Donkey Kong Country in Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World Opens on 11 December 2024

Klook ANZ

Last updated 12 Nov 2024

Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan

The world of Donkey Kong is coming to Universal Studios Japan in December!

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!

Klook your Universal Studios Japan tickets!

When will Donkey Kong Country open?

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?

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!

Image credits to Universal Studios Japan

Things To Do Travel essentials

Everything You Need to Know About Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

Wahoo! Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World finally opened this year, and it’s got everything fans of the video game franchise would ever want, including Mario Kart racing!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Visitors can purchase new Donkey Kong merchandise at 1-Up Factory in Super Nintendo World!

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 Universal Studios Japan 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 an 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 choose timings for your Express Pass on Klook as well.

Good news: Klook will be selling express passes covering the new Donkey Kong Ride — Mine Cart Madness!

For visit dates between 11 to 31 December 2024, guests can purchase a Universal Express Pass: Donkey Kong Special from 13 November. From 1 January 2025, the USJ Express Pass 4 & 7 will include the ride Mine Cart Madness.

Unsure of which USJ ticket or Express Pass to book? Don't worry, we've got you covered in this USJ Ticket Guide!

What Universal Studios Japan ticket to buy guide

Things To Do

Universal Studios Japan Tickets Booking Guide: Which USJ Ticket Should I Buy?

Not sure which ticket to buy on your next visit to Universal Studios Japan? Find out with this easy-to-follow Klook guide!

3. Download the USJ App

Downloading 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!

What is the game Donkey Kong?

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!