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Donkey Kong Country – but not when we thought it would.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD initially debuted at Universal Studios Japan, allowing guests to immerse themselves in iconic Nintendo game worlds, and has remained mega-popular ever since.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
The land includes two attractions: Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, a thrilling ride where guests race through the Mushroom Kingdom with augmented reality and projection mapping, and Yoshi’s Adventure, a scenic, family-friendly ride through Mount Beanpole with stunning views. Guests equipped with Power-Up Bands can interact with the environment, collecting virtual coins and playing mini-games like Goomba Crazy Crank and Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, enhancing the park’s gamified experience.
In 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced its own version of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. While it mirrored the Osaka layout, Hollywood’s land omitted Yoshi’s Adventure due to space limitations on the Lower Lot and rebranded the Mario Kart ride as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
In May, Universal Orlando Resort will join the Mario fun by opening a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD as part of its new Universal Epic Universe park.
This new location will include Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, plus Yoshi’s Adventure and an entire extension inspired by Nintendo’s Donkey Kong franchise, further expanding the Nintendo experience for fans.
Credit: Universal
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Expansion Opening Date
Technically, one Donkey Kong Country was already supposed to be open for business by now. Originally planned for spring 2024, the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expansion at Universal Studios Japan faced months’ worth of delays – and seemed unlikely to meet its 2024 goal at all – but finally has an opening date!
Yep, the park has confirmed that Donkey Kong Country will open on December 11, 2024.
That means guests are just one month away from the long-awaited Mine-Cart Madness, a family-friendly coaster designed to mimic the iconic mine cart “jumps” from the Donkey Kong video game series.
Universal Studios Japan is also launching an Express Pass specifically for Mine-Cart Madness, which guarantees entry into Donkey Kong Country. The pass will be available on the Universal Studios Japan website starting November 13, with prices ranging from 4,200 to 8,400 yen ($27.27 to $54.53 USD) and can be used between December 11 and December 31, 2024.
Annual Passholder previews will also take place prior to the official opening, with dates to be announced soon.
More Excitement at Universal Studios Japan
Beyond Donkey Kong Country, Universal Studios Japan is home to other themed lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions Land, with some replicas of attractions found in the U.S. parks – such as WaterWorld and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – and some unique rides, such as Hollywood Dream – The Ride and The Flying Dinosaur.
One way it’s unique to its American counterparts? It’s overtaken Disney in attendance. Universal Studios Japan officially surpassed Tokyo Disneyland in 2023, cementing its place as a must-visit destination in Japan.
Are you a fan of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD?
