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So, it’s official – Donkey Kong Country is coming to Universal Studios Japan on December 11th 2024 – which is a BIG surprise.
I thought they’d have a much bigger build-up, but no, they’re just throwing it out there. So, here’s what we know so far…
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What’s in the Land?
Donkey Kong Country sits within the Super Nintendo World area of the park, accessed through a tunnel that keeps it slightly separate.
It looks very different from Super Nintendo World, which is all brash, bright colours and blocks. Donkey Kong, on the other hand, is jungle-themed, with the imposing Golden Temple at its heart.
The Ride
The main draw is Mine Cart Madness, a rollercoaster-style ride in which you are blasted out of the Golden Temple on a runaway mine car as you try to protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak tribe who have infiltrated the temple.
The ride uses amazing technology, and the car you’re in actually ‘jumps’ the tracks.
According to the USJ press release, the ride lasts two minutes, and you ride in parties of four.
Anyone over 107cm can ride, but those between 107cm and 122 cm will need a chaperone with them.
New Games
New Donkey Kong Country Power Band games involve collecting the letters for the word ‘Donkey Kong’ to earn points.
You can buy a special Donkey Kong powerband for this, or they have confirmed that the Super Nintendo Power Bands will also let you play the games in Donkey Kong Country.
I guess this means your US bands will also work here.
There’s also a cute-looking drumming game that will see you summon Rambi if you get the beats right.
Food and Merch
Of course, it wouldn’t be USJ without some monkey-themed merch to buy. Foods include a banana-based shake and an avocado-sauce-topped hot dog that will only be available in Donkey Kong Country.
Merchandise will be available from Funky’s Fly N Buy – although when I was there a few weeks ago, they also had some in the main store in Super Nintendo World.
Meet Donkey Kong
Yes, the big man (monkey) himself will be available for photo opportunities outside his treehouse within the land.
I Need to See More…
You can watch the announcement video and see inside the land here.
How Do You Get into Donkey Kong Country?
You will need a Timed Entry Ticket to get into Super Nintendo World, access to Donkey Kong Country will be included as part of this.
Is There an Express Pass for Mine Cart Madness?
(Updated Nov 13th with new information on these).
Yes, they have added it to the Express Pass 7 – so you now have to choose between Flying Dinosaur and Minions and Hollywood Dream and Jaws.
There are also a couple of Express Pass 4s that also include Mine Cart Madness.
See the newest offerings here on Klook.
If you already have an Express Pass for December or just want to ride the new ride and aren’t worried about jumping the queues on the other rides, you can also buy a stand-alone Express Pass for Donkey Kong, which allows you into Super Nintendo World and the Express Queue for Mine Cart Madness.
It’s called the Universal Express Pass 1 – Donkey Kong Special. The price varies by date so check your dates on Klook. This pass is only available between Dec 11 and Dec 31 – after then you will need to buy one of the Express Passes that includes Mine Craft Madness to jump the queue.
Both passes are also available directly from USJ, obviously, but that doesn’t always work well with foreign cards.
What Will This Mean for Crowds?
My prediction – it will be bonkers. If you want to go to USJ in December and you haven’t already got a ticket that allows you into SNW, or an Express Pass that does, and your trip will be ruined if you don’t get into SNW, let alone Donkey Kong Country, buy a pass NOW as the Annual Pass Holders will be out in force and competition will be fierce for the free passes as most local visitors won’t pay for the Express Passes.
If you’d rather take your chances, or the Express Passes, or the special Donkey Kong Passes are already sold out for your dates, get there very early. I can’t say how early until we see the queues, but if I was going in the first week and wanted to ensure I got into SNW without a pass, I’d be there two or maybe even three hours before the park is supposed to open.
Even if you’re not buying an Express Pass and aren’t that worried about getting into SNW, I’d also buy your Studio Passes for December now, if you haven’t already, as the park might sell out around the opening date.
Will There Be Soft Openings?
No-one knows yet, and they won’t be announced in advance, but Fantasy Springs at Disney did have a few days where people were allowed in so I wouldn’t rule it out – so keep your eyes peeled (no monkey puns intended) if you’re visiting in the run up to the official opening day.
Right now, that’s all we know. But I’ll keep this updated when I learn more.
