In Universal theme parks, the land dedicated to the Nintendo universe is about to become even more immersive. After several years of work, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan will finally deserve its name. Until then, the area only featured the Mushroom Kingdom of Mario and his friends. But a new world will soon open its doors. It was through a special Nintendo Direct that the Kyoto company lifted the veil on space Donkey Kong Country of the Japanese park. No more need for aerial photos to guess what the place has in store for us: Shigeru Miyamoto offers a video tour alongside him.
We have already been won over by the Hollywood version of Nintendo land, but it is clear that this extension promises to be even more advanced. If you are considering a visit for an adventure Donkey Kong larger than life, here is everything you need to know about this new destination.
A unique attraction of its kind
Just like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge attempts to immerse us in a race of the cult game, the attraction dedicated to Donkey Kong Country is about to push the limits of realism. The Mine Cart Madness rollercoaster is no longer a surprise as its design has been covered in recent years. It must be said that the concept of this attraction is the main source of the excitement around the land. Nintendo and Universal have managed to imagine a new kind of roller coaster, capable of simulating the games’ cart races Donkey Kong.
It is by attaching the wagons to hidden rails that Mine Cart Madness manages to perfect the illusion of a frenetic race and the obstacles that go with it. For the first time, passengers on this attraction will feel like they are jumping from rail to rail like in the games, because the visible route is in reality only a trompe-l’oeil. The Super Nintendo World Direct gives us the opportunity to discover the attraction’s platforms, as well as the scenery of the queue. A gigantic fresco refers to the very first Donkey Kong game and even goes so far as to include a few Pikmins, an easter egg already recurring in the first version of the land.
The video also teaches us that the attraction will feature very realistic audio-animatronics of certain characters. Before boarding, visitors will meet old Kranky Kong, while Dixie Kong appears briefly at the start of the ride. The Direct is careful not to reveal the rest of the ride to keep a few surprises, but it’s a safe bet that Donkey and Diddy will also be there.
New interactive activities
Speaking of the inseparable duo of Kongs, the owner will be happy to meet visitors. Miyamoto’s guided tour reveals the presence of Donkey Kong in the park, as massive as it is realistic. This photo point will be one of the many activities that will be possible to undertake in addition to the main attraction. Once again, the land will be dotted with interactive areas offering fun mini-games. The Universal app and Power-Up Band bracelets will be updated to incorporate new missions and other objectives to complete during the visit.
Those nostalgic for the GameCube will be delighted to discover a rhythm challenge reminiscent of the spin-off Donkey Konga. This area of Super Nintendo World will also feature many secrets to elucidate using the Power-Up Band bracelet. Shigeru Miyamoto has already taken care to show some of them in the Direct, such as the KONG letters to collect or a sensor at the entrance to the Mine Cart Madness attraction.
Unsurprisingly, the new themed area will also offer its share of derivative products, grouped together in a store run by Funky Kong. In addition to the stuffed animals and other classic souvenirs, visitors will of course be able to equip themselves with new Power-Up Bands featuring Donkey and Diddy. But don’t panic: the classic models will also be compatible with this brand new land.
Two close inaugurations
The zone Donkey Kong Country of Super Nintendo World will open its doors at Universal Studios Japan on December 11. Access details have not yet been revealed by the park, but you will certainly have to be well organized to succeed in entering. Three years after its opening, the Japanese version of Super Nintendo World still uses a reservation and slot system to avoid crowds. All that remains is to hope that this additional space will help relieve congestion in the land.
If you are not planning to “waste” a day of a future trip to Japan to visit an amusement park, but this Donkey Kong park still catches your eye, be aware that an American version will also open very soon. On the American west coast, Universal Studios Hollywood does not have the space to accommodate such an extension.
However, it is in Orlando, Florida that the entertainment giant is preparing to inaugurate Epic Universe, a third amusement park at the cutting edge of technology and immersion. In addition to areas dedicated to Dragons, Harry Potter as well as the big bads of Universal, this destination will also receive the third Super Nintendo World in the world. This will consist of the Mario and Donkey Kong zones, from its inauguration. On this side of the world, the festivities will begin on May 22, 2025. So, are you going to visit the Nintendo theme park?
Source: www.journaldugeek.com
