Disney’s Dinoland U.S.A.

By Lisa Green 

 

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?

Dinoland at Animal Kingdom . . . That flat car!

Dinoland at Animal Kingdom . . . That flat car!

By: Gaylin

I have a few places at Disney World where taking a photo is a must-do. One of them is in Dinoland in the Animal Kingdom. Every trip I say, "Time to take a photo in my new car!". Even if I am on a solo trip I get someone to take my photo, because it is "my car" . . . not yours!

I figured you didn't need to see all the flat car photos, 3 is plenty.
This first photo is from 2005, me and my shaved head again.

This photo is from 2006, we were on a tour at the Animal Kingdom and they all thought I was nuts to want the photo of the 4 of us and the tour guide (she is the one hanging off the back of the car). Then when it was time to take the photo, everyone hauled their cameras out.

This is from my first solo trip in April 20, 2008, taken by some random stranger! If you ever go on a solo trip, don't be afraid to ask cast members or strangers to take your photo. They will, can't say the photo will always work out but they will take one.

Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom

 
Restaurantosaurus is a quick service restaurant located in the Dinoland USA section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, themed as a “dorm” where paleontology students live and dine, when they aren't digging for fossils nearby. It looks like it was cobbled together with various pieces of other buildings and even an Airstream Trailer.

 

The themeing here is extensive.

The menu is fairly limited, with Hot Dogs, Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches and nuggets. Kid's Picks are Turkey Wraps, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and a Cheeseburger, and come in a plastic pail with a shovel. For dessert there is chocolate mousse and cheesecake in a glass.

 

My wife had the Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog, creamy Macaroni & Cheese and tasty Bacon Bits top our delicious Hot Dog, served in a fresh Bun with your choice of Apple Slices or French Fries. It was very tasty, but with too much bun.

 

I had the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a grilled Breast of Chicken topped with a Tomato, Garlic, and Basil Relish and Cheddar, served with choice of Apple Slives or French Fries. This was delicious, and I would absolutely get it again.

There is a fixins bar. I am not at all sure what all is in this, as there was a couple of covers over part of the bar when we were there.

Each room is cluttered with items they have managed to dig up, both out of the ground, and, apparently from junk shops and flea markets.

 

You can even eat in the trailer, which apparently is a highly coveted area.

There are clever puns throughout, and even notes and a bulletin board to read, with notes between "students".

 

The restaurant even has it's own soundtrack, with such songs as "It's the End of the World as We Know It" by R.E.M. and "Walk the Dinosaur" by Was (Not Was).

This a really great place to get out of the heat, or to head to during a sudden shower, as there is plenty to look at. And the food is pretty good too!

This article was originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.