If you were wondering how Universal Studios would be adapting the Donkey Kong Country mine cart levels into an actual roller coaster, we now have a pretty clear idea of what to expect. While it certainly isn’t a 1:1 recreation of any of the levels, it will feature a spot where the mine cart jumps off the track. No, that isn’t some bizarre misunderstanding or typo, but an actual feature of the ride.
German YouTube channel CoasterTalk uploaded a demonstration of the new technology Universal Studios will be using to its channel a few days ago. Not only is there some test footage of the ride from Universal Studios Japan, but a computer simulation of the how the technology works. It’s actually a really clever way to adapt jumps without putting people into tremendous danger.
Boom Coaster mockup from Coaster Talk.
The mechanism is something called a “Boom Coaster.” What this technology does is have the coaster attach to a giant metal arm, almost like a boom mic, that’s then attached to another track below. While visitors will probably be able to spot the arm, the effect on the ride is that you’ll be soaring up and down hills and then seemingly take to the air when riding over broken track pieces. Talk about a rush!
When can you ride the Donkey Kong coaster?
At present, the Donkey Kong Country expansion for Super Nintendo World doesn’t have a concrete opening date. In Japan, the new area is set to publicly open in the Spring of 2024. For the United States, Super Nintendo Land opened in California early last year and is set to be one of the debut parks for Universal Studios Orlando’s upcoming “Epic Universe” expansion. That won’t be opening until 2025.
Unless you’re able to book a trip to Japan in the near future, it seems we won’t be jumping mine carts with DK until 2025 at the earliest.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
