Donkey Kong roller coaster construction has begun theming work

We already knew Universal’s Epic Universe was making massive strides towards the 2025 completion date. But to see Donkey Kong coaster theming elements two years in advance is simply amazing.

With the recent mass success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” Universal executives can only be more excited for the next iteration of Super Nintendo World at the upcoming Florida-based Universal’s Epic Universe park, which will be the third version. The first opened at Universal Studios Japan, with the second opening recently at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Mario Bros. and Nintendo fandom in general is continuing to be very strong. In fact, one of our most successful articles of the past few months was The Super Mario Bros. Happy Meal Toys.

Super Nintendo World will be a huge and highly-themed park space

Below we have an overview of all of Super Nintendo World. The massive show building will hold the Mario Kart attraction, the name of which has slightly changed for each iteration of the ride. In Universal Studios Japan it is called Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge; at Universal Studios Hollywood it’s called Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Bowser is also referred to as King Koopa, so this could be a simple Japanese terminology change as compared to the U.S. versions.

For example, Toad’s Cafe, the main eatery in the Hollywood land, is called Kinopio’s Cafe in Japan. Our lovable little red and white Toad is known originally as Kinopio in Japan.

Looking again to the image above, we have to note the sheer size of this land. This space will hold at least three attractions, character meet and greets, gamification areas, merchandise shops, and a rumored three different food and beverage areas.

In a previous article, we broke down how the unique vehicle designs are expected to work. This coaster is rumored to have a world-first ride vehicle design, good thrill, and good theming. It is also thought this coaster will hold a max of four riders per vehicle, and each vehicle will be separate. This would allow for individual mine carts to be flying around the track, making for a great story-driven look and immersion for riders.

Simply put, if this coaster lines up with the rumors, it will be one of the most incredible roller coasters ever built.

The scale of the Donkey Kong roller coaster is bigger than you might think

Lets get closer. The arrow in the photo below is pointing to a construction worker. Looking at construction photos, it can be hard to describe the mass scale we are looking at. Other than construction trucks or humans, scale can be harder to understand.

For those curious (and we certainly were), that large rough terrain crane appears to be a Grove by Manitowoc. We aren’t 100% sure, but looking online, it may be the GRT8120. We are guessing based on a picture from hundreds of feet in the air. If we are correct though, that crane has 240,000 pounds of lift, can reach out over 190 feet, and can raise objects up to 265 feet in the air. All of that to say, it’s one of many, many cranes at the Universal’s Epic Universe construction site, but compared to some of the monster-sized ones nearby, this is actually relatively small.

How the Donkey Kong coaster track will trick riders

Taking a look at the track, we can see both the support track and the show track. This is what will make the Donkey Kong roller coaster and theming so unique. Riders will be made to believe they are on the black tracks, but in reality they will be on the support track underneath (seen in tan, brown, and black). The reason for this color change isn’t currently known, but we assume it will be to better hide the support track near theming elements and foliage. That being said, this track color changes rapidly in this section.

Another angle shows us those teal color steel supports on the roof (near the left side of the image). It is our guess that those are the current base of supports for large-scale theming elements, perhaps a large flat graphic of the sky or the Donkey Kong temple. We can also see a lot more of the color changing support track.

Why would Universal begin theming two years in advance?

Last, but certainly not least, we are back to the original image that caught our eye. Large golden brick temple theming. In 2023. For a 2025 expected opening. Why would Universal risk this being damaged in the next two years?

We have a couple of guesses.

The first is that Universal wants to test how this paint scheme works. Can it hold up in the sun and elements like they hope? There is no better place to test it than on site. The second guess is that this is a more basic form of the design to lay as a base layer. Universal can use sections like this as progress updates to Nintendo while also putting down an initial layer to decide if they like this design choice. The third theory is that whatever is being installed soon will block easy access to this area. If so, you can use the large cranes now to hoist up the numerous painters and specialists you need and then touch up when necessary later.

Either way, we are eagerly watching a theme park come to life before our very eyes. I myself could not be more excited. This Donkey Kong roller coaster theming is one of many things to note about this upcoming theme park. 2025 can’t get here fast enough.