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FIRST LOOK Inside Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan – WDW News Today
In a special Nintendo Direct live stream, Shigeru Miyamoto took viewers on a tour inside Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan for the first real look at the new Super Nintendo World expansion.
Donkey Kong Country
The entrance tunnel transitions from the bricks of the Mushroom Kingdom to the stony architecture of Donkey Kong Country.
Donkey Kong Country opens on December 11, 2024. This wide shot from the main entrance shows Mine-Cart Madness in the back and Donkey Kong’s treehouse in the foreground.
Donkey Kong Meet and Greet
Guests will be able to meet Donkey Kong outside his treehouse.
Jungle Beat Shakes
Jungle Beat Shakes is the counter service restaurant of the land. It’s a tiki hut-style venue with a walk-up counter.
Two items from Jungle Beat Shakes were previewed: an unnamed hot dog and the DK Crush Sundae that comes in a souvenir barrel mug.
Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy & Merchandise
The gift shop for the area is Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, based on an in-game location.
A quick shot of some merchandise was shown, including ear headbands and plush. Miyamoto also showed off the Donkey Kong Power Up Band that was announced in 2023. A Diddy Kong Power Up Band will also be available.
Activities
Two activities were previewed, including the above drum game. It requires three people to complete, with Crew Members able to fill in and help out. Guests must follow lights on the drums to play the rhythm, after which Rambi the Rhino will emerge from the crate.
As part of the “secret areas” around the land, letter panels are hidden. Each will have a place for guests to use their Power Up Bands and collect the letter panels on the app.
Mine-Cart Madness
Mine-Cart Madness is the main attraction of the land. Guests enter the Golden Temple.
Murals on the wall depict the Golden Banana and some of the obstacles of a classic Donkey Kong adventure.
In the queue, an animatronic Cranky Kong gives the ride’s backstory.
Guests will board mine carts to ride out of the temple.
A very short preview of the ride was given, but Dixie Kong and the climb up the first ascent were shown.
Watch the preview from the Super Nintendo World Direct below.
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