If I say Countdown to Extinction, do you know which ride I am referring to? When Animal Kingdom and Dinosaur first opened in April 1998, Dinosaur was called Countdown to Extinction. It stayed that until May of 2000 when it was changed to Dinosaur to coincide with the movie release of the same name, although the movie isn’t as intense as the ride itself.
The ride has not changed a lot since the Countdown to Extinction days, however, I noticed it is not quite as intense as I remember in the beginning. Some of the narrative has changed to make it a little more “family-friendly” so it isn’t as scary to younger ones. It is still one of my favorite rides in Animal Kingdom. I don’t find it scary at all, but I do think younger kids may be alarmed by the dinosaurs and the movement of the car. It is very bumpy and can really bounce you around, but don’t worry, that is all within the car itself. The track and floor is smooth and only the car is moving!
As you descend the steps from the Dino-Institute, notice the piping above – ever wonder why the red, yellow and white? It is my understanding those are left from the original sponsor McDonald’s and have the chemical formulas for ketchup, mustard and mayo. Sorry, while I find this interesting, I normally don’t stop and write those formulas down to check.
What do you think of Dinosaur? Do you think it is informative and well as fun?
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Debbie and her husband live in Collegedale, TN where her youngest son is going to college. She is a huge Disney fan who dreams of someday retiring and working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World. She has enjoyed many trips to WDW with children, grandchildren and sometimes adults only. It is her ultimate goal to make sure everyone who visits WDW has the same magical time that she enjoys every time she visits.
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