DINOSAUR

*CLOSING FEBRUARY 1st*

If you’re into prehistoric chaos, dark rides, and jump scares mixed with Disney storytelling, DINOSAUR in Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is your kind of adventure. This ride sends you racing through the age of the dinosaurs on a mission to rescue one before a meteor wipes everything out. It’s loud, wild, and a little bit terrifying — in the best way possible.

The Queue

The queue starts off inside the Dino Institute, which looks like a legit natural history museum. You’ll see fossils, exhibits, and fun scientific displays — it feels like you’re about to go on a serious research mission. Then you meet Dr. Seeker (played by Wallace Langham), who lets you in on his secret plan: forget the “safe” tour, he wants you to go back in time to snag a live Iguanodon before extinction hits. From there, the mood shifts fast — you’re suddenly not just learning about dinosaurs, you’re about to meet them.

The Ride

Once you board your Time Rover, things get intense fast. You’re tossed around through dark jungles filled with roaring dinosaurs, blinding flashes, and jolting turns. The ride feels fast-paced and chaotic — you’ll see raptors, pterodactyl, and one massive Carnotaurus that loves jumping out of nowhere. The motion simulator vehicle makes it feel like you’re actually off-roading through prehistoric Earth, and the sound effects and lighting crank up the adrenaline.

It’s definitely not a gentle ride — expect bumps, sudden stops, and loud noises — but that’s all part of the fun. It’s more about excitement than accuracy (don’t come here expecting a calm museum tour), and by the time you make it back “home,” you’ll be laughing, screaming, or both.

Info

Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)

• Accessibility: Guests must transfer from a wheelchair or ECV.

• Ride Type: Motion-based dark ride

• Restraints: Seatbelt

• Duration: About 3.5 minutes

• Intensity: Moderate– very bumpy and loud, some speed, but no stomach-catching drops.

• Warnings: Not recommended for guests with back, neck, or heart issues. May frighten young children due to darkness, noise, and jump scares. Should be in good health to ride.

  
  

Tips

• Hold on tight: The Time Rover gets seriously bumpy — this isn’t a smooth ride.

• Keep your camera away: It’s too dark for good photos, and you’ll need both hands to hang on.

• If you’re bringing kids: Give them a heads-up that it’s dark and loud so they’re not caught off guard.

  
  

The Good

• Tons of fun for thrill-seekers.

• Great effects and jump scares that still hold up after all these years.

• The pre-show adds humor and story to balance out the chaos.

• A unique mix of dark ride storytelling and wild motion simulation.

  
  

The Not-So-Good

• Super bumpy — it can be rough on your back or neck.

• Loud and dark, which can be too much for some kids.

• Animatronics are starting to show their age in spots.

• Not the most repeatable ride if you prefer smoother experiences.

  
  

Conclusion

DINOSAUR is a blast of prehistoric fun and pure Disney chaos. It’s loud, wild, and a little ridiculous. Between the jump scares, the motion, and the over-the-top story, it’s one of the most adrenaline-pumping rides at Animal Kingdom. If you love action and don’t mind getting jostled around a bit, grab your Time Rover seat and get ready to rescue that Iguanodon — before it’s too late!

Mandi's Take

This has been one of my favorite rides since I was little! It is super rough, super jarring, and the dark makes it feel faster, but that is what makes it so fun, and the "We're not gonna make it. We're not gonna make it." adds a suspenseful urgency that gets your adrenaline going no matter how many times you ride it. If you can make it to ride it before it closes, I highly suggest it! I am sad that it is leaving but am excited for the new Indiana Jones ride to take its place!