We’ve known for a while that Universal was getting ready to expand its small but successful collaboration with Nintendo to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life in Super Nintendo World—and that Mario’s simian frenemy Donkey Kong would be the star. But now we’ve got an even better picture of what to expect from the new park’s expansion, which is opening in Japan very soon.
In today’s edition of “Nintendo will announce literally anything instead of the Switch 2,” gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto walked fans through Donkey Kong Country as part of a special new Nintendo Direct, giving a taste of what to expect from the expansion ahead of its launch next month in Japan. Journeying from the Mushroom Kingdom through a massive tunnel, parkgoers will find themselves transplanted to a verdant jungle that faithfully brings the aesthetics of Donkey King’s 40 years of game appearances to life. Which means barrels. Lots of barrels.
Miyamoto highlighted the myriad new additions coming in this section of Super Nintendo World, including not just the architectural additions like Donkey Kong’s house or a shop inspired by Funky Kong, but a series of minigames people will be able to play throughout the area. There’s a music rhythm game inspired by Donkey Konga, and the ability to use Super Nintendo World’s NFC wristbands to collect hidden letters littered across the park. Of course, there’s also themed food, like a sundae inspired by DK’s smashing barrels, and a questionable-looking hot dog, but it all climaxes in one major new ride addition: the Golden Temple, itself inspired by the famous mine cart racing levels from the Donkey Kong Country games.
Although the preview of the ride stops just ahead of teasing it, we’d previously learned that the ride will simulate having ride vehicles “leap” off track as they jump gaps and swap rails. It’s all handled safely with a secondary coaster track hidden just underneath, so you’re not relying on momentum and reckless abandon to stop you from plummeting to your doom while on vacation—but it’s still funny to see Miyamoto pleasantly hope that even people scared of theme park rollercoasters will enjoy the new ride knowing that.
Donkey Kong Country will open at Universal Studios Japan on December 11, 2024—and while it won’t be added to the condensed form of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood in California, it will be included from the jump at the version of the land in Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando when it opens May 22, 2025.
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