Key Takeaways
- Donkey Kong Country expansion opens at Universal Japan on December 11, 2024.
- The new area features the Mine Cart Madness roller coaster and being able to meet Donkey Kong.
- The theme park expansion offers an immersive experience with attractions, games, food, and merchandise.
Fans finally got their first glimpse of the much-anticipated Donkey Kong Country-themed expansion, along with the official opening date of December 11, 2024, during a recent Super Nintendo World Direct. The new Nintendo-inspired land at Universal Studios Japan will mark the first debut of the new expansion.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is a fully immersive theme park area that brings Nintendo’s cherished characters and worlds to life. Since its grand opening in March 2021, it has become a must-see destination for Nintendo fans, featuring interactive attractions, cutting-edge technology, and iconic settings inspired by the Super Mario franchise. The immersive new Donkey Kong Country zone, featuring Mario’s barrel-throwing rival, was first announced in 2021 and combines state-of-the-art attractions and fan-favorite elements from the games, ensuring visitors a memorable experience in the world of Donkey Kong.
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Nintendo fans have been eagerly awaiting more details about the Donkey Kong Country expansion, especially after its initial summer 2024 opening faced delays. But fans can now start their official countdown as renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto announced Donkey Kong Country is set to open in December at Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World. Along with an opening date, Miyamoto gave an exclusive first look at Donkey Kong Country, which will feature activities based on the Donkey Kong franchise, including a thrilling Nintendo-themed roller coaster called Mine Cart Madness, which is inspired by the popular level from the 1994 SNES game Donkey Kong Country. Riders will be launched from a barrel cannon on a thrilling mine cart journey through the jungle, including an exciting “leap across a broken track,” as shown in a Nintendo render earlier this year.
Donkey Kong Country Opening Date for Universal Studios Japan
- Donkey Kong Country is set to open on December 11, 2024.
Miyamoto also revealed that guests will have the opportunity to meet Donkey Kong himself outside his iconic treehouse. The meet-and-greet promises to be a highlight, allowing fans to encounter the famous tie-wearing character up close in a setting that feels straight out of the game. This new area offers Donkey Kong fans and theme park lovers an immersive experience that faithfully brings the cherished world of Donkey Kong to life. The Donkey Kong Country expansion is also set to open at Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida in May 2025, giving U.S. fans the chance to enjoy the same jungle-themed adventure closer to home.
The new expansion in Japan features not only character encounters but also a range of attractions, interactive games, food, and exclusive merchandise. Among the highlights (aside from the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster), is a Donkey Konga-themed rhythm game, perfect for friends to enjoy together. Players must hit the drums in time with the lights to match the rhythm, and upon success, Rambi the Rhino will burst out from a crate. Additionally, Universal Studios Japan’s wristband technology called Power Up Bands, will allow visitors to collect virtual letters spelling “KONG” as they explore the area.
Donkey Kong Country
Released over just a two-year period between 1994 and 1996, many consider the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy to be among the finest side-scrolling platformers ever made. After a long hiatus, the series returned in 2010, with another game then being released for the Wii U some four years later.