DinoLand has been on its last legs with its initial crumbling starting in 2014, but now guests are finally seeing what really killed the dinos. As Disney races to extinction to bring in Indiana Jones and the Madrigals to take over, the company seems to be taking its time with one primary fixture.
When most people think of the Disney Parks, they tend to think of attractions with cute cartoons and the call to adventure, not gigantic animatronic monsters. While Disney isn't afraid to go dark on occasion (i.e., the Haunted Mansion, Expedition Everest, etc.), few were quite as in-your-face as this time-traveling terror.
DINOSAUR takes last stand
Disney announced that guests would have their last chance to ride the surprisingly scary dark ride last December, but it also feels like it will be the last to go. As Disney shuts down Dino Land in stages, the parks seem to making efforts to keep DINOSAUR alive longer.
"While you’re visiting [Walt Disney World], make sure you “go get that dino” at Dinosaur. We’ve previously shared this attraction will be closing to make way for the new Tropical Americas land — 2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct! "
At first glance, it appears that Disney is shutting down all the dino-themed attractions simply to make room for more IP-based fixtures, as that seems to be the direction the company is pushing. However, there could also be some disconnect from the traditional Disney image.
If you've ever ridden DINOSAUR, you know it's a touch more intense than the average Disney dark ride. Sharp curves through a jungle lit by lightning and jumpscares from giant roaring reptiles aren't exactly the most magical elements of a Disney ride. That Cartnotaurus is one nasty piece of work.
That said, the ride still does have a fanbase. After all, Disney fans arguably haven't had a genuine thrill since ExtraTERRORestrial in the '90s. Be that as it may, the ride hasn't aged entirely well. It might be time for this attraction to go the way of the dinos.
Fortunately for would-be dino-hunters everywhere, Disney is still taking its time before boarding up the laboratory. Perhaps we can all get in one last ride before the meteor hits.
DINOSAUR runs until the end of 2025.