Epic Universe construction update: Donkey Kong test rides with real people in progress
Quit monkeying around and check out this new construction update of Donkey Kong Country at Epic Universe, where test riders have been spotted on the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster.
As the Opening Day for Universal Epic Universe fast approaches (May 22!), the new theme park reaches more milestones each day. Our favorite eye in the sky, @Bioreconstruct on X, spotted riders testing out the new Mine-Cart Madness attraction on Jan. 17, 2025.
Located in the Donkey Kong Country section of Super Nintendo World, Mine-Cart Madness is a roller coaster that takes riders into the Golden Temple to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana — and “jumps the track” along the way, just like in DK’s video games.
Toward the bottom right corner of the image below, three riders are pictured to be taking the new coaster for a spin.
It should be noted these are Universal team members; no part of Epic Universe is open to the public yet.
Mine-Cart Madness is also running without riders, as well as with test dummies.
The attraction’s effects are also running while the ride dispatches test riders, such as the fog near the ride’s water features. This portion of Mine-Cart madness makes the ride vehicle appear as if it’s gliding across the water.
This is how the ride will look to guests watching from outside the attraction. Note the broken portions of track before and after the water feature. This ride is based on the iconic mine-cart levels from the Donkey Kong Country video games, where Donkey Kong rides along abandoned rails, jumping from track to track.
Rockwork surrounding this water portion seems to be complete.
In the photo below, notice the Screaming Pillars on either side of the track. These pillars scream before they fall over while Donkey Kong passes them in the video games, so perhaps they scream at Epic Universe, too.
Painting continues on the themed walls surrounding Donkey Kong Country, further immersing guests in the Kongo Jungle. This section of backdrop walls seems to be the last portion that remains to be painted.
Interactive elements continue to be installed throughout Donkey Kong Country. Guests can approach a circle of drums for a rhythm-based activity. When successful, Rambi the rhino will pop out from his crate! Some of the DK bongos are complete, with others wrapped up.
A Slot Machine Barrel with balloons next to it is also interactive. Using a Power-Up Band (a purchasable bracelet used to play mini-games throughout Super Nintendo World), guests can earn a reward by tapping the barrel’s screen.
Donkey Kong’s home (if the giant sign reading “KONG” didn’t make that clear enough) seems finished, with DK’s banana hoard just below. This is presumably where fans will be able to meet the ape of the hour, as this is his meet & greet location in Universal Studios Japan’s version of Donkey Kong Country.
Epic Universe guests will access Donkey Kong Country by stepping through a portal from Super Mario Land next door. Together, these two mini-lands comprise Super Nintendo World. The portal will put you right next to Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy, run by Funky Kong. Funky’s Plane appears to be complete as well.
bioreconstruct captured gorgeous overview shots of Donkey Kong Country. Work has come a long way, with just minor detail work left to finish. This land has been ripped straight from the video games, and fans may find themselves making the same expression as the Golden Monkey when they walk in for the first time.
If you’re interested to see the finsihed product a little early, check out this tour of the Donkey Kong Country in Universal Studios Japan by series creator and Mario’s dad, Shigeru Miyamoto.
Are you looking forward to stepping into Donkey Kong Country in Super Nintendo World? Let us know in the comments below. Stay tuned to Attractions Magazine for our coverage of Epic Universe as the countdown to Opening Day continues.
More Attractions Magazine stories:
Follow us:
Ready for adventure? Our trusted partner Universal Fan Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the fun. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating epic vacations. Visit Universal Fan Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
