Super Nintendo World Japan is set to welcome visitors to Donkey Kong Country, a brand-new themed area opening this December 2024.
Developed in partnership with Universal Studios Japan, this expansive addition marks the latest evolution in Nintendo’s continued growth in the location-based entertainment sector.
Helmed by famed game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the Donkey Kong Country area offers guests immersive attractions inspired by the legendary franchise that first debuted on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Entering Donkey Kong Country is an experience in itself.
As guests journey through the larger Super Nintendo World, the familiar sights and sounds gradually shift until visitors find themselves surrounded by rocky terrain and Donkey Kong’s signature soundtrack growing in intensity.
Upon entering, fans are greeted by iconic locales including Donkey Kong’s Tree House and the majestic Golden Temple, both recreated with careful attention to detail for a fully immersive atmosphere. One of the highlights showcased in the recent Nintendo Direct presentation was a new interactive activity called Donkey Konga, which allows up to three visitors at a time to participate in rhythmic drumming.
Players keep the beat using illuminated cues, working together until the beloved character Rambi makes an appearance.
Throughout the area, Nintendo has hidden numerous secret zones and interactive experiences to delight returning guests. In a demonstration led by Miyamoto, the new Donkey Kong Power-Up Band was introduced.
These wristbands enable guests to interact with special letter panels scattered across Donkey Kong Country.
All activity can be tracked using the Universal Studios app, allowing for seamless integration with the park’s digital ecosystem.
Power-Up Bands featuring Mario and his friends are also compatible, encouraging cross-area exploration and engagement. Food and merchandise adhere to the Donkey Kong theme, providing exclusive treats such as the DK Crush Sundae and DK Wild Hot Dog with avocado sauce, available only at the Jungle Beat Shakes food stall.
Themed souvenirs can be found at Funky’s Fly 'n' Buy, where fans can browse a selection of Donkey Kong-inspired merchandise, echoing Funky Kong’s helpful in-game persona. The Golden Temple is home to Donkey Kong Country’s signature mine cart ride.
Here, guests embark on a wild adventure crossing jungle landscapes inside iconic mine carts, passing intricate statues and murals that reference franchise staples, and encountering familiar faces like Cranky Kong and Squawks.
Nintendo has even included nods to other franchises, such as hidden Pikmin, enriching the experience for diehard fans.
As riders delve deeper into the temple, they must protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe by braving thrilling twists and turns.
Miyamoto noted that this ride was designed to be accessible, encouraging even those who aren’t roller coaster enthusiasts to give it a try. The debut of Donkey Kong Country at Super Nintendo World Japan reinforces Nintendo’s commitment to bringing its renowned franchises to life in new ways.
As the area opens this December, fans of all ages will have the opportunity to explore, play, and celebrate one of Nintendo’s most enduring world-building achievements, right in the heart of Universal Studios Japan.
Developed in partnership with Universal Studios Japan, this expansive addition marks the latest evolution in Nintendo’s continued growth in the location-based entertainment sector.
Helmed by famed game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the Donkey Kong Country area offers guests immersive attractions inspired by the legendary franchise that first debuted on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Entering Donkey Kong Country is an experience in itself.
As guests journey through the larger Super Nintendo World, the familiar sights and sounds gradually shift until visitors find themselves surrounded by rocky terrain and Donkey Kong’s signature soundtrack growing in intensity.
Upon entering, fans are greeted by iconic locales including Donkey Kong’s Tree House and the majestic Golden Temple, both recreated with careful attention to detail for a fully immersive atmosphere. One of the highlights showcased in the recent Nintendo Direct presentation was a new interactive activity called Donkey Konga, which allows up to three visitors at a time to participate in rhythmic drumming.
Players keep the beat using illuminated cues, working together until the beloved character Rambi makes an appearance.
Throughout the area, Nintendo has hidden numerous secret zones and interactive experiences to delight returning guests. In a demonstration led by Miyamoto, the new Donkey Kong Power-Up Band was introduced.
These wristbands enable guests to interact with special letter panels scattered across Donkey Kong Country.
All activity can be tracked using the Universal Studios app, allowing for seamless integration with the park’s digital ecosystem.
Power-Up Bands featuring Mario and his friends are also compatible, encouraging cross-area exploration and engagement. Food and merchandise adhere to the Donkey Kong theme, providing exclusive treats such as the DK Crush Sundae and DK Wild Hot Dog with avocado sauce, available only at the Jungle Beat Shakes food stall.
Themed souvenirs can be found at Funky’s Fly 'n' Buy, where fans can browse a selection of Donkey Kong-inspired merchandise, echoing Funky Kong’s helpful in-game persona. The Golden Temple is home to Donkey Kong Country’s signature mine cart ride.
Here, guests embark on a wild adventure crossing jungle landscapes inside iconic mine carts, passing intricate statues and murals that reference franchise staples, and encountering familiar faces like Cranky Kong and Squawks.
Nintendo has even included nods to other franchises, such as hidden Pikmin, enriching the experience for diehard fans.
As riders delve deeper into the temple, they must protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe by braving thrilling twists and turns.
Miyamoto noted that this ride was designed to be accessible, encouraging even those who aren’t roller coaster enthusiasts to give it a try. The debut of Donkey Kong Country at Super Nintendo World Japan reinforces Nintendo’s commitment to bringing its renowned franchises to life in new ways.
As the area opens this December, fans of all ages will have the opportunity to explore, play, and celebrate one of Nintendo’s most enduring world-building achievements, right in the heart of Universal Studios Japan.
