6 Reasons We Love DinoLand, U.S.A at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When I used to work at Animal Kingdom as a Conservation Education Presenter (now known as Wilderness Explorers), I always got excited when my rotation moved me to DinoLand. DinoLand has such a fun atmosphere, and there is a whole backstory to go along with each area of the land. The land is basically broken into two sections: Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama and the Dino Institute. The story goes fossil hunters, scientists, and students live near the institute and do their research on dinosaurs near the Boneyard. Two locals, Chester and Hester, found a way to make money off the scientists and their discoveries and converted an old gas station into a roadside carnival. The land is full of great theming and dinosaur facts, but the backstory is only part of what makes DinoLand, U.S.A so much fun!

Editor’s Note: Disney has announced that DinoLand, USA, will be closing and transforming into a Tropical Americas-themed land that will open in 2027. Disney recently announced that the first wave of closures will occur on January 12, 2025. The last day of operation for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will be January 12, 2025. Walls will go up on January 13. However, DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Dino-Bite Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, and Trilo-Bites will remain open.

6- The Boneyard

Whenever I was stationed in DinoLand, I use to love seeing all the families with young kids go crazy over the Boneyard. It’s not even technically an attraction- the Boneyard is a playground made to look like a dig site. It’s got everything a future paleontologist or archeologist could need: interactive displays, rope ladders, slides, tunnels, and plenty of crates and lids to open. The coolest part of the Boneyard is a giant sandbox filled, not with sand, but with a non-sticky substance called “Texas grit.” Here, kids can dig up fossils- which, even as an adult, I would have a blast doing! It may seem strange to spend tons of money on a theme park ticket and then spend time at a playground. Still, the Boneyard is a larger-than-life area that you really can’t find anywhere else!

5- The Crocodile Exhibit

One of the most overlooked areas of DinoLand is the American Crocodile exhibit. As part of my cast member duties, I would often have to stand in front of this exhibit and educate guests on crocodile facts. The crocodile was so chill that most of the time, guests thought he was fake! Crocodiles don’t move around that much, and this crocodile would let birds land on him, but he was 100% real. When he did move around or would open his mouth to regulate his temperature, guests would be amazed. I wish more people knew about him; after all, reptiles are one of the closest things we have to actual living dinosaurs (even if dinosaurs are more related to birds).  Make sure to keep an eye out for the crocodile the next time you’re in DinoLand!

4- Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama

I know a few Disney fans who argue that the midway carnival theming of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama doesn’t fit in at Disney World. I’m inclined to agree, but this area of the park has definitely grown on me. I especially love how it’s all lit up at night, and if guests want to spend their money playing the midway games, then what’s the harm? Aside from the games (which are classic carnival games, but with a dinosaur theme), Dino-Rama is home Triceratops Spin. Triceratops Spin is a Dumbo-style ride, which is perfect for kids. Everything in this land is brightly colored and themed with just a hint of cheesiness. It’s definitely a fun section of DinoLand.

3- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

I always forget that Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond is a part of DinoLand. It feels like it’s in a separate world! Finding Nemo is located in the “Theater in the Wild,” and when you walk in, it feels as though you’ve stepped under the sea. The newly updated show uses live actors, puppets, acrobats, and dancers to help bring the story of Finding Nemo to life, along with original songs that are sure to get stuck in your head. The show lasts around 20 minutes, but it’s indoors and air-conditioned. There is plenty of singing and dancing going on to keep children occupied. Still, adults will appreciate this Broadway-caliber show for detail and talent. I love that this is a part of DinoLand, but it feels well-removed from the hustle and bustle of the Dino-Rama carnival games.

2- Dinosaur

Dinosaur has always been one of my favorite rides at Disney World, and it’s a big reason why I love DinoLand so much! In stark contrast to the Dino-Rama, Dinosaur is located in the Dino Institute- a museum filled with fossils and a huge Carnotaurus skeleton. Here, visitors meet Dr. Seeker and are sent back in time to rescue an Iguanodon before a meteor shower strikes the Earth. This thrilling ride scared me when I was little- it’s in the dark, there are loud noises, and tons of frightening audio-animatronic dinosaurs. Once I get older, I found it to be so much fun, and it’s great for guests who are looking for a ride that’s a bit more on the intense side. Dinosaur definitely brings a different feel to DinoLand- I love walking up to the attraction and hearing the music and seeing the large Iguanodon figure out front. Seeing this building fills me with a distinctive sort of anticipation, and DinoLand just wouldn’t be the same without it.

1- Donald’s Dino-Bash!

One of the newer entertainment offerings in DinoLand is Donald’s Dino-Bash! This is a celebration hosted by Donald Duck, where you can meet him, Daisy, and Chip ‘n Dale throughout the land. To top off the DinoLand theme, all the characters are dressed in fun, dinosaur-inspired costumes. It’s a great way to see a lot of characters in one place and get some unique interactions. Plus, if you’re hungry, you can find Dino-Bash snacks, cocktails, and a specialty-themed cupcake! This party is an excellent addition to DinoLand, and I love hearing the music from the dance party as I walk through the pathways.