Looking for a full review of Mine Cart Madness at Universal Studios Japan? From queue details to ride experience, water effects, and Express Pass tips — this guide covers everything you need to know before you ride!
My Ride Experience at Mine Cart Madness
Entering Donkey Kong Country – First Impressions
To get to Mine Cart Madness, you first need to enter Donkey Kong Country, an expanded area within Super Nintendo World that faithfully recreates the world of Donkey Kong.
As you walk through the tunnel, it feels like you’ve stepped right into the game! Familiar music from the series plays in the background, and a lush tropical jungle spreads out before you.
Mine Cart Madness is located at the very back of the area.
Queue Experience & Themed Details
The standby line starts outside and wraps around the jungle-themed path before eventually leading you indoors into the “Golden Temple.”
Outdoor Queue – Jungle Details & Tips
The outdoor queue is designed with a jungle theme. There are fans placed along the path, but no roof overhead — so be prepared for hot summer days or rainy weather.
When I visited on a summer afternoon, most of the outdoor queue was thankfully in the shade.
Cracked walls, footprints on the ground, and other detailed touches make the wait itself part of the fun.
Don’t miss the DK symbols along the way!
If you have a Power-Up Band (the same one used in the Mario area), make sure not to miss the DK symbols while waiting in line.
Tap your band on these symbols to unlock a fun surprise and earn a stamp in the USJ app!
Inside the Golden Temple – Murals & DK Surprises
At the entrance of the Golden Temple, there is a “Monkey God’s Mouth.” You can tap your Power-Up Band here to get a special stamp.
However, due to the layout of the queue, single riders won’t be able to tap their Power-Up Bands at this spot. (Express Pass users can tap their bands without any problem.)
Murals That Pay Tribute to the Donkey Kong Series
Inside the Golden Temple, the walls are decorated with murals that bring back memories of playing the Donkey Kong series. It’s a real treat for fans!
Cranky Kong & Squawks Appear
Near the end of the queue, you’ll meet moving and talking figures of Cranky Kong and the parrot Squawks. They explain (in Japanese) that they need your help to protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tribe.
This area is also a great photo spot, so be sure to take some pictures!
Right Before the Ride – Umbrella Stand & More
After passing Cranky Kong and Squawks, keep going a little further and you’ll find the umbrella stand on your right. On rainy days, you can leave your umbrella there.
There are also murals above the umbrella stand, so fans should definitely take a closer look!
Once you pass this point, you’ll be boarding the ride very soon.
What the Ride Feels Like
Once you board the four-person mine cart (two rows of two), you’re in for an exciting and thrilling ride.
The cart jerks and sways in all directions, just like a real mine cart. Sudden stops, bumpy movements, and sharp turns are all part of the experience.
And just like in the Donkey Kong games, there are moments where your cart “jumps” over broken tracks! Sitting in the front row gave me a clear view of the broken tracks, which made the sudden jumps feel even more thrilling.
The only downside is how short it is — the ride lasts just two minutes, and it feels over almost instantly. The ride lasts only about two minutes, which feels quite short. While USJ’s overall layout is smaller than some other parks, I would have loved a longer ride experience.
Water Effects on the Ride: What to Expect
Yes, there is water — twice, actually.
The first spray hits you right in the face, while the second is more of a light mist. The mist wasn’t really a big deal, but that first one definitely surprised me.
You won’t get drenched like on Jurassic Park: The Ride, but the water comes from a spot that’s nearly impossible to dodge — so everyone ends up getting at least a little wet.
How Scary Is Mine Cart Madness?
First of all, Mine Cart Madness doesn’t have any big drops, and there’s very little feeling of free fall.
There is a part where the cart “falls,” but it’s more like a gentle glide downward. Since it twists slightly as it drops, it feels more thrilling than scary.
Compared to USJ’s more intense coasters like Hollywood Dream – The Ride or The Flying Dinosaur, Mine Cart Madness is much tamer and far less scary overall.
Ride Photo: What to Expect
After getting off the ride, you’ll see a display of ride photos on your way toward the exit.
These were actually taken during the ride — so keep an eye out for your shot!
If you don’t see yourself right away, wait a bit. The photos cycle through automatically.
To purchase your photo (¥2,200), let a crew member know the number displayed above your picture. There’s a counter nearby where you can pay.
Wait Times & How to Enter Donkey Kong Country
Typical Wait Times and Best Time to Ride
This is currently one of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Japan. On weekends and public holidays, the average wait time during the day ranges from about 120 to 180 minutes, and it can be even longer during peak times.
I visited on a weekday afternoon and was lucky. When I joined the queue, the posted wait time was 110 minutes, but I actually got on the ride after about 75 minutes. Since the ride dispatches carts roughly every 10 to 15 seconds, it has a high capacity and the line moves relatively quickly.
How to Enter Donkey Kong Country
To ride Mine Cart Madness, you need to enter Donkey Kong Country, which is part of Super Nintendo World.
That means you’ll need:
Free: A timed-entry ticket (area entry ticket or lottery ticket)
A paid: Express Pass that guarantees entry
Is the Express Pass Worth It?
In short — yes, the Express Pass is worth it, especially if you want guaranteed entry into Super Nintendo World, which includes the Donkey Kong Country area.
On crowded days, free timed-entry tickets for Super Nintendo World often run out by mid-morning. After that, you’re left with the lottery system, which doesn’t guarantee entry. If you’re visiting from overseas and want to make the most of your trip, purchasing an Express Pass with area access is a smart move.
That said, there are a few downsides. The Express Pass queue skips parts of the standby line, including some themed murals and interactive spots for Power-Up Bands. You’ll also miss seeing Cranky Kong and Squawks during the queue experience.
Express Passes often sell out in advance, so be sure to purchase yours early if it’s available for your travel dates.
Best Express Pass Options
| Express Pass Name | Price (from) | Included Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Express Pass 7: Variety・Theater | ¥17,800 |
|
| Express Pass 7: Mine Cart & Selection | ¥17,800 |
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| Express Pass 4: Mine Cart & The Flying Dinosaur | ¥12,800 |
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| Express Pass 4: Mine Cart & Fun | ¥12,800 |
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Attractions marked with ★ or ☆ are selectable — you choose one from the options listed.
Which Express Pass Should You Choose?
For families or first-timers:
→ Express Pass 7: Variety・TheaterFor thrill-seekers:
→ Express Pass 4: Mine Cart & The Flying Dinosaur or Pass 7: Mine Cart & SelectionFor balanced experience at a lower price:
→ Express Pass 4: Mine Cart & Fun
Can You Enjoy It Without Japanese?
There’s absolutely no problem if you don’t understand Japanese. While the story is told in Japanese, you can still enjoy the ride fully thanks to the visuals and action.
If you’re a big Donkey Kong fan, knowing a bit of the backstory in advance will make the experience even more meaningful.
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