Ahead of the imminent launch of Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan, the park is showing off some of the expansion’s retail and F&B experiences.
The world’s first Donkey Kong Country opens to guests on 11 December as part of Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World. With the addition of the new zone, the Nintendo land is growing by 70 percent.
The Donkey Kong-themed area is inspired by the arcade game released by Nintendo in 1981. Highlights include the new Mine Cart Madness coaster, which boasts an unprecedented ride system and a unique coaster design.
Before the opening, Universal Studios Japan has released images of retail and F&B locations Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy and Jungle Beat Shakes.
Jungle Beat Shakes
The former is based on Funky Kong’s shop of the same name in the Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze video game.
Jungle Beat Shakes is a quick-service F&B outlet for sundaes and shakes.
Daniel Greer, Universal Creative show producer, previously said: “In Donkey Kong Country, visitors can immerse themselves in the lush tropical landscapes seen in the popular video game series and explore real-life locations deep in the jungle, including the Golden Temple.”
The Golden Temple houses the new Mine Cart Madness coaster, which features as a level in Donkey Kong video games.
Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy
“The new ride attraction, Mine Cart Madness, is a new and innovative coaster design that is not bound by conventional ideas and will offer an unpredictable experience that will make you seemingly jump over gaps,” Greer said.
Universal Studios Japan launched the world’s first Super Nintendo World in 2021. Universal Studios Hollywood followed with its own version in 2023.
Next year, Super Nintendo World (complete with a Donkey Kong area) will open as part of Epic Universe, the fourth theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.
Donkey Kong Country opens at Universal Studios Japan on 11 December.
Images courtesy of Universal
