The world of Donkey Kong is coming to USJ!
Just when you thought Universal Studios Japan was already exciting enough with Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — the theme park announces yet another upgrade!
A world-first, Donkey Kong Country is a new attraction based on the popular game Donkey Kong. This expansion will open in Super Nintendo World on 11 December 2024. Here's what we know about Donkey Kong Country so far!
When will Donkey Kong Country open?
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Donkey Kong Country was previously scheduled to open in the spring of 2024, but has been delayed to the second half of 2024. It's just been announced that the new expansion will open on 11 December 2024!
Where will Donkey Kong Country be?
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
The new area is part of Super Nintendo World which opened in 2021. The themed area will be added next to Mario's world-themed area with Peach Castle and Koopa's Challenge!
Photo: @yumi4favorite (Instagram)
With the addition of this Donkey Kong Country, Super Nintendo World will expand by 70% of its current size.
What’s new in Donkey Kong Country?
Like the game's stage, the new area is filled with lush jungles and temples — where Donkey Kong can pop up anytime! To get to Donkey Kong Country, visitors must journey through a rocky tunnel that leads to a jungle-themed area.
New Ride: Mine-Cart Madness
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
The highlight of this new area is the new roller coaster Mine-Cart Madness, located inside the iconic "The Golden Temple" in the Donkey Kong games.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe! This new ride features an unprecedented ride system that will send riders on a thrilling adventure — apparently, you'll get blasted out of a barrel.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
According to Universal Creative Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Brian Robinson, the new ride in Donkey Kong Country offers an unpredictable experience of "jumping a broken track" and a "new vision of coaster design that isn’t bound to a traditional coaster track". We're already intrigued.
Donkey Kong Wristbands
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Just like in the original Donkey Kong games, visitors can collect giant letters hidden around the area using the park’s power-up bands. The opening of Donkey Kong Country comes with two new power-up bands — Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong themed!
One band costs ¥4,200 and can be linked to your smartphone so you can see your game progress.
Jungle Beat Shakes
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Donkey Kong Country includes a new food stand — Jungle Beat Shakes. Grab Donkey Kong-inspired bites like desserts and hot dogs!
New Donkey Kong Merchandise
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Visitors can purchase new Donkey Kong merchandise at 1-Up Factory in Super Nintendo World!
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Look forward to keychains, ticket holders, charms, and more — all featuring Donkey Kong's trademark red tie and barrels.
Planning Your Trip to the New Donkey Kong Country
1. Book Your Tickets to Skip the Queue
To avoid having to go early and queue at the ticket booths, book your USJ tickets on Klook! You'll receive a QR code and you can skip the ticketing booth queue and head directly to the entry gates to get into the park.
2. Book Your Express Pass to Skip The Long Queues for the Rides
Universal Studios Japan is incredibly popular, so it's not surprising that there'll be huge crowds. During the weekends or Japanese holidays, some popular rides can have a waiting time of over 2 hours.
That's why we highly recommend getting a Universal Express Pass to maximize your time there! You can choose between the Express Pass for 4 or 7 popular rides in Universal Studios Japan. Additionally, you can now select your desired timings for your Express Pass on Klook.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Good news: Klook is now selling USJ Express Passes covering the new Donkey Kong Ride — Mine Cart Madness!
For visit dates between 11 to 31 December 2024
You can book a Universal Express Pass 1 ~ Donkey Kong Special + In-Park Coupon package that is designed especially for the Mine Cart Madness ride. It also comes with the Super Nintendo World Area Timed Entry Ticket and a coupon for you to redeem one of the following:
- Ride photo on Mine Cart Madness
- Ride photo on Yoshi's Adventure
- ¥2,200 shopping coupon for Super Nintendo World merchandise
For visit dates starting 1 January 2025
Starting in 2025, selected USJ Express Pass 4 & 7 include the Mine Cart Madness ride. Look out for it in the package details!
Some of the Express Pass packages currently available that has the Mine Cart Madness included are:
- Universal Express Pass 4 - Mine Cart & Adventure
- Universal Express Pass 4 - Mine Cart & Race
- Universal Express Pass 7 - Variety Standard
- Universal Express Pass 7 - Variety Theater
Unsure of which USJ ticket or Express Pass to book? Don't worry, we've got you covered in this USJ Ticket Guide!
3. Download the USJ App
Download the USJ app on your phone before entering the park! Make sure to enable location access to see where you are on the park's digital map.
The app allows you to check ride wait times, show timings, dining options, and more!
🇯🇵 Osaka Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Top things to do in Osaka
- Attractions: Universal Studios Japan | teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka | Osaka Castle | Go Karting | Umeda Sky Building
- Visiting multiple attractions in Osaka? Get the Klook Pass Osaka and enjoy up to 43% savings!
Getting around Osaka
- Airport transfer: Nankai Rapi:t Kansai Airport Express | JR Haruka Kansai Airport
- Train and bus: Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Stay connected with our Japan 4G eSIM and find the best places to stay in Osaka — plus exclusive hotel promos and bundle deals!
What is the game Donkey Kong?
Super Nintendo World Logo
Donkey Kong was first released in 1981 as an arcade game created by Nintendo and led by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo's game director!
Since then, the series released on Super Fami-Con, Wii, and Nintendo Switch has become a big hit and is a representative game work of Nintendo that has gained popularity, not only in Japan but also all over the world.
Total worldwide sales of the series will exceed 65 million units as of March 2021. Safe to say that the new Donkey Kong Country in Universal Studios Japan will be well-received!
More Japan Travel Inspiration
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activities and services booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travelers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
