Change is inevitable. It happens all the time, and it’s even happening at Disney World. Most of the time, I am hyped about new park additions, but there’s one that I am absolutely not happy with.
Back during D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney confirmed that a new land would be created at Animal Kingdom inspired by the Tropical Americas. But in order to bring this new experience to life, it will be replacing a current one: DinoLand U.S.A. And as much as I’m excited about this expansion, I also think it’s a HUGE mistake!
Now, as crazy as that statement may sound, I’m pretty confident that I have very good reasons why DinoLand’s permanent closure is a mistake. So, sit back, relax, and let me fill you in on some dino-mite reasons that might have you agreeing with me by the end of this.
Dinosaur is an epic attraction, and it’s loss might be too much to bear
Dinosaur is a dark ride that takes you back into prehistoric times with, you guessed it, dinosaurs! And by dark, I really mean it because there are times we can hardly see a thing, and then BAM! Giant dino right in front of you.
It’s scary, and fun, and just plain EPIC! The dinosaur animatronics are some of my favorites at Disney World (hello, self-proclaimed animatronic girly here). The Time Rover vehicle is iconic, and the attraction remains impressive despite how long it’s been open. Plus, who can forget all the classic quotes like “Now, let’s go get that dino,” and “Definitely not our dino,” and “We’re not going to make it!”
So, the permanent closure of DinoLand U.S.A. also means the permanent closure of this incredible attraction. That said, you can expect me to go on this ride multiple times before its final closing date.
The lore behind the land is just TOO GOOD!
Aside from the awesome dinosaurs you can see around the land, there’s actually a very well-thought-out storyline in mind for everything you see, starting with Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama! What may look like an average, quirky carnival actually has an interesting backstory hinted at by tiny details sprinkled around the land.
The story goes that the area was once the site of a small roadside gas station and rest stop run by a couple, Chester and Hester. After a group of paleontologists from the nearby Dino Institute discovered a large fossil bed, they set up a research facility to study the ancient bones.
This discovery of dinosaur fossils brought attention to the area and attracted tons of tourists curious about dinosaurs. Chester and Hester thought of a way to profit from the incoming visitors: Dino-Rama, the go-to roadside attraction for dinosaur lovers!
There are tons more stories created for the land and it very much makes me nostalgic for all the fun, campy vibes that used to live within the Disney parks. Sadly, much of that is gone, and DinoLand U.S.A. is one of the only existing bits of it, but that won’t be for long.
Dino-Rama is a fun silly time!
I’ve heard many people call Dino-Rama an eyesore. It’s “tacky” and “gimmicky” and I even heard it get called a ‘worse version of the Jersey Boardwalk’ (and that one stung, I’m not gonna lie). And although I can agree that Dino-Rama is not as jaw-droppingly stunning as Pandora, or home to a mind-blowing attraction like Expedition Everest, it’s plain silly fun and sometimes, that’s just enough!
With so much to see and do at Disney World, it’s nice to encounter a place where you can enjoy a little bit of whacky fun without getting overwhelmed. As much as I love Disney’s advanced technology and all the new, immersive elements they’re implementing at their parks, I also miss when things were silly and simple.
Although there’s only one ride in the land (Primeval Whirl was permanently closed back in 2020), TriceraTop Spin is still a good time, and the boardwalk-inspired games are excellent! There’s also the only photo booth at Animal Kingdom in this area, plus, where else can you win adorable dino plushies at Disney World?
Restaurantosaurus is the best themed quick service restaurant at Disney World (and I say this with my whole chest)
Restaurantosaurus is the quick-service restaurant inside DinoLand U.S.A., and although it may not be totally praised for its menu (it serves typical theme-park fare, so nothing too special), it should absolutely be praised for its stellar theming.
What was once a cozy fishing lodge in Diggs County is now the ultimate hangout spot for paleontology students from the Dino Institute nearby! The restaurant is packed with fossils, field gear, and hilarious “prehistoric” decor. Everywhere you turn, there’s something fun and interesting to look at, and everything in its design feels very intentional to its story.
The restaurant is divided into four themed areas:
- The central “Old Museum” area
- Dorms for the students of the Dino Institute
- “The Hip Joint,” which is a rec room styled like a classic 1950s diner, featuring an old trailer attached to the building
- The Dino Institute’s Motor Pool, which is a garage where students have playfully drawn dinosaur murals on the walls with engine grease
Currently, they have interns from the Dino Institute performing live music inside the lounge here from time to time, adding to the vibe and story behind this quick-service restaurant. This charming little eatery lets you chill with some AC, eat a good meal, and still feel like you’re experiencing something unique. It’s going to be rough seeing this one go.
The giant Cementosaurus
Call me silly, but I think this is the biggest reason why DinoLand’s closure hits the hardest for me. Towering above Dino-Rama is a statue of a Cementosaurus who is all smiles the moment you notice them.
If you’ve seen its smile, then you know exactly why I gave this guy his own point. The giant dinosaur statue is a great representation of all the silly-goofy fun that’s celebrated in DinoLand, and it’s something I’m having trouble parting with. It’s going to be sad the moment I can no longer look forward to viewing this big, happy dino above me.
Although I’m incredibly devastated that DinoLand U.S.A. will be gone forever, I am excited for the future that will come with the new Tropical Americas expansion. But my heart will always ache for this whimsical land and I hope it lives on in one way or another, whether it’s a little easter egg or simply in the photos and memories we share about this ext-roar-dinary part of Disney history.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates in the Tropical Americas expansion!
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What are your thoughts on DinoLand’s permanent closure? We’d love to read about it in the comments!
I specifically told my non thrill ride family I was going to ride Dinosaur because its going away. I admit I breezed thru the land and wish I had spent a few more minutes walking thru the restaurant and the games area. It was pouring and well the hurricane was approaching.
My last ride on dinosaur will be special as well because while I was on the ride, all the phones got the crazy alert for the hurricane and it made it that much more intense. I did manage to grab some of the pennies from the press, and made a quick tag to commemorate.
My child spent most of her time in the playground area. I don’t think she rode the triceratops ride. She ans I love dinos and I didn’t take her into any stores because we have limited space while traveling and we love plushies and I would have wanted all the dinos. I’m wish I could have gotten them.
I’m happy to see allears chronicle this great land for record keeping.
Maybe cementasaurus could go to live near Gertie the dinosaur in DHS? I’m sure they’d be friends.
I’ll miss Triceratops Spin. Forget Dumbo, Flying Carpets and Astro Orbiter. They all have massive queues and Triceratops Spin is nearly always a walk on. Plus, baby dinosaurs are so cute!
Thanks for the thoughtful recognition of this under-appreciated land! I love it for all the same reasons you do. Somehow, Disney’s “Mythic History” has never caught on with Guests. It’s a shame. I can see why one-visit families might pass by it, but with so many Passholders and self-proclaimed superfans, even they seem to ignore or overlook these fantastic, fun details that bring the Parks to life.