Universal’s “boom coaster” has been a concept for over a decade now, just see our older article. When it finally materialized for Mine Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country, it seemed like there couldn’t be a more perfect theme for this coaster idea. This quickly became my most anticipated coaster at Epic Universe, and I was excited to see if the attraction met my high expectations.
Mine Cart Madness Review
I can happily say that it does. While Stardust Racers is my favorite coaster in the park, this is a close second purely because of how fun it is. The concept for this attraction is just plain cool. To answer a big question that I had going in: no, you cannot see the arm connecting the car to the real track while you’re on the ride. If you lean over the side then sure, but there’s so much to look at around you that it blends in with the other scenery.
Note: Normally the trains have themed wheels, but they were removed during one of my preview days!
This is just a wacky ride from beginning to end, with fun scenes and track elements. This coaster is very erratic and choppy but not uncomfortable. If anything, it just adds to the mine-cart-off-the-rails sensation. There are two decent-sized drops on this ride, which I was not at all expecting. It feels similar to the curved drop on Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld, but a little steeper.
The first lift is actually a lift that turns into a launch halfway through, which gives a really unique feeling as you are blasted out of the barrel cannon.
The track jumping effect works well, but both of my rides have been in the back row and I imagine the effect is even more convincing in the front because you’ll have a clearer view. The sounds, colors and animatronics on this ride all come together for a ride that is purely wacky in the best possible way. The ride vehicles are maybe the most fun I’ve seen for a coaster, including big headlights and fake wheels that actually spin.
On-board audio plays sounds and music that will further immerse you in Donkey Kong Country, and includes screeching wheels and track jumping sound effects. This coaster is just as fun to watch as it is to ride, I could watch it go through the layout all day (while sipping on the signature DK float of course.)
I would love to get a night ride on this coaster; I’ve been in Donkey Kong Country after dark and it’s just as whimsical and fun during the day. If I had one wish for the coaster it would only be that it was longer. It’s not short, but it’s so fun that I wanted more maneuvers and maybe a longer indoor scene.
This ride even has an outdoor splashdown, where the mine cart skips over the water.
Mine Cart Madness is the perfect Donkey Kong attraction, and the best possible use for the boom coaster concept. It will probably be one of the longest lines at Epic Universe, so make this a priority in the morning or whenever the wait time is low.
What’s your most anticipated ride at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below, and check out our other Epic Universe content like our Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Review. Epic Universe opens May 22nd, and previews run through May 8th.
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