enter – you cannot simply walk into Super Nintendo World at any time. We’ve broken down all the ways to gain access to what is sure to be an incredibly popular area of the park.
Universal Express Pass
The easiest and most reliable way to ensure you can access Donkey Kong Country on your visit is by securing an Express Pass. Express Passes are generally released 2 months in advance, and can sell out quickly – so it is best to secure yours as early as possible. Express Passes can be purchased through the Universal Studios Japan website or via Klook, a trusted service we’ve used for almost ten years.
The Universal Express Pass – Donkey Kong Special ticket includes guaranteed admission to the Super Nintendo World area, Express Pass access to Mine Cart Madness, plus a choice of one of a Mine Cart Madness Ride Photo, Yoshi’s Adventure Ride Photo, or a voucher for Super Nintendo World merchandise worth ¥2,200 (that can be used anywhere in the Park.)
Day-of Options
If you were unable to secure access via an Express Pass, hope is not lost! Once inside the park, you can secure a free area-time ticket via the Universal Studios Japan app, or the kiosk Central Park across from Mel’s Diner. However, these passes are super limited and run out quickly – we recommend arriving at the park at least two hours before the official opening time, as the parks often open earlier than the published time. If area-timed entry tickets are no longer available, you can apply for an Area Standby Entry Ticket through the app or kiosk. While this doesn’t guarantee entry, it is worth a try!
Hot tip! Once inside Donkey Kong Country, you can shorten your wait for the new Mine Cart Madness attraction by using the Single Rider Line.
For more information on entry into Super Nintendo World, check out our guide.
For more on Super Nintendo World check out our guide to visiting and watch our massive video below!
Information and photos from Nintendo and Universal Studios Japan.
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More on Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan Guidebook
Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including Super Nintendo World, Express Pass, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Universal Studios Japan before you even set foot in the park. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.
Stress-Free Japan: Book with Klook
Make the most of your trip to Japan with these exclusive offerings from our trusted affiliate partner, Klook. From making bullet train reservations with ease to fully private tours, you can save time and money on your trip. I’ve used Klook since 2016, and it is my go-to booking platform for anything in Japan!
- Japan Shinkansen & Train Tickets
- JR Pass for All of Japan
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- Asakusa Kimono Rental & Photo Shoot (Kimono Rental Ange)
- Mt. Fuji Private Customizable One Day Trip from Tokyo
Book Your Flight
I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Going to get notifications of cheap airfares, which happens often in Japan. You’ll sometimes stumble on cheap flights to Kansai International Airport.
Buy Your Shinkansen Tickets (Bullet Train)
Getting around Japan by the world-renowned bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is incredibly fast, reliable, and affordable for visitors. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in just over 2 hours. Get the JR Rail Pass to save a ton of money on the bullet train for your trip.
Book Your Hotel
Universal Studios Japan has affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park and have easy access to Osaka. I recommend checking prices through Booking.com followed by the hotels directly. Sometimes, you’re able to score some incredible deals. Here’s a short list of hotels at Universal Studios Japan I recommend.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan – You’re directly in front of the Park gates and have instant access to Universal CityWalk Osaka. The rooms are gorgeous, with restaurants and even a Lawson (Japanese convenience store).
- The Singulari HOTEL & SKYSPA – Attached to the train station is a fantastic hotel for those who want a comfortable, clean, and stylish place to sleep. After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, the rooftop sento (public bath) is excellent for unwinding and relaxing.
- Hotel Universal Port – This is an excellent hotel for the Minion fan in your family, only a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It also boasts the largest breakfast buffet in Japan, a must during your visit.
Buy Your Tickets & Express Pass
In advance, save time and stress by buying your tickets and Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan.
Stay Connected
Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the park’s entrance. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home on Instagram to give them FOMO. Here’s how you can stay connected while travelling in Japan.
- Pocket Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling with a group or have multiple devices, this is your best and most affordable way to stay connected to the internet. Pick up and drop off at the airport. Easy.
- Japan SIM Card – If you have an unlocked phone and need a Japanese phone number, this is the best and easiest way.
Get Yourself Travel Insurance
While travelling aboard, having travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other things you can never predict. Whenever I travel, I always budget for travel insurance to protect myself. I’ve used it, and I’m so glad I had it. My recommended companies are SafteyWing and World Nomads for travel insurance.
Learn More about Universal Studios Japan
Don’t forget to study our in-depth destination guide on Universal Studios Japan for more information on this beautiful park in Osaka.
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