Universal Studios Japan! Donkey Kong Country advance experience and impressions! The trolley gets wet.
USJ’s New Area: Donkey Kong Country is offering an exclusive preview for Grand Royal Annual Pass holders ahead of its grand opening on December 11, 2024.
I was lucky to win a spot for the preview on Saturday, November 30.
Donkey Kong Country
The entrance to the new area is located on the first floor of Super Nintendo World.
It had been hidden under a curtain for a long time, but it was finally unveiled today.
The official USJ app now features a map of Donkey Kong Country.
One major talking point among preview attendees is that “there are no restrooms within the area."
Since the new area is about 70% the size of the existing Mario area, there seems to be no space for restrooms, requiring visitors to return to the Mario area.
During the preview, once you leave the area, re-entry is not allowed. However, leaving for the restroom is an exception, and re-entry is permitted in that case.
Donkey Kong Country: Crazy Mine Cart
Once the park opens, it is expected that Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Cart will have a wait time of about two hours.
However, since the number of attendees for the preview is limited, the wait time is only 1–20 minutes, allowing for multiple rides.
If you wear a Power-Up Band and ride five times, you can earn a special stamp.
(The band reacts and records each ride.)
After the grand opening, riding five times will be challenging, so the preview with short wait times is a great opportunity.
Some attendees reported being able to ride eight times!
There is a commemorative photo opportunity during the ride, but finding the camera’s position can be tricky, and some people miss their shot.
After several rides, you’ll likely get the perfect photo!
It appears that the ride seats allow you to place your belongings.
Large items can be stored for free in coin-operated lockers just before boarding the ride.
Although this is a water-splashing attraction, the amount of water is not significant enough to soak your belongings.
Water splashes twice, so don’t let your guard down after the first splash.
Ride Impressions
・Even those who dislike extreme rides could ride this multiple times.
・Hair gets messy from water and wind.
・Got completely soaked after riding several times.
・It feels fast and exhilarating.
・Comparable to Hippogriff, or even more intense.
・No dizziness or floating sensation.
・The track really seemed to be broken.
・The craftsmanship and design were incredible.
Photo Opportunities with Donkey Kong
Visitors can enjoy character meet-and-greets and take photos with Donkey Kong.
During the preview, photos can only be taken by crew members for a fee. However, after the grand opening, guests will be allowed to take photos using their own smartphones, either of themselves or with their companions. (This might be similar to how it works with Toad.)
Donkey Kong Power-Up Band
The Donkey Kong Power-Up Band is now available for purchase.
Even if you are not attending the preview, you can buy it in Super Nintendo World (Mario area) and use it for attractions like Mario Kart.
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Appeared on TV Asahi’s TV Asahi program Gachigo Rise as “the real people who quit their jobs to support USJ"! I will introduce the fun points that are unique to the Gachi group called Gachi points. Appearing on TV Tokyo Dekamori Hunter, providing information and comments on Mainichi Broadcasting “Seyanen", cooperating and appearing in Disney movies on TV Asahi’s music program, etc. Recently, opportunities to cooperate in the production of TV programs have increased. I’m here.
Hapiel Co., Ltd. Representative Director
Theme Park Media He also serves as editor-in-chief of Hapier. I have been going to USJ for about 22 years since it first opened. USJ fan crystal rank certified. Recently, I go there about 40 times a year. We are doing strategies and congestion forecasts to enjoy short wait times for attractions. I have been going to Disneyland for 25 years.