5 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. While Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama has closed, the other parts of the land will remain open throughout 2025. After that, we’re going to have to say goodbye to DinoLand! Until then, learn about the reasons we love DinoLand, U.S.A., below!

5 – Backstory

DinoLand has such a fun atmosphere, and there is a whole backstory to go along with each area of the land. The land is (was) basically broken into two sections: Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama (now closed) and the Dino Institute. The story goes that fossil hunters, scientists, and students who 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!

4 – The Boneyard

Editor’s Note: Disney has confirmed that The Boneyard will remain open through the end of 2025.

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!

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

Editor’s Note: Disney has confirmed that Dinosaur will remain open through the end of 2025.

Dinosaur has always been one of my favorite rides at Disney World, and it’s a big reason why I love DinoLand so much! 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. This party is an excellent addition to DinoLand, and I love hearing the music from the dance party as I walk through the pathways.