ORLANDO, Fla. – Barrels scattered around, palm trees, a treehouse, and looming in the back — the Golden Temple are the sights at Donkey Kong Country.
This expansion to Universal Studios Super Nintendo World is set to open in Japan’s park on Dec. 11.
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Nintendo held a presentation on Nov. 11 showcasing the new area’s ride, merchandise, snacks, and more.
Meanwhile, its U.S. counterpart is expected to open at Epic Universe. The new land in Japan allows for a sneak peek at what to expect at Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park opening on May 22, 2025.
“In Donkey Kong Country, visitors can immerse themselves in the lush tropical landscapes seen in the popular video game series and explore real-life locations deep in the jungle, including The Golden Temple,” a Producer at Universal Creative Daniel Greer said in a news release.
Below is a breakdown of Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan, as well as some side-by-side visuals featuring aerials of Epic Universe.
Attractions
The only ride in this area of Super Nintendo World is a family-friendly rollercoaster called Mine Cart Madness. From what the presentation shows, the queue begins outside of the Golden Temple.
“When you think of Donkey Kong, you might think about hurling through dark tunnels in mine carts. Hop into the mine cart for a wild ride across the jungle,” Shigeru Miyamoto, game director at Nintendo, said during the presentation.
Guests will then head inside the temple and find interactive set pieces, large footprints, and a mural depicting the ‘Golden Banana.’ One of the characters from the game, Cranky Kong is there via an animated figure telling guests to board the mine cart and chase the ‘Tiki Tak Tribe’ away from the Golden Temple.
Overall, the story of the ride is guests helping to protect the Golden Banana from this tribe.
Once aboard the mine cart — which seats four — guests will climb atop the temple and get shot out of a giant barrel cannon.
“The new ride attraction, Mine Cart Madness, is a new and innovative coaster design that is not bound by conventional ideas and will offer an unpredictable experience that will make you seemingly jump over gaps,” Greer said in a news release.
A long “arm” fixed between the “fake rails” visible to riders and the “real” tracks underneath will allow the mine carts to simulate jumping gaps on the rickety track.
Universal shared that the ride is roughly two minutes long and has a height requirement of 36 inches.
Merchandise
The shop is inspired by the original games: Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, as shown in the Nintendo Direct.
Some of the items that guests can buy are plushies of Donkey and Diddy Kong, keychains, headbands, and charms.
“In the original games, Funky Kong carried a lot of helpful items. I hope you enjoy browsing this shop to find your favorites,” Miyamoto said.
Snacks
The food kiosk is called ‘Jungle Beat Shakes’ which has snacks flavored with Donkey Kong’s favorite food — bananas.
In the presentation, some of the items shown were a DK Crush sundae (inspired by his iconic move of throwing barrels) and a DK wild hotdog that had an avocado sauce on top.
Other offerings
At the tree house, there will be a meet and greet with Donkey Kong. This is where people can take photos with him.
To add on, as part of Super Nintendo World, guests can purchase a Power-Up band.
The bands cost around $40 and come in a variety of characters such as Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong. Guests can find them in gift shops around the park.
Once the band is purchased, guests can run around both areas of Super Nintendo World and play interactive games. In the Donkey Kong area, one activity revealed is ‘rhythm-based’ and involves drums.’
All in all, after the area opens officially in Japan, there will be even more details revealed on this expansion coming to Epic Universe. To check out our coverage of Universal’s newest park click here.
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