Here’s what happens
– you arrive for the first time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you pass
through the entrance and immediately become drawn in by the amazing
details. You see the incredible Tree of Life, you step into Africa
and explore the savannah on safari. You meander over to Asia and are
completely swept away by the Forbidden Mountain’s breathtaking mystery.
Then you make your way to Dinoland U.S.A. and, after you recover from
the shock, you do one of two things – you love it or you hate it.
Dishing on Disney’s Dinoland U.S.A.
It’s garish, tacky, cheap, and ridiculous, but
completely in-your-face honest about its identity! Dinoland U.S.A. is
surprisingly different from anyplace else in the World and you may find
yourself thinking, “What the heck just happened?”, but there is an
undeniable draw. Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? The improbable blend of
carnival and science, realistic and make-believe,
scary and comical – it’s all there! Like an off-key yet surprisingly
catchy tune. Do not resist its pull – there are many things to love
about this particularly quirky side of Animal Kingdom.
There’s Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama! Cheap carnival rides, midway games, silly snacks – all with a pretty weird and wonderful backstory!
Personally, I’ve never played any of the midway games (they cost extra)
but I absolutely LOVE Primeval Whirl. Once I decided to give the ride a
chance (thought it might make
me sick with too much spinning, but I was wrong), I fell in love with
it. Mostly, I just want to hear Megan scream during every single spin –
which she does in the most hilarious way! Yes, the rides are very
ordinary, basic, pre-fab-county-fair stuff, but still, there’s something
lovable and familiar about them. Step right up, folks!!!
While I’ve never been there, I hear the Boneyard is a
great place for kids to burn off some pent up energy. Never
underestimate the importance of allowing the little ones to run free
and let off some steam! The Boneyard is a pretend dig-site with plenty
of things to explore! Interactive displays, bones to dig, rope ladders
to climb, tunnels to explore.
Dinosaur is an interesting attraction (must be 40″
to ride) – even if you don’t love the ride itself, the Dino Institute is
packed with fantastic displays – including a replica of Sue, the famous
Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil discovered in 1990. Dinosaur may be a tad
intense for smaller children, but the story – the queue, the pre-ride
show, the ride itself – is very creative and immersive.
Oddly enough, Finding Nemo – The Musical (which has
absolutely nothing to do with dinosaurs) is located in this area of the
park. Nemo fans (and guests who need a break from the Florida heat in a
comfortable air-conditioned theater) will love this 40-minute show (or
at least get in a great nap!).
For years I avoided this area of Animal Kingdom
except for the occasional visit to ride Dinosaur. I wasn’t willing to
embrace the complete departure from the charmingly detailed Africa and
Asia sections of the park. In the past few visits, though, I’ve come to
appreciate all that Dinoland U.S.A. is and isn’t and am finding my own
ways to love this odd little corner of the World.
So, what about you? What do you love about Dinoland?
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