Donkey Kong Country gets opening date for Super Nintendo World in Japan

Fans finally got their first look at the highly anticipated Donkey Kong Country-themed expansion, along with the official opening date of December 11, 2024, during a recent Super Nintendo World Direct. The new Nintendo-inspired land at Universal Studios Japan will be the first debut of the new expansion.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is a fully immersive theme park that brings Nintendo's beloved characters and worlds to life. Since opening in March 2021, it has become a must-see for Nintendo fans, offering interactive attractions, cutting-edge technology and iconic Nintendo-inspired locations Great Mario Franchise. First announced in 2021, the immersive new Donkey Kong Country zone featuring Mario's barrel-throwing rival combines state-of-the-art attractions and fan-favorite elements from the games to give visitors an unforgettable experience in the world of Donkey Kong.

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Nintendo fans are eagerly waiting for more details about this Donkey Kong Country Expansion, especially after delays occurred with the initial opening in summer 2024. But fans can now begin the official countdown, as renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto announced Donkey Kong Country is set to open in December at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. Along with an opening date, Miyamoto shared an exclusive first look at Donkey Kong Country, which will feature activities based on the Donkey Kong franchise, including a thrilling Nintendo-style roller coaster called Mine Cart Madness, inspired by the popular level from the 1994 SNES -Game Donkey Kong Country. Riders are sent on a thrilling minecart ride through the jungle from a cannon cannon, including a thrilling “jump over a broken track,” as shown in a Nintendo render earlier this year.

Donkey Kong Country opening date for Universal Studios Japan

• Donkey Kong Country is scheduled to open on December 11, 2024.

Miyamoto also revealed that guests will have the opportunity to meet Donkey Kong himself in front of his iconic treehouse. The meet-and-greet promises to be a highlight as fans get to see the famous tie-dye character up close in an environment that feels straight out of the game. This new area offers Donkey Kong fans and theme park lovers an immersive experience that faithfully brings the treasured world of Donkey Kong to life. The Donkey Kong Country expansion is also scheduled to open at Universal's Epic Universe in Florida in May 2025, giving US fans the chance to enjoy the same jungle adventure closer to home.

The new expansion in Japan not only features character encounters, but also a range of attractions, interactive games, food and exclusive merchandise. Highlights (aside from the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster) include a Donkey Konga-style rhythm game that's perfect for sharing with friends. Players must hit the drums in time with the lights to match the rhythm. If successful, Rambi the rhino will jump out of a box. Additionally, Universal Studios Japan's wristband technology called “Power Up Bands” allows visitors to collect virtual letters spelling out “KONG” as they explore the area.

Donkey Kong Country

Many consider the original Donkey Kong Country trilogy, released within just two years between 1994 and 1996, to be one of the best side-scrolling platform games of all time. After a long break, the series returned in 2010 and another game was released for the Wii U about four years later.