Donkey Kong Country In Universal Studios Japan Is Opening! Here’s What You Need To Know

I’ve you’ve been here before, you’ll know that we love Universal Studios Japan! In fact, one of the main reasons we added Osaka to our last Tokyo itinerary was because the boys were so desperate to visit Super Nintendo World.

So you can imagine how high the excitement levels are at the announcement that the expansion to Super Nintendo World, Donkey Kong Country, is finally opening in Universal Studios Japan. The opening date has been set for 11th DECEMBER 2024 and here’s what we know so far.

What Rides Will Be In Donkey Kong Country?

Donkey Kong Country will be an expansion to the existing Super Nintendo World and NOT a stand alone park or park area in its own right. It will add 1 new ride to the 2 rides that are currently in the Super Nintendo World family.

This ride will be called Mine Cart Madness. It’s a roller coaster style ride, and you will sit in mine carts (with each cart holding 4 people in 2 rows of 2) and you need to be at least 122cm tall to ride unless accompanied by an adult. Children aged 107cm and over can ride with a grown up.

It’s a ride through the jungle, and you’ll even jump over a collapsed part of the mine track, just like in the real video game. The theming looks impeccable complete with golden temple and other amazing game details.

What Other Attractions Will Donkey Kong Country Have?

Aside from the Mine Cart Madness ride, which is the main attraction of the new area, Donkey Kong Country will also expand on the play experiences that have been introduced in Super Nintendo Land.

There will be new play experiences and another power up key challenges. For the uninitiated, these are mini interactive games that you can only play if you’ve invested in one of the playable wristbands that you can buy in the area.

You’ll also find photo spots: a Donkey Kong photo opportunity where you can queue to have your photo taken with the man himself.

There will also be a new snack shack called Jungle Beats Shakes. The signature offering here is a DK Crush Sundae. This is Tropical Banana Flavor and costs 1,300 yen (£6.58) or 2,000 yen ($10.13) if you want it to come with a souvenir mug to take home.

And of course, no theme park expansion is complete without shops! Funky’s Fly and Buy will be the main shop here selling Donkey Kong themed goods and area exclusives. Make sure you visit before you leave Super Nintendo World, because once you’ve left you can’t get back in, even if it’s just to finish your shopping!

How Do You Get Tickets To Donkey Kong Country?

When it first opens, this new area is going to be POPULAR! That means timed entry slots will be in place to access Super Nintendo World, and just because you have a ticket to get into Universal Studios Japan doesn’t mean that entry to Super Nintendo World (and the new Donkey Kong Country attractions) are guarenteed.

I’ve written an extensive post about how to get tickets to Super Nintendo World that YOU CAN READ HERE.

The short version is that there are two ways you can get into Super Nintendo World. First, you can buy a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.  You’ll buy this in addition to your standard USJ entry ticket, so it can be expensive. But your entry to the area is guarenteed.

The second option is to  secure an area timed entry ticket. These go fast, and the easiest way to get these is via the app. You can’t get these until you’re in the park, so my top tip is to get in the park as early as possible: if you’re first in the door, you’re more likely to get the access you need!

Universal Studios have put the following official note on their website about ticketing plans for the area: Distribution of Area Timed Entry Tickets may end early depending on conditions on the day of visit. There may be times when entry is possible without an Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking or an Area Timed Entry Ticket/Standby Entry Ticket.

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