In December 2024, Universal Studios Japan opened a brand-new area inside Super Nintendo World: Donkey Kong Country. This expansion is truly a dream come true for Nintendo fans.
However, since its opening, access to this new area has been limited. To enter, guests need either a timed-entry ticket, a lottery win, or a paid Express Pass. If you’re planning to visit USJ in 2025 and don’t want to miss out, this guide will walk you through exactly how to enter Donkey Kong Country, with comparisons, tips, and everything you need to know.
The three ways to enter Donkey Kong Country: Entry Ticket, Lottery, or Express Pass
How to get free timed-entry tickets via the official app
Whether it’s worth buying a paid ticket to guarantee entry
Where the entrance to Donkey Kong Country is located
3 Ways to Enter Donkey Kong Country
There are three official methods to enter the Donkey Kong area:
| Entry Method | Cost | How to Get It | Chance of Success | Timed Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Entry Ticket | Paid | Purchase in advance | ✅ Guaranteed | ✅ Yes |
| Area Entry Ticket | Free | App or ticket machines | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Lottery Ticket | Free | App or ticket machines | ❓ Random | ✅ Yes |
If you’re lucky, you may be able to enter the area without a reservation or ticket, as it is occasionally open for non-ticketed entry. This sometimes happens right after the park opens or shortly before closing. However, keep in mind that if non-ticketed entry is allowed near closing time, the attraction inside the area may already be closed.
On rainy days during off-peak seasons, the area is occasionally open for non-ticketed entry even during the day. However, daytime non-ticketed entry on sunny days is extremely rare.
Entry Guarantee Ticket (Paid)
If you’re visiting from overseas and want to be sure you can enter the Donkey Kong area, the best option is to purchase an Express Pass that includes area entry.
What’s Included and Where to Buy
The entry guarantee is bundled into certain Express Passes sold on:
Some Express Passes include guaranteed entry to the Super Nintendo World area and can significantly reduce wait times for popular attractions like Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed entry to the area | Costs extra |
| Includes ride priority for other attractions | Must be purchased in advance |
| No need to worry about app timing or lotteries |
Free Entry Options
Want to save money and try your luck? USJ also offers two free ways to enter Donkey Kong Country.
Option 1: Entry Ticket (Free, First-Come, First-Served)
This is the most common method for visitors without a paid pass. You can get a timed entry ticket on the day of your visit through the official USJ app or at the ticket machines inside the park.
What Is an Entry Ticket?
A Timed Entry Ticket is a free pass that allows entry to the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area. If obtained through the app, it will be issued as an e-ticket. If obtained from a ticket machine inside the park, you will receive a paper ticket with a QR code.
For example, if your entry time is from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, you can enter at any point during that hour. Once inside, you’re free to remain as long as you like.
How to obtain an Area Timed Entry Ticket for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Get it through the official app
- Download the Universal Studios Japan app
- Register your Studio Pass in the official app
- Enter the Park, then get your Timed Entry eTicket
- Display your Timed Entry eTicket
A representative of your group can go to the ticket machine with all the Studio Passes. (No need for the whole group to wait in line.)
Scan the QR codes on the back of the Studio Passes at the machine. (You’ll be able to select the number of people and your preferred time slot.)
A paper ticket with a QR code will be printed—make sure to keep it safe!
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Timed entry tickets are limited and distribution ends once all slots are filled. Getting into the park as soon as it opens greatly increases your chances of securing a ticket.
In fact, USJ often opens earlier than the official opening time announced on the website.
If you want to be sure to get a timed ticket, it’s best to arrive early and wait at the gate before opening.
If you plan to get a timed entry ticket via the official USJ app, be sure to register your Studio Pass in the app ahead of time.
Once you scan your Studio Pass at the entrance gate, your park entry will be recorded in the app within about five minutes. At that point, you’ll be able to apply for a timed ticket.
Timed tickets for popular time slots can run out within minutes, so as soon as your entry is recognized, move quickly to secure your ticket.
Option 2: Lottery Entry (Free, Random)
Even if the free timed entry tickets run out, there’s still hope! Once all timed tickets have been distributed, the lottery system begins.
As soon as tickets are gone, access switches to a lottery-based system. You can enter the lottery through the USJ app or at ticket machines inside the park.
If you win a time slot, you’ll receive a notification through the app.
Where are the ticket machines located?
The ticket machines are located in Central Park inside the park. It’s located across from the restaurant “Mel’s Drive-In.”
One representative can obtain timed entry tickets for the entire group using the machines. Simply collect all group members’ Studio Passes, select your desired time slot on the screen, and scan the QR codes on the back of each ticket—this will register everyone together as a group.
More Useful Tips About Donkey Kong Country
Can I Enter Without a Ticket?
Yes—sometimes.
During low-crowd days or late afternoons, USJ may open the Donkey Kong area to everyone once capacity allows. This is known as “free entry” and does not require a timed ticket.
Midday entry without a pass is rare and usually only happens on rainy or quiet days.
Where Is the Entrance to Donkey Kong Country?
The entrance to Donkey Kong Country is inside Super Nintendo World, just beyond the Mario Kart ride.
How to Get There
- Enter Super Nintendo World via the green warp pipe
- Enter the Mario area, go down the stairs, and walk past the 1-UP Factory gift shop.
- You’ll see the jungle-style entrance to Donkey Kong Country!
Is the Mine-Cart Ride Open on Rainy Days?
Source: usj.co.jp
Yes – Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness is an indoor ride and usually operates even on rainy days.
However, most of the Donkey Kong Country area is open-air, and about half of the queue for Mine Cart Madness is also outdoors. Without proper rain protection, you may end up getting soaked.
The ride itself also has outdoor sections, so the ride vehicles can be wet, too.
If you plan to ride Mine Cart Madness on a rainy day, be prepared to get wet.
In my experience, Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness tends to stop more frequently than other attractions. I’ve occasionally seen guests in tears after the ride was suddenly suspended.
If the attraction is temporarily closed but not marked as “closed for the rest of the day,” there’s a chance it may resume operation later. Be sure to check the official USJ app or the in-park information boards for real-time updates.
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