WorldExplorer
Well-Known Member
Genuine question - if they had replaced the coaster with a cheesy Dino dark ride - think classic like Mr. Toad with Dino’s - and really made the place feel alive with extra carnival games and carnival entertainment like jugglers, etc. - how would that be seen?
As much as the carnival was a compromise, I think the idea had merit. What I think they should have done is similar to that; lean into it as the designated kiddie land. You already have the TriceraTop Spin and the carnival games, which are good for kids (plus the Boneyard, across the road). A dark ride without a height requirement, maybe one more typical carnival ride with some custom dinosaur elements, and a few more games (along with a minor expansion of the defunct Dino-Diner) and I think it would have had a decent shot.
Disney kind of already promotes it that way; their promo video that plays in all the resorts doesn't mention Dinosaur. It focuses entirely on children enjoying themselves in Dino-Rama.
I also think they could have made it feel a lot better if they got actual entertainment cast members in the games. Way too often you would get people that clearly don't want to be there and can barely be bothered to look at you and it sucks out the fun. All Chester and Hester's CMs are supposed to be their cousins, so have them play into it like one big, argue-happy family, kind of like the Citizens of Hollywood or Main Street but with southern accents.