Dinoland USA in Animal Kingdom was originally a small town located along a highway where, in 1947, an amateur fossil-hunter discovered rare dinosaur bones. Because it was the home to a very popular scientific find, the fossil-hunter and his friends raised funds and purchased the land surrounding the dig site. They founded the Dino Institute and opened the site as a Fossil Discover Park where families could come and learn more about dinosaurs and even participate in research projects and digs.
Chester and Hester, two locals to the area, decided to keep their land and turn it into a money making opportunity. They converted their gas station into a Fossil Souvenir Shop and created Dino-Rama, an amusement area by the dig site, complete with midway games, face painting and a roller coaster.
On Dinosaur, buckle tight as you take a high speed, gut wrenching tour of prehistoric time on an expedition to save an Iguanadon from extinction. The Dino Institute, a secret research facility and museum that features real dinosaur bones,funds the expedition and they send your 12-set Time Rover back 65 million years to the Cretaceous era. Hold on as the ride is bumpy, jarring and can be too much for little ones.
Finding Nemo – The Musical is a 40 minute theatrical performance based on hit Disney-Pixar film. The show brings the sea to life with large, brightly colored puppets handled by puppeteers that are so amazing that you will start to think that they are just an extension of the famous fish.
Primeval Whirl is a spinning, dinosaur themed, carnival-style rollercoaster that is part of Dino-Rama, the area owned by Chester and Hester. This heart pumping ride features twists, turns and even spins you 360 degrees as you race past carnival themed dinosaur signs, a shower of crazy meteors and even a jigsaw maze of dino bones before blasting back into the present day. This roller coaster looks like one you would find in amusement parks in the 1940’s and 50’s.
Fossil Fun Games is also owned by Chester and Hester. These games require coupons to play, which can be purchased for a fee at the souvenir stand. There are 5 different dino themed midway games and the prizes are, of course, stuffed dinosaurs. Games include Wac-A-Packcephalosaur, Fossil Fueler and Brono-Score.
Triceratop Spin features sixteen 4-person bright green dinosaur ride vehicles that spin through the area and move up and down for an exhilarating and fun ride for your entire party. Located in Dino-Rama, this ride will delight the little ones who aren’t quite tall or brave enough to enjoy Dinosaur or Primeval Whirl.
Boneyard Playground is an interactive dig site just waiting to be explored by aspiring paleontologists aged 10 and under. Young guests can learn about prehistoric discoveries and might even make some of their own. Parents can grab a seat by the playgrounds only exit and enjoy some down time with their young ins burn off energy.
The Cretaceous Trail is located near the entrance to Dinosaur. This trail is shaded by lush vegetation that direct decedents from the very vegetation and frequented the landscape in the Cretaceous Era. You might even stumble upon a Pachycephalosaurs dinosaur, fossil dig sites left from the original finds in 1947 and you might even hear a dinosaur or two in the brush!
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
Dinoland U.S.A. is what makes Animal Kingdom my oldest son’s favorite park. He’s been in love with dinosaurs since he was 3 and we always have to spend lots of time in this area of AK. :)