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DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom (DINOSAUR, Finding Nemo, Donald and Daisy)

DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom (DINOSAUR, Finding Nemo, Donald and Daisy)

Animal Kingdom is the youngest park at Walt Disney World. It’s also one of the most unique thanks to its zoo-like atmosphere.

Even though there are a variety of animals to see, including giraffes, zebras, and elephants, it’s far different than a zoo.

Animal Kingdom is known for having some of the best park food on property, thrilling attractions, exciting tours, and much, much more.

As the biggest Disney World theme park, there’s a lot to see and do, so why not take a deep dive into each land?

Here we take a deeper look into DinoLand, U.S.A. While certainly not the most popular land in Animal Kingdom, it is home to a beloved ride that just also happens to have the same ride vehicles as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park.

DinoLand Reimagining

It’s important to note that DinoLand will soon become extinct (sorry) in the near future.

During the 2023 Destination D23 parks panel, Disney revealed that they’re looking into bringing a “Tropical Americas” land to replace DinoLand. The new concept is inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

While none of this is officially confirmed, Encanto and Indiana Jones are very much on the drawing board for the reimagining of DinoLand.

For those who may not know, Disneyland Park has an Indiana Jones themed attraction that utilizes the same ride vehicles and track as Animal Kingdom’s DINOSAUR attraction, which could make a reimagination of that attraction less expensive.

new land animal kingdom

Previously, during the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney discussed some “blue sky” ideas that included a brainstorming session about transforming DinoLand maybe into a Zootopia and/or Moana land. Cleary, they’ve moved away from both of those ideas.

Final plans are still not complete, so it could still be awhile before we see any in-park movement on any of this reimagining.

Either way, there are clearly talks happening behind closed doors about revamping the Dinosaur-themed land. Until this does become a reality, let’s enjoy DinoLand for what it is.

Overview

dinoland panoramic photo

Location: Animal Kingdom
Restaurants: 10 Quick Service (6 Snack and Drink Carts, Trilo-Bites, Dino-Bite Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, Restaurantosaurus Lounge)
Shops: The Dino Institute Shop, Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Dino-Rama Cart
Entertainment: Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!, Dino-Bash Flotilla, Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla, Discovery River Character Cruise, Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks, Adventurer’s Flotilla – Up
Animals: Crocodile
Attractions: DINOSAUR, TriceraTop Spins
Trails: Cretaceous Trail
Characters: Donald, Daisy, Chip ‘n’ Dale
Popular snacks and drinks: Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches (Dino-Bite Snacks)
Not-to-miss: DINOSAUR, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!, characters, flotillas

DinoLand, U.S.A. Map

dinoland map

Dining

While not the most popular or best spots to eat at Animal Kingdom, if you find yourself hungry hanging out in DinoLand you have a few Quick Service options.

Quick Service Restaurants

Trilo-Bites

trilo bites dinoland animal kingdom

Location type: Snack stand
Type of food: American snacks
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits only
  • Is Mobile Order available? No
  • Pros: Fun nacho option plus floats and churros
  • Cons: Limited menu choices

Trilo-Bites is a small stand that you’ll come upon to your right as soon as you cross the bridge from Discovery Island into DinoLand.

You can order ice cream, buffalo chicken chips, fountain drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Plus, you can find DOLE Whip here. Specifically, a twist of DOLE Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve ice cream.

Snack and Drink Cart

snack and drink cart dinoland

As you enter DinoLand from Discovery Island, you’ll see a snack and drink cart across from TriloBites. You can buy small snacks, like ice cream and chips, and bottled beverages.

Dino-Bite Snacks

dino-bite snacks dinoland

Location type: Snack counter
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Snacks

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits
  • Pros: Quick spot to grab a snack
  • Cons: Limited menu options and seating

Dino-Bite Snacks is located near the crocodile viewing area. It’s a small stand that also has seating.

One of the most popular items you can order are the ice cream cookie sandwiches. You can select from a range of ice cream flavors.

dino-bite snacks ice cream cookie sandwich

Sometimes there are even special seasonal flavors for holidays or celebrations.

Restaurantosaurus

restaurantosaurus dinoland animal kingdom

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American
Meals Served: Lunch and dinner

  • On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 quick service credit
  • Is Mobile Order available? Yes
  • Pros: Offers a variety of American comfort food like burgers and chicken sandwiches
  • Cons: Can get noisy, better more unique dining options available other places in the park

Restaurantosaurus is the main Quick Service location in DinoLand. It has a bigger menu offering lunch and dinner items.

restaurantosaurus dinoland animal kingdom

You can find standard theme park fare here, like sandwiches, including hot dogs and burgers (including a plant-based one), along with chicken nuggets, fries, and more.

restaurantosaurus seating

There is also a big indoor and outdoor seating area, along with restrooms nearby.

Restaurantosaurus Lounge

restaurantosaurus lounge animal kingdom

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Drinks
Meals Served: Drinks only

  • Menu not available
  • On the Disney Dining Plan? No
  • Pros: Secret menu for Annual Passholders
  • Cons: Basically a small room with a couple of tables

Attached to Restaurantosaurus is a small lounge.

While it is labeled as a “lounge,” this is basically a room with a couple of tables and a bar. There are a list of cocktails and beers to order.

restaurantosaurus lounge animal kingdom

Plus, there is a secret menu for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders. Just ask the bartender!

restaurantosaurus lounge animal kingdom passholder menu

For example, above is the “Pterodactyl Punch” from the secret Passholder menu. The drink features Parrot Bay, Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice, Sour Mix, and a floater of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.

Snack and Drink Cart

snack and drink cart dinoland animal kingdom

Outside Restaurantosaurus Lounge and near DINOSAUR, there is a cart for you to purchase boxes of popcorn, popcorn buckets, chips, ice cream, and bottled beverages.

Snack and Drink Carts

snack and drink carts dinoland animal kingdom

There are 2 snack and drink carts near the giant green dinosaur by Dino-Rama. You can buy small snacks, like ice cream, chips, and hot dogs. Plus, there are bottled beverages.

Corn-Ivores

corni-vores snack stand dinoland animal kingdom

This snack and drink cart can be found in the Dino-Rama area. Like the other small stands in the land, you can order popcorn, bottled beverages, beer, ice cream, and more.

Snack and Drink Cart

snack and drink cart dinoland animal kingdom

Near where Donald meets, there is a cart of popcorn, popcorn buckets, chips, ice cream, and bottled beverages.

Dino Diner (closed)

dino diner animal kingdom dinoland

For anyone wondering about Dino Diner, it has since been removed from the land and appears to be closed for good.

Seating Areas

You can find several different seating areas around DinoLand.

dino-bite snacks seating area animal kingdom

There is a small covered dining area with tables and chairs next to Dino-Bite Snacks.

restaurantosaurus seating

Restaurantosaurus has both indoor and outdoor seating. Regarding the latter, know there is also covered outdoor seating out back, not just in the front.

seating area dinorama dinoland animal kingdom

You’ll also find other tables (some covered with umbrellas), including picnic tables scattered around the land.

picnic tables dinoland animal kingdom

Shops

You’ll find a few dino-themed gift shops around DinoLand. One you’ll exit into after getting off DINOSAUR. The other 2 are near TriceraTop Spin.

The Dino Institute Shop

dino institute gift shop animal kingdom

The Dino Institute Gift Shop is the perfect store to visit if you want dinosaur-themed items.

dino institute gift shop dinoland

From apparel, to plushes, to toys, to masks, to hats, and so much more.

dino institute gift shop dinoland

If you ride DINOSAUR, you’ll exit into this gift shop. There is also a separate entrance for non-riders.

You can even find a portable phone charging station (aka where you can swap and purchase FuelRods) here.

Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

chester and hester's dinosaur treasures

Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures is a big gift shop in DinoLand.

There’s a range of souvenirs available for purchase, including apparel, toys, Minnie ears, and so much more.

chester and hester's dinosaur treasures

You can also purchase vouchers here to play Fossil Fun Games (the dinosaur-themed carnival games) in the Dino-Rama area.

Dino-Rama Cart

This small cart is located in the Dino-Rama area and sells select merchandise. You can also purchase vouchers here to play the Fossil Fun Games.

Attractions

DinoLand only has a couple attractions, but one is a guest favorite and even has the same ride system as Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Park.

DINOSAUR

dinosaur dinoland

If you’ve been on Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland, then you’ll have a good idea of what the ride vehicle is like for DINOSAUR.

Once you’ve boarded, you travel back in time on a prehistoric race to rescue a dinosaur — the Iguanodon — before the meteor strikes.

dinosaur entrance animal kingdom

Fun fact: this was formerly known as “Countdown to Extinction.”

This ride is almost completely dark, has some rough turns, and dinosaurs that may scare little ones.

dinosaur ride vehicle

DINOSAUR does have a Lightning Lane, which you may want to take advantage of, especially on busier days. Sometimes this Lightning Lane can run out by early afternoon. There is also a Standby Line.

TriceraTop Spin

triceratop spin dinoland animal kingdom

TriceraTop Spin is just like Dumbo and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom.

But, this ride has a dinosaur theme and you get to ride (and fly) around in Triceratops.

triceratop spin dinoland animal kingdom

There isn’t a Lightning Lane available here, but you really don’t need one. Hopping on a Triceratop is easy to do via the Standby Line.

The Boneyard

the boneyard animal kingdom

If you’re traveling with little ones and they’re in need of play time or a way to burn off energy, we recommend checking out The Boneyard.

This is an open-air play area designed to look like a dinosaur dig site and is strictly for kids ages 10 and under.

the boneyard animal kingdom

There are rope bridges, caves, and slides. Plus, there is a dig site, where kids can excavate fossils from a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The Boneyard even has a shaded seating area for adults to relax and watch as their little one plays.

Primeval Whirl (closed)

primeval whirl animal kingdom

Primeval Whirl used to be located in DinoLand, but closed on March 15, 2020. Nothing replaced the wild-mouse style roller coaster.

Characters

If you ever wanted to meet Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in some fabulous costumes, then go no further. Plus, you can even see Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed up as — wait for it — dinosaurs.

Donald’s Dino-Bash is Donald’s celebration of being a bird descended from dinosaurs. What better way to celebrate that than by saying hello in DinoLand?

Donald

donald duck photopass animal kingdom

At the welcome center, you can say hello to Donald in a very vibrant costume. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the land and celebrate dinosaurs.

He appears across from TriceraTop Spin.

donald meet and greet animal kingdom

You can find daily meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app. There is also a Disney PhotoPass photographer here.

Daisy

daisy dinoland animal kingdom

Who doesn’t want to meet Daisy at her Design Studio? She’s sassier than ever and dressed to the nines, as Daisy does.

daisy's design studios dinoland animal kingdom

She meets at the Cretaceous Trail.

daisy meet and greet animal kingdom

You can find daily meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app. There is also a Disney PhotoPass photographer here.

Chip ‘n’ Dale

chip and dale photopass animal kingdom

Chip ‘n’ Dale in dinosaur costumes!

That’s right, you can meet Chip ‘n’ Dale wearing dinosaur costumes, aka “Chipmunk-o-saurus”. They are seriously adorable. They meet along the Cretaceous Trail.

chip and dale meet and greet animal kingdom

You can find daily meet and greet times in the My Disney Experience app. There is also a Disney PhotoPass photographer here.

Entertainment

In DinoLand you can see a truly fantastic show inspired by a fish you may know by the name of Nemo. Plus, all of the character flotillas.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

finding nemo theater in the wild animal kingdom

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! is a reimagined musical of the original Finding Nemo: The Musical.

It plays daily in DinoLand’s Theater in the Wild.

finding nemo the big blue and beyond animal kingdom

This new version takes place in the timeline of Finding Dory. Many of the songs and production numbers from the original show are still part of the show.

finding nemo the big blue and beyond animal kingdom

Between the puppetry and the original songs, this is one show at Disney World you don’t want to miss.

While the show does have a Genie+ Lightning Lane, you don’t need to use a selection here. The theater has plenty of seating.

finding nemo the big blue and beyond animal kingdom

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to see when the show is playing during your day.

Note about the following cavalcades: All of the character flotillas can be seen sailing around the Discovery River. They have set showtimes that are posted in the My Disney Experience app and we recommend checking the schedule ahead of time. You usually have to be in the right place at the right time to catch them (crossing a bridge, walking a trail, dining at Nomad Lounge or Flame Tree Barbecue, or taking a break in the Discovery River Amphitheater).

discovery river amphitheater animal kingdom

Note: Part of the Discovery River Amphitheater is located in DinoLand across from the Theater in the Wild.

Dino-Bash Flotilla

goofy and pluto on dino-bash flotilla at animal kingdom
  • Features: Goofy and Pluto

Discovery Island Drummers

discovery island drummers animal kingdom
  • Features: Discovery Island Drummers

Discovery River Character Cruise

rafiki and timon discovery river cruise animal kingdom
  • Features: Pocahontas and Meeko from Pocahontas or Timon and Rafiki form The Lion King

Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks

Adventurer's Flotilla — Disney Ducks at Animal Kingdom
  • Features: Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack

Adventurer’s Flotilla — Up

up flotilla at animal kingdom
  • Features: Russell and Dug from Up

Trails

There is one trail in DinoLand and, yes, it’s dinosaur-themed.

The Cretaceous Trail

cretaceous trail dinoland animal kingdom

Between Restaurantosaurus and DINOSAUR is the Cretaceous Trail.

cretaceous trail dinoland animal kingdom

You can see different plant-life that dates back to the Cretaceous age. There are also different dinosaur sculptures along the trail.

Animals

There is one animal in DinoLand and it is an American crocodile.

Here is a map of its location for reference:

dinoland usa animal map

Tip: You can also find select animals in the My Disney Experience app under the “attractions” category. Plus, at the park entrance next to the park guide map, there should be literature on the animals and their locations.

Crocodile

Across from Restaurantosaurus, you’ll find a viewing location for an American crocodile. Want to know her name? It’s Marley!

crocodile dinoland animal kingdom

It makes sense for Marley to be living in DinoLand, since alligators and crocodiles are descendants of dinosaurs.

Activities

There are a couple fun family-friendly activities in DinoLand.

Fossil Fun Games

fossil fun games dinoland animal kingdom

Fossil Fun Games is a great activity for both kids and adults.

These are carnival-style games that are dinosaur-themed. You can even win cute dinosaur plushes!

fossil fun games dinoland animal kingdom

You need vouchers to play, which can be purchased for an additional fee at the souvenir stand in the games area or at Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures.

Coin Press Machines

coin press machine dinoland animal kingdom

There is a coin press machine inside Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. You can buy one penny for $1.00 or 3 for $3.00. They are dinosaur and Moana-themed.

Disney PhotoPass Photographer

There is a PhotoPass option in DinoLand near the giant Dinosaur. Keep your eyes peeled for the photographer.

dinoland usa animal kingdom giant dinosaur

You can also take advantage of PhotoPass when meeting Donald, Daisy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale.

Don’t forget to ask if they have any fun Magic Shots!

dinoland photopass animal kingdom

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Restrooms

There are 3 sets of restrooms in DinoLand.

You can restrooms attached to Restaurantosaurus:

restaurantosaurus restrooms

You can also find a set next to Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures:

dinoland restrooms animal kingdom

And more restrooms near the Theater in the Wild:

restrooms theater in the wild animal kingdom

Animal Relief Area

You can find an open outdoor relief area for guests visiting with service animals next to Restaurantosaurus.

animal relief area dinoland animal kingdom

DinoLand Checklist

dinoland checklist

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What’s your favorite thing about DinoLand in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!

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