Donkey Kong Country Opening Soon at USJ

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is about to get even more thrilling as the long-awaited Donkey Kong Country area is set to open its doors next month! Originally announced in 2021, fans experienced a bit of a roller coaster themselves as updates were scarce and the opening date was pushed back to the latter half of 2024. However, the wait is almost over, and there's plenty to look forward to.

A Sneak Peek with Shigeru Miyamoto

In an exciting video hosted by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, the creative genius behind Donkey Kong and Super Mario, guests are given an exclusive tour of the new expansion to the Super Nintendo World. This area expands the park's footprint by approximately 1.7 times, immersing visitors in a vibrant jungle setting that will leave them spellbound.

Interactive Features Await

One of the first interactive features guests can enjoy are bongo drums inspired by the popular Donkey Konga game. These drums allow teams of three to create music together, with an added surprise for those who can keep up with the rhythm of flashing lights. Scattered throughout the area, visitors can search for blocks reminiscent of classic video games that spell out "Donkey Kong", engaging with them using the Super Nintendo World's Power-Up Bands, designed to enhance the interactivity of the park experience.

The Golden Temple and Minecart Coaster

The highlight, however, is bound to be the Golden Temple, an elaborate real-world representation of a key location from Donkey Kong Country Returns. This majestic temple serves as the starting point for the Donkey Kong Crazy Minecart roller coaster. To keep guests entertained during the inevitable wait, the area features stunning murals and captivating animatronics that tell the tale of Donkey and Diddy Kong as they protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe.

An Exhilarating Ride Experience

When it's time to ride, thrill-seekers will be launched from iconic barrel cannons, with exhilarating moments where the minecart will leap off the tracks! Miyamoto reassures everyone that the ride is designed for families, making it an attraction that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Tasty Treats and Merchandise

Beyond the rides, Donkey Kong Country boasts delicious treats, including banana-flavored desserts and hearty hot dogs available at the Jungle Beat Shakes eatery. For those wanting to take home a piece of the adventure, exclusive merchandise can be found at Funky's Fly ‘n’ Buy shop. And of course, fans can’t miss the chance to snap photos with Donkey Kong himself at his vibrant jungle home.

Mark Your Calendars!

To ramp up excitement even further, a special selection of Donkey Kong merchandise will be available for sale at the park starting this Wednesday. Mark your calendars—Donkey Kong Country officially opens on December 11, 2023! Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Nintendo in person!