DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
Many Disney Fanatics are very familiar with an Animal Kingdom area called DinoLand U.S.A. — especially if they are frequent visitors of Walt Disney World Resort.
Unlike glossy and relatively new Animal Kingdom locations like Pandora – The World of Avatar, or earthy jungle areas like the Maharajah Jungle Trek, DinoLand U.S.A is a kingdom unto itself with a distinctly non-Disney feel.
DINOSAUR is a ride located in DinoLand U.S.A. within the Animal Kingdom. The other Animal Kingdom sections include Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, and Pandora – the World of Avatar. Credit: Disney
It’s All in the Details
For many Disney fans, the cohesion of themes in Disney decor is one of their favorite parts of Disney attractions. Walt Disney Imagineering’s attention to detail is one of its biggest assets, so Disney fans are always on the lookout for little design touches that connect a ride or a Disney resort to its surroundings.
While making these observations, many Disney World guests have come to the conclusion that DinoLand U.S.A (which contains the thrill ride DINOSAUR as well as the less-alarming TriceraTop Spin) is (as this website put it) “a kitschy tourist attraction modeled after roadside carnival attractions.”
DinoLand U.S.A. is a region within the Animal Kingdom that contains two rides: DINOSAUR and TriceraTop Spin. The other Animal Kingdom sections include Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, and Pandora – the World of Avatar. Photo Credit: Becky Burkett
So Vintage It’s Cool?
DinoLand U.S.A. is so old-school and out-of-place these days, that it has actually reversed course and become a nostalgic staple for plenty of Animal Kingdom visitors. This makes the area’s impending doom all the more bittersweet.
DinoLand U.S.A’s closure was announced last year, and we’re only just beginning to see hints of its demise.
Walt Disney Imagineers are beginning to explore the area, perhaps to brainstorm and design new attractions in its place, and since the 2023 D23 Expo is coming up, it seems very likely that DinoLand U.S.A.’s extinction will be confirmed in more detail at that time.
TriceraTop Spin is a ride located in DinoLand U.S.A. within the Animal Kingdom. The other Animal Kingdom sections include Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, and Pandora – the World of Avatar. Credit: Disney
Where Do Disney Fans Stand?
In a Theme Park Tourist survey, 76% of Disney World guests were looking forward to DinoLand U.S.A.’s removal — but 24% of Animal Kingdom visitors were hoping to cling to the past and keep enjoying the old-fashioned dinosaur region.
Disney fans often have a keen sense when it comes to impending ride or attraction closures, so if you have a Disney World trip planned soon and you possess a love of all things dino, then you might want to make a DinoLand U.S.A visit a priority!
Is the Animal Kingdom your favorite Disney theme park overall, or do you prefer the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios? Let us know your favorite Disney park — whether it’s the home of DinoLand U.S.A or a different destination like the Magic Kingdom — on Facebook, Instagram, and X!
