Dinoland USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is widely believed to be the worst themed land in Walt Disney World even though it is rich with backstory and incredible detailing. Sadly, many guests can’t look past the bright-colored carnival look of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama. For years many have called for Dinoland USA to be re-themed.
At the D23 Expo in September, Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products announced that they had heard those calls. With that, Blue Sky ideas for what could come to replace Dinoland USA were announced. But would those ideas do this detailed land justice and fit in with Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s overall intentions? Let’s explore why one of Walt Disney World’s most detailed lands has become one of its most widely despised and what ACTUALLY should replace it.
Where Dinoland USA Fails
Dinoland USA is filled with incredible detail and a comprehensive background story. A brief summary of Dinoland USA’s backstory begins with dinosaur bones being found in Diggs County off Route 498 which led to the formulation (and many expansions) of Restaurantosaurus, the restaurant, dormitory, and museum run by the grad students to help fund the various digs. Eventually, Dr. Helen Marsh (you know from the Dinosaur pre-show) was brought in and she spearheaded the invention of the Time Rover, the one that transports you back to the age of the dinosaurs.
With new revenues from this incredible breakthrough, a new Dino Institute building was built and began offering these tours to the past. Well, seeing all this traffic to the Dino Institute caused local couple, Chester and Hester to decide to capitalize on the increased tourist activity and they turned their gas station into a roadside gift shop and opened a small amusement park in the parking lot. Hence, Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama.
Knowing the detailed backstory of Dinoland USA helps one to appreciate why the land looks the way it does. Perhaps if the backstory was easier for the standard guest to understand, many would enjoy the land a bit more. However, the story behind the theme is embedded in bulletin boards, photos, and signs throughout the land that many guests simply won’t take the time to look at and read. The juxtaposition of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama and Dinosaur makes many feel that the land is not cohesive.
Unfortunately, the rich backstory gets lost behind the bright colors, signs for Donald’s Dino Bash, and a large cartoonish dinosaur that guests see when they enter Dinoland USA. The detailing and story building of the land are impeccable, but it’s the execution of conveying that story to guests where Dinoland USA falls short.
The Problem With Moana and Zootopia
As mentioned, Dinoland USA is an incredibly detailed land, and Dinosaur was Animal Kingdom’s first e-ticket attraction. However, even as a long-term Dinosaur and Dinoland USA fan, even I can agree the time may be coming for this land to be retired and turned into something else.
However, although Zootopia and Moana were mentioned during the D23 Expo as potential replacements, they should not replace Dinoland USA. First, Moana is already receiving a water-based attraction in EPCOT. While many believe it would be a good way to include sea life at Animal Kingdom, there is also already The Seas with Nemo and Friends at EPCOT.
When it comes to Zootopia, Joe Rohde, one of the leading Imagineers responsible for bringing Animal Kingdom to life, said it best when he explained that the animals in Zootopia are just human proxies dealing with human issues rather than animals facing their own animal-related issues. Frankly, the only way Zootopia fits into Animal Kingdom is the mere fact that it has animals. Nothing about the plot or setting of Zootopia fits into Animal Kingdom and its overarching goal of promoting conservation.
So what should replace Dinoland? Here is what we think…
Should Existing IP Replace Dinoland USA?
A great option for both Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World as a whole would be to retheme Dinoland USA into South America. First, other than the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT there is no South American representation in Walt Disney World. Additionally, a continental theme would fit well with the other lands of Animal Kingdom. Not to mention, South America includes one of the world’s largest ecosystems, the Amazon Rainforest. The opportunities to incorporate new animals from this region are plentiful.
So, where does the IP come in? Well, there is a movie that is not only set in Colombia but also includes characters with ties to animals and plants. Of course, we are talking about Encanto. Theming the land around South America and using characters like Antonio (who speaks to animals), Pepa (who controls weather), Isabella (who can grow plants and flowers) to explore The Amazon Rainforest would not only be enjoyable for guests young and old but fit in perfectly with Animal Kingdom’s goal of education and conservation.
Disney could even utilize the ride building and mechanics for Dinosaur to create a new ride in which the Madrigal family takes guests on an adventure through the rainforest. They could include the Blue Sky idea for a Casita that was mentioned at D23 rather than place it in a new land at Magic Kingdom. Can you imagine was amazing South American dishes they could cook up at Julietta’s Kitchen? This restaurant would be an excellent addition to the already incredible cuisine found at Animal Kingdom.
A land that incorporates an IP like Encanto would be an added bonus for families with younger kids as Animal Kingdom doesn’t have as many attractions that appeal to younger children. Not to mention, it would be an incredible way to bring Encanto character meet and greets to Walt Disney World.
Should Non-IP Replace Dinoland USA?
While South America could also be utilized without incorporating IP, there is another continent rich with unique wildlife and varying ecosystems: Australia. Imagine, if you will, Dinosaur rethemed into an Australian outback adventure and narrated by none other than the Irwin family! Okay, maybe that’s reaching but the ride could easily be rethemed into an Australian outback-related attraction. Other attractions that are more child-friendly could also be added to the land as well. Finally, there is an abundant number of new animals that could be added to this land.
What would you replace Dinoland USA with? Are you sad to see it go or happy that it might finally get the wrecking ball? Let us know all your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
