Why do people hate Dinoland USA so much?

[musketeer]

Why is there such a hatred for Dinoland USA? Do people not get it? I still believe it's one of the most creative parts of Walt Disney World. And I believe what makes it so is that you have to look at the whole thing to really understand it.

So why do people hate it, do they understand the concept and still hate it?

 

[themoose]

I am not a fan of it one because it is just like every amusement park that is in my area. I dont want to fly 3 hours to have the same experience i can have at home. I do like the concept and know 2nd hand that the imagineers love this concept, but beyond Dinosaur, it kinda sucks.

 

[Master Yoda]

Most people seem to dislike the Dinorama section of Dinoland because it looks like a cheep road side carnival. Quite a few people (myself included at one point) don't know the story behind it and do not understand that it is supposed to be a road side carnival. Once it was explained to me I got it and my dislike of Dinorama faded. The only fault of Disney's that I can see is this story is not explained really well. Remedy that and I think quite a few more people will warm up to the place.

 

[Figments Friend]

The 'hatred' you speak of is moreso directed towards 'DinoRama' then DinoLand USA as a whole, as i see now Master Yoda has stated while i was typing this...

DinoLand USA is fine...a lot of folks actually like this area of the Park a LOT ( many kids and families hang out here..) plus it has one of AK's top attractions 'Dinosaur'. So you won't find a lot of hate for DinoLand entirely.

Now the problem some folks DO have with DinoLand is the inclusion of 'DinoRama'- that carival-styled area with all the fairground games and carnival rides. Many people have strong issues with this, at it feels out of place and a 'cheap fix' to more daunting issues. So that is where you may be feeling the 'hate' vibes.

I myself have no issues with DinoLand USA...only i wish 'Dinosaur' would have all it's original effects re-activated. 'DinoRama' on the other hand i am not a big fan of to say the least.

Hope this helps clear up any confusion!

:wave:

 

[heartodisney]

Most people seem to dislike the Dinorama section of Dinoland because it looks like a cheep road side carnival. Quite a few people (myself included at one point) don't know the story behind it and do not understand that it is supposed to be a road side carnival. Once it was explained to me I got it and my dislike of Dinorama faded. The only fault of Disney's that I can see is this story is not explained really well. Remedy that and I think quite a few more people will warm up to the place.

I very much agree with you Master Yoda, we had our "explanation" before we arrived on our third trip and very much had a great time, and I just know that when we go back with our daughter it will be that much more fun!

 

[GizmoDuck]

To put it simply: It's cheesy, and does not match the natural aesthetic of the rest of the park

 

[njDizFan]

As a lover of DAK I will try to explain. When I think of Animal Kingdom, visions of extensive theming, rich and diverse animal life and lush vegetation come to mind. Whether it's walking through an Asian or African village or stolling through dense forest trail, there is always a feeling of being far removed from a Florida theme park.

The awe inspiring feeling of walking over the bridge to Asia and seeing the prayer cloths and finally in the distance the sight of Everest. The queue area of Kali River Rapids could be an attraction all it's own.

The experience of dancing and singing with traditional African musicians while being in the middle of an African village. And then taking a safari through the heart of the Savanna.

Exploring the sights and sounds of the trails all around the incredible Tree of Life.

Then...bam..Chester and Hester's Dino-rama...

Granted a dinosaur section is important to the AK, but carnival rides and pavement everywhere, it leaves so much to be desired. The Dino Institute and even the boneyard are cool but the rest really does not have the feel of DAK..

I mean a hub and spoke ride, primeaveal hurl, and some carnival games, is not inspiring.

 

[Lucky]

It's not my favorite "land" in the park, but I don't think it detracts from Asia or Africa. It's not visible from the other lands, and you can even do the Dinosaur ride without passing the carnival area.

For a few months in spring-summer 2005, Lucky the Dinosaur made Dinoland an exciting part of the park. It would be nice to bring him back.

 

[Figment632]

Because it doesn't matter what little story they try to attach to it Dinorama is made ip of the same cheap carnival rides that Walt Disney hated and created Disneyland to get away from.

Also that part if Dinoland was suppose to hour a rather large wooden rollercoaster that would have been themed great called the Excivator. Instead they put in ygsy cheap carnival stuff.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Its cheap and tacky, a bit like me, so I actually like it.

 

[Atomicmickey]

For me it's the prize games/booths.

I always avoid these at regular carnivals, I don't like to be barked at and cajoled to play stupid games. I find that experience totally jarring in a WDW atmosphere.

I do understand and appreciate the story, but I wish that the dinosaur area was more strictly "Jurassic Park" like--I understand why it's not, but it would have been cooler to keep the environment more natural.

I do like the boneyard, and the walking gardens around the Dinosaur ride.

So, yeah. Carnival games, not so good. The "highway" tarmac, not so good. Hot.

 

[musketeer]

But doesn't the African thermed area look cheap and run down?

Doesn't the Hollywood Tower Hotel look run down and not kept up?

Doesn't the boarding area for the Rockin' Roller Coaster look like a dingy backstreet with crappy looking fences and construction barrels?

No one has a problem with any of these things because that is what they are supposed to look like.

Do people really think that disney just got lazy, had an empty parking lot, and threw a cheap carnival type place on it?

I understand everyone's responses, but I think it's not right to say that because other areas of this park look one way, then they all have to look like that.

I stand by my defense of the entire Dinoland USA, Dinorama included. I think it's brilliant, original, and completely unexpected.

Think about the dinosaur area at Islands of Adventure. In my opinion, very un-original. Plucked right out of Jurassic Park. In fact, I think the land is even just called Jurassic Park.

 

[Figment632]

:snore:

But doesn't the African thermed area look cheap and run down?

Doesn't the Hollywood Tower Hotel look run down and not kept up?

Doesn't the boarding area for the Rockin' Roller Coaster look like a dingy backstreet with crappy looking fences and construction barrels?

No one has a problem with any of these things because that is what they are supposed to look like.

Do people really think that disney just got lazy, had an empty parking lot, and threw a cheap carnival type place on it?
I understand everyone's responses, but I think it's not right to say that because other areas of this park look one way, then they all have to look like
that.

I stand by my defense of the entire Dinoland USA, Dinorama included. I think it's brilliant, original, and completely unexpected.
Think about the dinosaur area at Islands of Adventure. In my opinion, very un-original. Plucked right out of Jurassic Park. In fact, I think the land is even just called Jurassic Park.

You are missing the point. The theme and story are fine the rides themselves are cheap carnival rides. PW is a wildmouse coaster, I can drive 10 minutes up the road to the cheap boardwalk rides near my house and ride the same ride as PW.

 

[Master Yoda]

Because it doesn't matter what little story they try to attach to it Dinorama is made ip of the same cheap carnival rides that Walt Disney hated and created Disneyland to get away from.

Also that part if Dinoland was suppose to hour a rather large wooden rollercoaster that would have been themed great called the Excivator. Instead they put in ygsy cheap carnival stuff.

While I would agree that the excavator coaster would have been cooler but how would it have realistically fit in with the theme of Dinoland being a real place in America? The story goes that Dinoland started out as a dinosaur dig in a small town. The Dino Institute followed came a little later and became a tourist attraction. The surrounding places (gas station and restaurant) very quickly and cheaply re-themed there places to capitalize on this. Dinorama sprung up as a result.

I look at is a caricature of what happened in DL. The one thing Disney could do is explain this a bit better. I would like to see this done by adding an obnoxious carnival barker outside of Dinorama telling people not to waste there money on the Dino institute because primeval whirl is the same thing only cheaper, you can't win fluffy things at the Institute, etc. The institute could counter with a very straight laced scientist type steering people away from the cheap carnival.

 

[musketeer]

:snore:


You are missing the point. The theme and story are fine the rides themselves are cheap carnival rides. PW is a wildmouse coaster, I can drive 10 minutes up the road to the cheap boardwalk rides near my house and ride the same ride as PW.

I can drive a few hours and ride many roller coasters. So why go all the way to ride Space Mountain?

I can drive a few minutes and ride a boat on a lake, so why go all the way to ride Pirates of the Caribbean?

I can just simply drive in my car, so why go all the way to ride Test Track?

Isn't all about the fact that it isn't the ride vehicle or the type of ride, but the setting it is in?

I bet the wildmouse coaster you speak of isn't located in a themed area of the park that has an entire backstory and only works when considering everything in that themed area.

 

[Master Yoda]

:snore:


You are missing the point. The theme and story are fine the rides themselves are cheap carnival rides. PW is a wildmouse coaster, I can drive 10 minutes up the road to the cheap boardwalk rides near my house and ride the same ride as PW.

You are missing the story. You can also go up the street and ride bigger and bader coasters than any thing Disney has to offer but you ride Disney's coasters not just for the thrills but for the story.

 

[musketeer]

I would like to see this done by adding an obnoxious carnival barker outside of Dinorama telling people not to waste there money on the Dino institute because primeval whirl is the same thing only cheaper, you can't win fluffy things at the Institute, etc. The institute could counter with a very straight laced scientist type steering people away from the cheap carnival.

I think that's an excellent idea.

 

[Atomicmickey]

I should add that Primeval Whirl was closed last time we were there--it is at the top of my list for things to do this time!

I imagine the view of the area is super cool from up there.

So, we will be spending more time in DinoLand this trip.

OH, and my seven year old thought that the boneyard was one
of the best things in AK--so for that, it works!

FWIW, I go on dinosaur digs, have done amateur paleontology for some
time now, and I do appreciate the attention to detail that Disney has
given to this area. Even down to the "Wall Drug" style cheesiness--it
is a part of that area of the country that I love, so I 'get it'. Remove
the carnival games and I'd feel better about it.

 

[Master Yoda]

I should add that Primeval Whirl was closed last time we were there--it is at the top of my list for things to do this time!

I imagine the view of the area is super cool from up there.

So, we will be spending more time in DinoLand this trip.

OH, and my seven year old thought that the boneyard was one
of the best things in AK--so for that, it works!

FWIW, I go on dinosaur digs, have done amateur paleontology for some
time now, and I do appreciate the attention to detail that Disney has
given to this area. Even down to the "Wall Drug" style cheesiness--it
is a part of that area of the country that I love, so I 'get it'. Remove
the carnival games and I'd feel better about it.

I actually like the games there. They are a necessary element of the cheap roadside fair. To leave them out would be like a circus with out clowns. You might not like clowns but they simply have to be at a circus. The thing I really like is that unlike real carnival games they are not ringed and kids actually win halfway decent stuff. I fell in love with the place when my little 8 year old (about 6 at the time) daughter let out this shrill scream of victory when she beat her two older sisters and parents in the mastodon races.

 

[MKCP 1985]

Because it doesn't matter what little story they try to attach to it Dinorama is made ip of the same cheap carnival rides that Walt Disney hated and created Disneyland to get away from.

Bingo! The cheap rip off carnival games are alive and well all around the world and I don't want to see that crap at any Disney park. To try and get around taking the cheap and easy approach to filling up the park, they created this supposed back story, but I don't buy it. The reality is they went cheap in a park but didn't go cheap on the admission price.

Did I say "cheap" enough times in this post? :lol: