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Where is Donkey Kong Country at Universal?
In Osaka, Donkey Kong Country is an expansion inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). USJ announced the opening for December 11, 2024, and confirmed the land’s opening that day. Universal Studios Japan’s opening announcement describes it as the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed area, based on Universal’s in-house research into establishments themed with Nintendo characters and worlds.
In Orlando, Donkey Kong Country is part of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Epic Universe. The overall land opened on May 22, 2025, according to Universal Orlando’s current Epic Universe page. Nintendo’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD overview also identifies the Osaka and Orlando locations.
| Destination | Opening status | What the official descriptions establish |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Studios Japan, Osaka | Donkey Kong Country opened December 11, 2024. | USJ lists Mine Cart Madness, interactive play, a Donkey Kong meet-up, food, merchandise and photo opportunities. USJ’s Donkey Kong Country visitor page. |
| Universal Epic Universe, Orlando | SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opened May 22, 2025; Donkey Kong Country is included in the land. | Universal’s preview describes tropical scenery, The Golden Temple, Mine-Cart Madness, food and merchandise. The current park page confirms the land is open. Universal Orlando; Universal Orlando’s preview. |
Universal’s Orlando preview uses the name “Mine-Cart Madness”; USJ calls its attraction “Mine Cart Madness.” Do not assume that menus, activities or operating details described for Osaka apply unchanged in Orlando.
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What is in Donkey Kong Country?
Jungle scenery and The Golden Temple
USJ describes a tropical jungle setting built around The Golden Temple. Universal Orlando’s preview likewise names tropical landscaping, tall trees, waterfalls and The Golden Temple in its version at Epic Universe.
Mine Cart Madness
The signature USJ attraction is a family coaster in which guests ride a mine cart through the mines as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana. Universal says the ride creates the appearance of jumping gaps along a rickety track and includes a barrel launch; these are the operator’s description of the experience, not an independent technical assessment. Its opening announcement calls the coaster “first-of-its-kind.”
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- Donkey Kong, diddy Kong, dixie Kong and cranky Kong return for the franchise's debut on the Nintendo Switch system!
- This title includes all the fun and challenge of the original game, plus a brand-new mode that lets new and novice
- Players Enjoy this critically acclaimed adventure as Groovy surfing simian funky Kong.
- Funky Kong can double jump, hover, perform Infinite rolls and even perform Infinite underwater corkscrews.
- Thanks to his sturdy surfboard, even spikes can't slow him down.
At the December 11, 2024 opening ceremony, Nintendo Representative Director and Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto said: “There are many elements throughout the land where you can find gameplay and design from the world of Donkey Kong; such as a mine cart-themed coaster that is thrilling but enjoyable to children and an activity where you can meet Rambi the rhinoceros.” USJ’s opening-day release.
Other USJ activities and amenities
USJ’s current visitor page also lists a full-body play experience, a Donkey Kong meet-up, Power-Up Band Key Challenges, Jungle Beat Shakes, Funky’s Fly ’n’ Buy, and Donkey Kong and Mine Cart Madness photo opportunities, alongside food and merchandise. Offerings and availability can change; consult the live USJ page close to your visit.
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- Jump, roll, and stomp through Donkey Kong Island in this 2D platforming adventure
- Help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong recover their precious banana hoard from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for Nintendo Switch! Stomp enemies, blast through barrels
- Play the game as it was first designed for Wii, or reduce the difficulty for extra hearts and other goodies to make your journey a little easier. This barrel-blasting adventure is visually enhanced
- Team up with a friend and take on the whole game as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong
- Region-free compatibility: Region-free/unlocked game works on compatible systems; international version may differ in age rating, labeling or instructions
How do you get into Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan?
USJ’s current guidance says that from January 5, 2026, guests need to use the official app to obtain Area Timed Entry Tickets and Standby Entry Tickets. The park also says an advance-booked Area Timed Entry ticket, an Area Timed Entry ticket or a Standby Entry ticket may or may not be required depending on conditions that day. A general admission ticket alone should not be treated as a guarantee of entry to the area.
- Check the official Donkey Kong Country visitor page and USJ app for guidance that applies to your date.
- If the park requires an area-entry ticket, use the official app to obtain the applicable Area Timed Entry or Standby Entry ticket.
- Check the app and park information again on the day of your visit, since whether a ticket is needed depends on that day’s conditions.
These instructions are specific to USJ. The cited Orlando information confirms that SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is open at Epic Universe, but does not establish that Orlando uses the same area-entry system. Check Universal Orlando’s current park information for that destination.
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![Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yDjETddDL._SL160_.jpg)
- Team up with a friend and take on the whole game as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong
- Pass a Joy-Con controller to a buddy and take on the Tiki Tak Tribe as DK and Diddy in two-player local play. Pelt foes with Diddy’s Peanut Popgun and hover using his Barrel Jet, and slam bad guys into submission with DK’s Ground Pound—or just Barrel Roll right through them. Work together to reclaim those bananas by the bunch!
Is the Power-Up Band required?
No. Universal describes the Power-Up Band as a wearable guests may purchase to collect digital coins and stamps, earn keys and take part in interactive activities across Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. It is an optional way to engage with interactive play, not an entry requirement. See Universal Orlando’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD information for the product description and check the relevant park’s current details before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Take control of Donkey Kong and his buddies as they try to get back their stolen bananas from invaders from the polar regions
- Travel through a variety of environments, including Jungles, Deserts and Forests spread over 7 worlds
- Play through the entire game with a buddy in local co-op
- This version adds Funky Mode and a new playable character, Funky Kong (only available in Funky Mode) these additions are aimed at making the game more accessible for inexperienced players
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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