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Nintendo fans, wake up! We finally have an official opening date for Universal’s newest land.
Back in 2021, Universal made history with its first-ever SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Opened at Universal Studios Japan, the land immersed guests in iconic game worlds with two standout attractions: Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, where riders race through the Mushroom Kingdom with the help of augmented reality and projection mapping, and Yoshi’s Adventure, a scenic omnimover ride touring Mount Beanpole with elevated park views.
Credit: Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood opened its version of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in 2023. While it mirrors the Osaka land in many ways, Hollywood’s version is smaller, lacking Yoshi’s Adventure (which has always been the worse-reviewed ride of the two) due to limited space on the Lower Lot, and it rebranded Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
A third SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will open at Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming park, Universal Epic Universe, in May. Unlike Hollywood, this one will include Yoshi’s Adventure along with an additional area inspired by Nintendo’s Donkey Kong franchise.
Credit: Universal
Universal Studios Japan originally planned to debut the Donkey Kong expansion, called Donkey Kong Country, earlier this year. However, the park delayed its opening from spring to late 2024.
Until now, Universal hadn’t announced a specific date for the land’s debut. With only a month remaining in 2024, some fans feared the opening might be delayed again into 2025.
Credit: Universal
Yesterday, however, Universal Studios Japan confirmed that Donkey Kong Country will open on December 11, 2024. Fans can now look forward to exploring the land’s star attraction: the family coaster Mine-Cart Madness.
Mine-Cart Madness promises an entirely new experience for Universal guests, with a unique track designed to feel as if the mine carts jump off the rails—a direct nod to the video game’s style.
Universal also introduced an Express Pass exclusively for Mine-Cart Madness, priced between 4,200 and 8,400 yen ($27.27 to $54.53 USD). Available for purchase on November 13, this pass guarantees access to Donkey Kong Country from December 11 to December 31, 2024.
Annual Passholder previews will take place before the official opening, with dates to be announced.
Opened in 2001, Universal Studios Japan combines thrilling rides, immersive worlds, and beloved franchises, drawing millions of visitors each year. Beyond SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the park features themed areas such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park.
Known for its cutting-edge technology and attention to detail, Universal Studios Japan is unique in a lot of ways to its American sister parks. In 2023, it even surpassed Tokyo Disneyland in annual attendance, solidifying its status as a top entertainment destination in Japan and beyond.
Do you plan on visiting Donkey Kong Country?
