Difference between pages "Kilimanjaro Safaris" and "DinoLand USA"

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{{Infobox Disney ride |
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| image=Safarientrance.jpg
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| image= DINOLAND.jpg
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| caption='''The Entrance Sign for Kilimanjaro Safaris.'''
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| caption='''The Dino Institute in DinoLand USA. Photo by Theme Park Tourist'''  
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| land=Africa
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| theme= Dinosaurs/Roadside Carnival
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| opened=April 22, 1998
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| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom
 
| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom
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| theme= African Safari
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| opened=April 22, 1998
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| duration=22:00
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| custom_label_1     = Number of Attractions
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| custom_label_1= FastPass +
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| custom_value_1     = Seven}}
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| custom_value_1= Yes}}
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DinoLand USA is a land in [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]]
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Kilimanjaro Safaris is an attraction located in the [[Africa]] section of [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]].
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==History==
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==Attraction History==
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DinoLand USA opened with the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998. On opening day the land featured the attractions: [[Countdown to Extinction]], [[The Boneyard Playground]], the Dinosaur Jubilee of 1998, Journey Into the Jungle Book (located in the Theater in the Wild), Cretaceous Trail (a short walking trail that is no longer listed as an attraction), and the Fossil Preparation Lab (where guests could see the fossil of Sue the Dinosaur) <ref name= "map"> http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1998-june-05.jpg </ref>. When DinoLand USA opened it was sponsored by McDonald's <ref name= "dated"/>. As a result of this sponsorship, various signs around the land featured references to the fast food giant. Furthermore, DinoLand's two original restaurants: Petrifries and Restaurantosaurus both served McDonald's food <ref name= "dated"/>.
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The concept for Kilimanjaro Safari actually began when Walt Disney started planning Disneyland in the 1950s. Walt originally envisioned the [[Jungle Cruise]] with premise that real animals would be featured in the ride. Eventually, experts convinced Walt that real animals would be too unpredictable to use in the attraction and Audio Animatronic animals were used instead <ref name= "spence"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/01/kilimanjaro_safaris_at_animal_1.html </ref>. When Disney Imagineers began planning their newest park, Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1989, however, they decided that an attraction using real animals was now a possibility. Taking inspiration from this idea, they designed Kilimanjaro Safaris with the idea that it would be the "E ticket" attraction that the park needed.  
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Imagineer Joe Rhode oversaw the creation of the Safaris, and in July of 1990 he and other Imagineers went to Kenya and Tanzania to study the wildlife there <ref name= "spence"/>. After their trip, Imagineers decided that besides just showcasing the animals on the safari, the attraction would also need a story. Disney CEO Michael Eisner demanded that Disney's Animal Kingdom should promote the idea of conservation <ref name= "spence"/>. To stay clear of any political problems, Imagineers set the Safaris in the fictional village of Harambe (which is Swahili for "working together") <ref name= "spence"/>. Like real villages in Eastern Africa, Harambe is themed to serve as a gateway for guests into the African Savannah.
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The first major change came to DinoLand USA in April 1999 when Journey Into Jungle Book was replaced by a new show titled "Tarzan Rocks!" <ref> http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_jb.htm </ref>.
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[[Image:BigRed2.jpg|350px|thumb|The corpse of Big Red was removed from the attraction prior to opening.]]
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In preparation for the new millennium, the Dinosaur Jubilee was renamed the "Dinosaur Jubilee of 2000". At this time, interactive exhibits featuring wholly mammoths and saber-tooth cats were added to the attraction. These new additions ended up being short-lived however, as by the end of 2000, the attraction closed to make way for DinoLand’s first major expansion- Chester and Hester’s DinoRama <ref> http://www.jamboeveryone.com/2013/03/extinct-dak-files-dinosaur-jubilee.html </ref>. In conjunction with the closing of Dinosaur Jubilee of 2000, the Fossil Preparation Lab also closed.  
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In order to get the environment right for the animals, Disney planters asked for two growing seasons prior to the animals' arrival <ref name="spence"/>. With the foliage being planted in the spring of 1996, Disney began collecting trees from all around the country <ref name= "spence"/>. Furthermore, Imagineers had to determine what animals were going to be showcased in the exhibit. To do this, Imagineers evaluated how active the animals would be, how easily they could be moved backstage, whether they could interact with other animals, and what they would eat.  
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After the animals were selected, Disney needed to figure out how much space the animals needed and how they could be contained in their area. Moats, water features, electric fences, "ha-has", and wires and chains were placed on the ground in order to keep animals within their area. In order to make the animals more visible to guests on the safari, Disney implemented "tricks" to encourage the animals to stay in certain spots <ref name= "spence"/>. Hidden food, air condition rocks, cooling and warming waters, and cool breezes are all used to keep animals within view <ref name= "facts"> http://www.disneyfanatic.com/16-amazing-facts-about-kilimanjaro-safaris-in-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>. During Kilimanjaro Safaris' development, Disney also decided that they did not want to acquire the animals for the park from their natural habitats. Instead, they were brought in from other zoos or reputable breeders <ref name= "facts"/>. Finally, backstage, state of the art animal homes were constructed to shelter the animals when they were not "on stage" <ref> http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/11/sign-up-for-a-chance-to-tour-backstage-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-theme-park/ </ref>.  
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On May 1, 2001, Countdown to Extinction changed its name to Dinosaur! in an attempt to tie the attraction in with the Disney movie of the same name <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/countdown-to-extinction/ </ref>.  
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On November 18, 2001, a new area of DinoLand called Chester and Hester’s DinoRama opened to guests <ref name= "D23"> https://d23.com/a-to-z/chester-hesters/ </ref>. Opening with the new section were the attractions: [[TriceraTop Spin]] and Midway Games (later renamed [[Fossil Fun Games]]) <ref name= "D23"/>. These new attractions were subsequently joined by [[Primeval Whirl]] on April 18, 2002 <ref name= "D23"/>.
  
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The original story that Imagineers created for Kilimanjaro Safaris, involved guests racing after poachers while trying to rescue a mother and child elephant named Big Red and Little Red <ref name= "hill"> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/282.aspx#.UK7NfIeCmSo </ref>. In the original plans for the attraction, guests would be involved in a high speed chase for the last third of the ride. Along the way, they would pass the bloodied corpse of Big Red who was killed by poachers for her tusks. This was done in order to stress the conservation message that Michael Eisner had championed for the park. Unfortunately, Cast Member previews proved that the sight of the dead elephant was too much for kids (and some adults) <ref name= "hill"/>. After receiving a lot of complaints, Imagineers removed the elephant and instead implied Big Red's death in the script. The elephant corpse was no longer a part of the attraction when it opened on April 22, 1998 <ref name= "hill"/>.
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The next major change to come to DinoLand USA happened on January 21, 2006 when Tarzan Rock! closed  <ref> http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_tr.htm </ref>. The stage show was replaced in January 2007 with a new show titled [[Finding Nemo- The Musical]] <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/finding-nemo-the-musical/ </ref>.
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===Changes Since Opening===
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During the holiday season of 1998, Disney decided to allow the safaris to remain open at night <ref name= "jambo"> http://www.jamboeveryone.com/2015/04/coming-soon-nighttime-kilimanjaro.html </ref>. The "new" attraction, known as Kilimanjaro Night Safaris featured animal sounds, reflectors meant to represent animal eyes, and an African dance troupe who performed around a bonfire <ref name= "jambo"/>. Following the holiday season however, it was decided that the attraction would be discontinued due to guest complaints about not being able to see the animals, as well as the additional costs of keeping the attraction open. <ref name= "jambo"/>
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In February of 2012, Disney announced that beginning in the fall,  the Little Red story would no longer be featured in the attraction <ref> http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-02-14/the-daily-disney/os-disney-aniimal-kingdom-safari-changes-20120214_1_disney-s-animal-kingdom-theme-park-zebras </ref>. On April 29th, the Little Red Audio Animatronic was removed, and construction began on the attractions final scene <ref> http://exploringwdw.com/disney-info/kilimanjaro-safaris-update/ </ref>?. On October 23, Plains Zebras were added to the attraction <ref> http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/guests-are-seeing-stripes-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-zebras-out-on-new-kilimanjaro-safaris-savanna/ </ref>and all mentions of Little Red or the poachers were now completely removed. Four months after their addition, the Plains Zebras were removed from the attraction due to “acclimation issues” and replaced with the addax <ref> http://wdwnt.com/blog/2013/03/zebras-removed-permanently-after-4-months-from-kilimanjaro-safaris/ </ref>. The zebras were subsequently returned in June 2013 <ref> http://www.jamboeveryone.com/2013/07/the-return-of-zebras.html </ref>.  
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In 2008, McDonald's sponsorship of DinoLand USA came to an end <ref name= "dated"> http://waltdatedworld.com/id247.htm </ref>. At this time, all references to the fast food company were removed. Furthermore, the quick service restaurant Petrifries was renamed Trilo-Bites <ref name= "dated"/>. Finally, following the dropping of McDonald’s sponsorship, Restaurantosaurus ceased hosting the Donald’s Breakfastosaurus character breakfast<ref name= "dated"/>.
  
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In May of 2013 Disney announced that a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris would begin running in the future <ref>http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/first-look-avatar-to-come-to-life-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>. As part of this new experience, in 2015 Disney announced that spotted hyenas and African wild dogs are expected to be added to the attraction <ref> http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/08/new-details-released-on-rivers-of-light-sunset-kilimanjaro-safaris-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref> which was given a opening date of spring 2016. At this time, Disney announced that the nighttime version of the attraction would be called Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris <ref> http://www.jamboeveryone.com/2015/08/sunset-kilimanjaro-safari.html </ref>. The Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris began running in May of 2016 <ref> https://yourfirstvisit.net/2016/08/02/review-sunset-kilimanjaro-safaris/ </ref>.
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Beginning in June 2018, Dino-Land USA became home to the Donald's Dino-Bash celebration <ref name= "dino> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/donalds-dino-bash/news/25may2018-photos---donalds-dino-bash!-brings-new-meet-and-greets-and-dance-party-to-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm </ref>. The temporary offering allows guest to meet Donald, Daisy, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, Goofy, Chip and Dale, and Pluto  in all new costumes. In addition to the new meet and greets, Donald's Dino-Bash also features a nightly dance party, new themeing around the land, and a new background loop that features a radio show dedicated to celebrating Donald's newly discovered ancestral connection to dinosaurs <ref name= "dino"/>.
  
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==Attraction Plot==
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==Backstory <ref name= "jacK"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/08/chester_and_hesters_dinorama.html </ref>==
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[[Image:Lions2.jpg|350px|thumb|A lion on Kilimanjaro Safaris.]]
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[[Image:ChesterHesterdino.jpg|400px|thumb|The entrance to Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama. Photo by Theme Park Tourist.]]  
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After boarding their safari vehicle called Simba One, guests embark into the African wilderness. The first scene in the Safari is the Ukungu Forest. Here, guests can see the bongo and the okapi, two animals which are difficult to find in the wild. As the tour continues on, guests come across a watering hole, where black rhinoceros can be found. Further ahead, guests pass by the Safari River where two water holes can be seen. The first hole features a couple of male hippopotami, whereas the female hippos populate the second hole. As the Simba One passes by the second pool, the vehicle tips towards the water, showcasing the rough terrain that guests are riding on. Also located on the Safari River are crocodiles, which guests can see before the pass over the Senkell Bridge and enter the Ndege Hills.  
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DinoLand USA is set in the fictional Diggs County. In the early 1940s, the county consisted of ranch and farmland. Here, an elderly couple named Chester and Hester owned a rundown gas station along Highway 498. In 1947 however, things changed in Diggs County. At this time amateur fossil hunters found dinosaur bones in the area and their discovery led scientists and graduate students to flood into Diggs. Initially, the new residents stayed at an old fishing lodge, however when time travel was invented in the 1970s, the Dino Institute was founded. The new modern building became the central location of dinosaur research and time travel.  
  
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On top of the hills, guests are shown the baobab or "upside-down tree". These trees produce fruit which is known as monkey bread, and their large trunks are used to store water. As guests descend down the Ndege Hills, they can see the African Savannah in front of them. The Savannah features the Thompson Gazelle and the Ankole cattle. Further on, guests see giraffes and Mandrills, one of the largest species of monkeys in the world. Other animals that can be found in the Savannah include elephants, ostriches, white rhinoceros, cheetahs and finally lions. After passing the lions, guests can see the attraction’s newest animal the Plains Zebra, before arriving at the unloading area.
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In order to capitalize on the dinosaur craze, Chester and Hester began selling various souvenirs at their gas station. It quickly became evident that the merchandise business was more profitable than selling gasoline. Using their profits from souvenir sales, Chester and Hester decided to build a roadside amusement park, in order to profit from the influx of tourists coming to the area to see the Dino Institute. From this idea, Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama was born. Besides featuring midway style carnival games, the amusement park also features Chester and Hester’s own “time machine”- Primeval Whirl. Although the Dino Institute has tried to by Chester and Hester's land in order to raze the buildings, their decedents have refused to sell.
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===Former Ending===
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The original ending of Kilimanjaro Safaris took guests on a high speed chase after poachers. As guests progressed to the elephant section of the safari, Mr. Wilson (the Safari's warden) warned guests that poachers may be present. When guests reached the back gate of the safari, they could see that it had apparently been broken into, and that the elephant Big Red and her son Little Red were missing. As the driver of the vehicle chased after the poachers, guests were actually shot at by the villains, and it became clear that Big Red had been killed. After narrowly avoiding erupting geysers, guests found out that the poachers had been captured by the preserves' authorities. Here, guests could finally see Little Red, back in the protection of the preserve.
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==List of Animals==
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==Attractions==
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[[Image:Okapi.jpg|350px|thumb|An Okapi eating on Kilimanjaro Safaris.]]
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'''[[DINOSAUR]]'''- Housed inside the Dino Institute, this dark ride allows guests to board Time Rovers and travel back to the Cretaceous period, where they come face to face with various dinosaurs. The attraction was known as Countdown to Extinction from 1998-2000.
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Animals that can be found on Kilimanjaro Safaris include:
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{| style="padding-bottom:0px; padding-top:0px;"
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'''Cretaceous Trail'''- This short walking trail features various plants that have survived since the time of the dinosaurs. Although still open to guests, Cretaceous Trail is not usually listed among Animal Kingdom's attractions.
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'''[[Finding Nemo- The Musical]]'''- This Broadway style show is a musical retelling of the Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo".  The show runs for approximately 35 minutes.
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* Addax
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'''[[Fossil Fun Games]]'''- The Fossil Fun Games are a group of dinosaur themed carnival-style games found in Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.
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*African Wild Dog
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'''[[Primeval Whirl]]'''- This mild roller coaster takes guests back to the time of the dinosaurs.
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* Ankole Cattle
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'''[[TriceraTop Spin]]'''- This hub and spoke attraction allows guests to climb aboard a dinosaur and take a spin above DinoLand USA.
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* Black Rhinoceros
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'''[[The Boneyard Playground]]'''- This kid friendly playground features not only slides and water guns, but also a large sand pit where young guests can dig up dinosaur bones.
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* Bongo
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===Former Attractions===
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[[Image:Tarzanrocks.jpg|350px|thumb|Tarzan Rocks! played in the Theater in the Wild from 1999 until 2006]]
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* Bontebok
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'''Dinosaur Jubilee'''- This large exhibit allowed guests to see the various skeletons that scientists at the Dino Institute had uncovered. The attraction opened on April 22, 1998 as the Dinosaur Jubilee of 1998, before being renamed Dinosaur Jubilee of 2000 in conjunction with the new millennium. Dinosaur Jubilee closed at the end of 2000 and was replaced with Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.
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* Cheetah
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'''Fossil Preparation Lab '''- In the Fossil Preparation Lab guests could see real scientists working on the skeleton of Sue the Dinosaur, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered. The Fossil Preparation Lab operated from April 22, 1998 through 2000. It was eventually replaced by Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama. During its run, the Fossil Preparation Lab was also referred to simply as "Dino-Sue" or "See Sue the Dinosaur!".
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'''Journey Into the Jungle Book'''- This 30 minute musical show told guests the story of Disney's The Jungle Book. Journey Into Jungle Book operated from April 22, 1998 until April 1999 in the Theater in the Wild.
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* Egyptian Goose
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'''Tarzan Rocks!'''- Located within the Theater in the Wild, Tarzan Rocks was a 30 minute show based on Disney's Tarzan. Tarzan Rocks! operated from April 1999 until January 21, 2006.
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* Eland
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==Restaurants==
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* Elephant
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'''[[Restaurantosaurus]]'''- This counter service restaurant specializes in burgers and fries. Restaurantosaurus was sponsored by McDonald's from 1998 until 2008.
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'''[[Trilo-Bites]]'''- This quick service restaurant sells sliders and ice cream. Trilo-Bites was known as Petrifries and sponsored by McDonald's from 1998 until 2008.
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* Greater Flamingo
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'''[[Dino-Bite Snacks]]'''- Located next to Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite is a quick service stand that sells ice cream.
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* Helmeted Guineafowl
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'''[[Dino Diner]]'''- This quick service stand sells various snacks and alcoholic beverages.
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* Hippopotamus
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==Shopping==
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'''The Dino Institute Shop'''- Located at the exit to Dinosaur, The Dino Institute Shop sells dinosaur and other museum souvenirs.
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* Lion
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'''Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures'''- This large store sells dinosaur and other Disney merchandise.
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* Mandrill
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==Entertainment==
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'''Donald's Dino-Bash'''- This temporary offering features a nightly dance party and meet and greets with various characters including:  Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip  and Dale, Launchpad McQuack, and Scrooge McDuck.
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* Masai Giraffe
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* Nile Crocodile
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* Northern Pintail Duck
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* Okapi
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* Ostrich
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* Pink-backed Pelican
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* Reticulated Giraffe
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* Red-billed Duck
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* Sable Antelope
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* Saddle-Billed Stork
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* Scimitar-horned Oryx
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*Spotted Hyenas
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* Springbok
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* Stanley Crane
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* Thomson's Gazelle
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* Warthog
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* White-breasted Cormorant
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*  White-faced Tree Duck
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* White Rhinoceros
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* Yelled-billed Duck
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* Yellow-backed Duiker
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* Yellow-billed Stork
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* Plains Zebra
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* Throughout the attraction, guests will see black vultures which are native to Florida. The vultures are not mentioned by the tour guides because they are not supposed to be in the attraction <ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/01/kilimanjaro_safaris_at_animal_2.html </ref>.  
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* Guests enter DinoLand USA from [[Discovery Island]] by crossing The Oldengate Bridge. This structure is actually the reassembled skeleton of a 40ft Brachiosaurus that was discovered within DinoLand USA <ref name="map"/>.
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* The concrete dinosaur in front o Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures was created by Gregory Warmack, who was working on the Downtown Disney House of Blues and was asked to create a piece for Chester and Hester's <ref> This information was shared by Imagineer Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DIJYUHRbr/ </ref>.  
  
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*The queue for the Kilimanjaro Safaris was inspired by the Mbuyu Camp's check in on the Selous Reserve in Southern Tanzania. This camp was visited by Joe Rohde and his team when they first went to Africa to research <Ref> This information was shared by Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Tf3OUHT7C/ </ref>.
 
  
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* Kilimanjaro Safaris is the largest attraction ever created by Disney <ref> http://www.wdwradio.com/2016/01/need-know-3-accessible-attractions-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>.
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* Paleontologists Phil Currie and Bob Bakker consulted on DinoLand USA  <Ref> This information was shared by Imagineer Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6GnMMnzgd/ </ref>
  
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* The Kilimanjaro Safari ride vehicles are based on the ones used in South Africa's Krueger National Park <ref> This information was shred by Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Vr0-NH9gO/</ref>  
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* All of the dinosaur fossils found in DinoLand USA are from North or South America during the Cretaceous period <Ref> Joe Rohde shared this information on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6GnMMnzgd/ </ref>
  
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* The entire Magic Kingdom could fit inside Kilimanjaro Safaris <ref> http://www.easywdw.com/easy/animal-kingdom/kilimanjaro-safaris-disney-animal-kingdom-ak-review-info/ </ref>.  
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* Behind Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, guests can find a dinosaur photo-op <ref name= "jacK"/>.  
  
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* To create Kilimanjaro Safaris, Imagineers had to move 1.5 million cubic yards of dirt <ref> http://www.postbulletin.com/animals-rule-at-new-disney-theme-park/article_9f7bc67e-f7c1-5740-bf7b-17d433e8af03.html </ref>.
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* Near the entrance to Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama, guests can see "DINO-RAMA" spelled out in plants. Upon closer inspection, guests can see that the outline of the letters was created with old license plates<ref name= "jacK"/>.  
  
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* Imagineers had to place over 2.3 million plants when creating Kilimanjaro Safaris <ref> http://www.disneyfanatic.com/12-mind-blowing-facts-about-kilimanjaro-safaris-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ </ref>.
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* At one time, guests could see a "parking lot" for Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama next to shop. It has since been replaced with picnic benches<ref name= "jacK"/>.  
  
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* Zebras were found on the attraction’s savannah when Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened. The animals are now featured at the end of the attraction <ref> http://www.jamboeveryone.com/2013/07/the-return-of-zebras.html </ref>.
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* DinoLand USA's entrance sign formally featured the phrase "OVER 3 BILLION UNEARTHED". This was a reference to McDonald's slogan "over 99 billion served". The phrase was removed after the end of McDonald's sponsorship in 2008 <ref name= "dino"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/dinoland_usa_disneys_animal_ki.html </ref>.  
  
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* According to Imagineer Joe Rohde at one time there was a bloody zebra carcass that was used as a carnivore drinker (an object for the animals to drink out of). The drinker was removed due to numerous complaints from guests who thought the carcass was real <ref> https://twitter.com/search?q=joe%20rohde%20mkpony&src=typd </ref>.
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* If guests look at the back of water tower found outside of Restaurantosaurus, they will see a large bullseye has been painted on the back. This was done by rambunctious paleontologists <ref name= "dino"/>.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 15:22, 29 April 2020

DinoLand USA
DINOLAND.jpg
The Dino Institute in DinoLand USA. Photo by Theme Park Tourist
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Theme Dinosaurs/Roadside Carnival
Opening date April 22, 1998
Number of Attractions Seven

DinoLand USA is a land in Disney's Animal Kingdom

History

DinoLand USA opened with the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998. On opening day the land featured the attractions: Countdown to Extinction, The Boneyard Playground, the Dinosaur Jubilee of 1998, Journey Into the Jungle Book (located in the Theater in the Wild), Cretaceous Trail (a short walking trail that is no longer listed as an attraction), and the Fossil Preparation Lab (where guests could see the fossil of Sue the Dinosaur) [1]. When DinoLand USA opened it was sponsored by McDonald's [2]. As a result of this sponsorship, various signs around the land featured references to the fast food giant. Furthermore, DinoLand's two original restaurants: Petrifries and Restaurantosaurus both served McDonald's food [2].

The first major change came to DinoLand USA in April 1999 when Journey Into Jungle Book was replaced by a new show titled "Tarzan Rocks!" [3]. In preparation for the new millennium, the Dinosaur Jubilee was renamed the "Dinosaur Jubilee of 2000". At this time, interactive exhibits featuring wholly mammoths and saber-tooth cats were added to the attraction. These new additions ended up being short-lived however, as by the end of 2000, the attraction closed to make way for DinoLand’s first major expansion- Chester and Hester’s DinoRama [4]. In conjunction with the closing of Dinosaur Jubilee of 2000, the Fossil Preparation Lab also closed.

On May 1, 2001, Countdown to Extinction changed its name to Dinosaur! in an attempt to tie the attraction in with the Disney movie of the same name [5]. On November 18, 2001, a new area of DinoLand called Chester and Hester’s DinoRama opened to guests [6]. Opening with the new section were the attractions: TriceraTop Spin and Midway Games (later renamed Fossil Fun Games) [6]. These new attractions were subsequently joined by Primeval Whirl on April 18, 2002 [6].

The next major change to come to DinoLand USA happened on January 21, 2006 when Tarzan Rock! closed [7]. The stage show was replaced in January 2007 with a new show titled Finding Nemo- The Musical [8].

In 2008, McDonald's sponsorship of DinoLand USA came to an end [2]. At this time, all references to the fast food company were removed. Furthermore, the quick service restaurant Petrifries was renamed Trilo-Bites [2]. Finally, following the dropping of McDonald’s sponsorship, Restaurantosaurus ceased hosting the Donald’s Breakfastosaurus character breakfast[2].

Beginning in June 2018, Dino-Land USA became home to the Donald's Dino-Bash celebration [9]. The temporary offering allows guest to meet Donald, Daisy, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, Goofy, Chip and Dale, and Pluto in all new costumes. In addition to the new meet and greets, Donald's Dino-Bash also features a nightly dance party, new themeing around the land, and a new background loop that features a radio show dedicated to celebrating Donald's newly discovered ancestral connection to dinosaurs [10].

Backstory [11]

The entrance to Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama. Photo by Theme Park Tourist.

DinoLand USA is set in the fictional Diggs County. In the early 1940s, the county consisted of ranch and farmland. Here, an elderly couple named Chester and Hester owned a rundown gas station along Highway 498. In 1947 however, things changed in Diggs County. At this time amateur fossil hunters found dinosaur bones in the area and their discovery led scientists and graduate students to flood into Diggs. Initially, the new residents stayed at an old fishing lodge, however when time travel was invented in the 1970s, the Dino Institute was founded. The new modern building became the central location of dinosaur research and time travel.

In order to capitalize on the dinosaur craze, Chester and Hester began selling various souvenirs at their gas station. It quickly became evident that the merchandise business was more profitable than selling gasoline. Using their profits from souvenir sales, Chester and Hester decided to build a roadside amusement park, in order to profit from the influx of tourists coming to the area to see the Dino Institute. From this idea, Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama was born. Besides featuring midway style carnival games, the amusement park also features Chester and Hester’s own “time machine”- Primeval Whirl. Although the Dino Institute has tried to by Chester and Hester's land in order to raze the buildings, their decedents have refused to sell.

Attractions

DINOSAUR- Housed inside the Dino Institute, this dark ride allows guests to board Time Rovers and travel back to the Cretaceous period, where they come face to face with various dinosaurs. The attraction was known as Countdown to Extinction from 1998-2000.

Cretaceous Trail- This short walking trail features various plants that have survived since the time of the dinosaurs. Although still open to guests, Cretaceous Trail is not usually listed among Animal Kingdom's attractions.

Finding Nemo- The Musical- This Broadway style show is a musical retelling of the Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo". The show runs for approximately 35 minutes.

Fossil Fun Games- The Fossil Fun Games are a group of dinosaur themed carnival-style games found in Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.

Primeval Whirl- This mild roller coaster takes guests back to the time of the dinosaurs.

TriceraTop Spin- This hub and spoke attraction allows guests to climb aboard a dinosaur and take a spin above DinoLand USA.

The Boneyard Playground- This kid friendly playground features not only slides and water guns, but also a large sand pit where young guests can dig up dinosaur bones.

Former Attractions

Tarzan Rocks! played in the Theater in the Wild from 1999 until 2006

Dinosaur Jubilee- This large exhibit allowed guests to see the various skeletons that scientists at the Dino Institute had uncovered. The attraction opened on April 22, 1998 as the Dinosaur Jubilee of 1998, before being renamed Dinosaur Jubilee of 2000 in conjunction with the new millennium. Dinosaur Jubilee closed at the end of 2000 and was replaced with Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.

Fossil Preparation Lab - In the Fossil Preparation Lab guests could see real scientists working on the skeleton of Sue the Dinosaur, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered. The Fossil Preparation Lab operated from April 22, 1998 through 2000. It was eventually replaced by Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama. During its run, the Fossil Preparation Lab was also referred to simply as "Dino-Sue" or "See Sue the Dinosaur!".

Journey Into the Jungle Book- This 30 minute musical show told guests the story of Disney's The Jungle Book. Journey Into Jungle Book operated from April 22, 1998 until April 1999 in the Theater in the Wild.

Tarzan Rocks!- Located within the Theater in the Wild, Tarzan Rocks was a 30 minute show based on Disney's Tarzan. Tarzan Rocks! operated from April 1999 until January 21, 2006.

Restaurants

Restaurantosaurus- This counter service restaurant specializes in burgers and fries. Restaurantosaurus was sponsored by McDonald's from 1998 until 2008.

Trilo-Bites- This quick service restaurant sells sliders and ice cream. Trilo-Bites was known as Petrifries and sponsored by McDonald's from 1998 until 2008.

Dino-Bite Snacks- Located next to Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite is a quick service stand that sells ice cream.

Dino Diner- This quick service stand sells various snacks and alcoholic beverages.

Shopping

The Dino Institute Shop- Located at the exit to Dinosaur, The Dino Institute Shop sells dinosaur and other museum souvenirs.

Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures- This large store sells dinosaur and other Disney merchandise.

Entertainment

Donald's Dino-Bash- This temporary offering features a nightly dance party and meet and greets with various characters including: Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale, Launchpad McQuack, and Scrooge McDuck.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Guests enter DinoLand USA from Discovery Island by crossing The Oldengate Bridge. This structure is actually the reassembled skeleton of a 40ft Brachiosaurus that was discovered within DinoLand USA [1].
  • The concrete dinosaur in front o Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures was created by Gregory Warmack, who was working on the Downtown Disney House of Blues and was asked to create a piece for Chester and Hester's [12].


  • Paleontologists Phil Currie and Bob Bakker consulted on DinoLand USA [13]
  • All of the dinosaur fossils found in DinoLand USA are from North or South America during the Cretaceous period [14]
  • Behind Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, guests can find a dinosaur photo-op [11].
  • Near the entrance to Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama, guests can see "DINO-RAMA" spelled out in plants. Upon closer inspection, guests can see that the outline of the letters was created with old license plates[11].
  • At one time, guests could see a "parking lot" for Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama next to shop. It has since been replaced with picnic benches[11].
  • DinoLand USA's entrance sign formally featured the phrase "OVER 3 BILLION UNEARTHED". This was a reference to McDonald's slogan "over 99 billion served". The phrase was removed after the end of McDonald's sponsorship in 2008 [10].
  • If guests look at the back of water tower found outside of Restaurantosaurus, they will see a large bullseye has been painted on the back. This was done by rambunctious paleontologists [10].

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-1998-june-05.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://waltdatedworld.com/id247.htm
  3. ↑ http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_jb.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.jamboeveryone.com/2013/03/extinct-dak-files-dinosaur-jubilee.html
  5. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/countdown-to-extinction/
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://d23.com/a-to-z/chester-hesters/
  7. ↑ http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak_tr.htm
  8. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/finding-nemo-the-musical/
  9. ↑ https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/donalds-dino-bash/news/25may2018-photos---donalds-dino-bash!-brings-new-meet-and-greets-and-dance-party-to-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/dinoland_usa_disneys_animal_ki.html
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/08/chester_and_hesters_dinorama.html
  12. ↑ This information was shared by Imagineer Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DIJYUHRbr/
  13. ↑ This information was shared by Imagineer Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6GnMMnzgd/
  14. ↑ Joe Rohde shared this information on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6GnMMnzgd/
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