FIRST LOOK at Universal Studios's NEW Donkey Kong Land

Donkey Kong has arrived!

©Universal

Universal Studios Japan’s long-awaited Donkey Kong country-themed expansion is FINALLY ready to open, and the park has released a sneak peek at this highly anticipated addition to Super Nintendo World.

In a video released across official Universal and Nintendo social media channels, legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto — the creator some of the most acclaimed and best-selling game franchises of all time, including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and obviously Donkey Kong — tours the new land ahead of its scheduled opening on December 11th.

The land is accessed through a themed tunnel similar to the original Mario portion of the land. Once guests enter, they’re greeted by the familiar beats of rhythmic music associated with the franchise. Dominant architectural locations include Donkey Kong’s Treehouse and the massive Golden Temple.

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Activities in the land include a rhythmic conga drum game, K laters that can be scanned with a Power Band (similar to those in the Mario portion of Super Nintendo World), the Jungle Beat Shakes dining location which specializes in banana recipes, a meet & greet with a massive Donkey Kong himself, and the Funky’s Fly ’n’ Buy gift shop.

©Universal

Of course, the new sub-land’s main attraction is the Mine Cart Madness roller coaster. The clip gives a detailed look at its queue, including animatronics of Cranky Kong and Squawk, as well as breaking down its storyline to protect the Golden Banana.

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However, the video stops short of showing any elements of the actual ride, including the highly-anticipated “track-jumping” illusion, stopping just before the coaster crests the initial lift hill.

©Universal

The Donkey Kong Country expansion to Universal Japan’s Super Nintendo World is scheduled to open next month. However, don’t fret if you can’t get to Osaka anytime soon. The sub-land will also be part of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World, which is scheduled to open with the new Orlando theme park in May. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Universal news.