My FAVORITE Disney Attraction!
Written: Jul 15 '04 (Updated Mar 14 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fun, fast paced, technologically impressive
Cons: Slow moving line, may scare small children
The Bottom Line: This is an attraction not to be missed!
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| chelledun's Full Review: Dinosaur - Disney |
This ride was referred to as "Countdown to Extinction" upon the opening of the Animal Kingdom, but has since been revamped and brought back with its new name. Although Dinosaur does not draw a huge primary rush of crowds at Animal Kingdom's opening, this attraction was my families pick for the best and most underrated attraction of the park, and perhaps of Disney World as a whole. The plot, special effects, and ride's wild motion all work together to create a truly unique riding experience. I will discuss each of these elements in more detail, and offer some general suggestions regarding Dinosaur.
The Plot...
Riders are ushered into a preshow area in groups of 20-30 and shown a video to introduce the ride. The basic story is that the riders will be taking a trip into the past to view live dinosaurs, and hopefully bring back an iguanodon specimen for study. However, the time travel vehicles must make it out of the past before the huge asteroid hits and avoid prehistoric predators. While the plot is somewhat silly and unbelievable, it contributes to the experience and ties the action of the ride together.
Dinosaurs!!!
The ride itself allows riders to board time travel machines which lock each guest into his own seat and safety harness. During their journey, the riders encounter a variety of different prehistoric creatures on a high speed chase to find the iguanodon and beat the meteor. The dinosaurs include both carnivores and herbivores as well as winged species. These are some of Disney's best effects, with the dinosaurs looking much more realistic and menacing than many people expect. Toward the end of the ride, the vehicle must beat the impending meteor as well as avoid a hungry carnivorous dinosaur, which provides for a rather intense experience. Much of the ride takes place in the dark, and the cars swerve and dip sharply on their tracks while evading the dinosaurs.
Sounds kinda scary...
As much as my group of adults enjoyed this ride, younger children will likely be frightened by not only the intense and sudden appearance of dinosaurs but the jerkiness of the ride itself. This is, without a doubt, an intense experience. It is great fun for older kids and adults, but even my seventeen year old sister admitted to being nervous during the ride. The ride may be too jerky for older people who simply hate thrill rides as well. I would recommend seeing how children react to other intense attractions. Two good tests would be the dinosaurs in "Ellen's Energy Adventure" at EPCOT and the intense physical sensation of “Star Tours” at MGM Studios. If your child does not wish to ride, two adults can "switch off", allowing both to ride while only waiting in line one time. Simply notify the employee at the boarding platform you wish to do this.
When Should I go?
Although it is a great ride, Dinosaur is not yet quite as popular as either “Kilimanjaro Safari” or “It’s Tough to be a Bug”. Most of the crowd races for the safari at the drop of the rope. As a result, Dinosaur does not really develop long lines until about an hour after park opening. We recommend “Kilimanjaro Safari” first, followed by Dinosaur. After the first hour or two, lines of up to 90 minutes can develop, and Dinosaur is unfortunately a rather slow-loading ride. However, regardless of the wait, be sure not to miss this example of Disney magic at its best!
If this was helpful, check out my other Disney Reviews!
Hotel Reviews
Beach Club: http://www.epinions.com/content_147743018628
Coronado Springs: http://www.epinions.com/content_100521381508
Grand Floridian: http://www.epinions.com/content_175155351172
Attractions
Stitch's Great Escape: http://www.epinions.com/content_175365852804
The Living Seas (Finding Nemo Update):http://www.epinions.com/content_175503478404
Peter Pan's Flight: http://www.epinions.com/content_148621332100
Theme Parks
Blizzard Beach: http://www.epinions.com/content_150122565252
Pleasure Island: http://www.epinions.com/content_148432457348
Magic Kingdom for Adults: http://www.epinions.com/content_173013175940
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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