Difference between pages "Finding Nemo- The Musical" and "DinoLand USA"

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(→‎Backstory http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/08/chester_and_hesters_dinorama.html)
 
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| image=FindingNemoMusical.jpg
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| image= DINOLAND2.jpg
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| caption='''The cast of Finding Nemo- The Musical.'''
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| caption='''The Dino Institute in DinoLand USA.'''  
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| land=DinoLand USA
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| theme= Dinosaurs/Roadside Carnival
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| opened= Jaunary 24, 2007
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| type= Stage Show
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| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom
 
| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom
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| duration=40
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| opened=April 22, 1998
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| custom_label_1= Based on
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| custom_label_1     = Number of Attractions
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| custom_value_1= Disney-Pixar's Finding Nemo
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| custom_value_1    = Seven}}
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| custom_label_2= Number of Seats
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DinoLand USA is a land in [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]]
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| custom_value_2= 1500
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==History==
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| custom_label_3= FastPass +
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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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| custom_value_3= Yes
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}}
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Finding Nemo- The Musical is an attraction located in the DinoLand USA section of [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]].
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==Attraction History==
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Finding Nemo- The Musical was announced on April 7, 2006 at the grand opening of [[Expedition Everest]] <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/finding-nemo-the-musical/news/07apr2006-finding-nemo--the-musical-officially-confirmed.htm </ref>. The show was described "Broadway-caliber short-form" stage musical <ref name= "article"> https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479&dat=20061028&id=0qVjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=biUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=906,11829285&hl=en </ref>. According to Anne Hamburger, Executive Vice President of Disney Creative Entertainment, Finding Nemo- The Musical marked the first time that Disney had made a non-musical animated film into a musical <ref name= "article"/>. Finding Nemo- The Musical was directed by Peter Brosius with music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez <ref name= "magic"> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/finding-nemo-the-musical.htm </ref>. According to Anderson-Lopez, she was approached by Disney to work on the project after the company heard about her 15 minute retelling of Oedipus called "Oedipus A Capella" <ref name= "npr"> http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=301420227 </ref>. After joining the project, Kristen Anderson-Lopez suggested also hiring her husband to work on the new show <ref name= "npr"> The puppets used in the show were created by Michael Curry, who co-created the puppets used in Broadway's "The Lion King" <ref name= "magic"/>. When discussing the creation of the attraction Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts stated:
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{{Quotation|"It is our goal to
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bring the undersea 'Nemo' characters to Disney's Animal Kingdom in a live setting in a way that captures what is truly special about the film. This production meets that challenge in a dynamic and wholly original way to bring us into the fantastic ocean world."}}
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Previews for Finding Nemo- The Musical began on November 5, 2006 <ref name= "allears"> http://allears.net/tp/ak/nemo.htm </ref> and the attraction officially opened January 24, 2007 <ref name= "allears"/>. The show is housed in the Theater of the Wild which was previously home to Tarzan Rocks! <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/754/Walt-Disney-World/Disneys-Animal-Kingdom/DinoLand-USA/Finding-Nemo-151-The-Musical </ref>. Since Finding Nemo- The Musical opened there have been no significant changes to the show.
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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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==Plot==
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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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The show begins with Nemo and his wife Coral naming their newborn children. Suddenly, Coral and the family are attacked leaving only Marlin and Nemo as the surviving members of family.  
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The show then moves forward in time to Nemo's first day of school. Marlin and Nemo then sing “In the Big Blue World”, which conveys Marlin's fear and Nemo's interest in the possibilities of the ocean. Following “In the Big Blue World”, Nemo meets Mr. Ray (his schoolteacher) and his classmates. Although Marlin wants to stay and protect Nemo, the young clownfish eventually leaves for the "big drop off" with the rest of his class.  
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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>.  
 +
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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Although he is initially somewhat at peace with Nemo leaving for school, after talking to the other parents, Marlin begins to have second thoughts. The seen then cuts to Nemo and his friends daring each other to touch the "butt". At this moment however, Marlin enters the scene, reminding Nemo that he is not a great swimmer. Spurred on by his father’s doubt, Nemo begins to swim away from his classmates. At this time, he is swept away by human divers and taken aboard a boat. 
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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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As Marlin frantically searches for his son, Dory (a regal blue tang) crashes into him. Although Dory initially says that she has seen a boat, she sings “Dory’s Ditty” in which she explains:
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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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{{Quotation|
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I got this problem with my brain <br>
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Things get really scrambled in my head<br>
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I have no short term memory<br>
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I forget things almost instantly<br>
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I'm not even sure what I just said. <br>|Dory}}
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Following Dory's explanation, Marlin and Dory are approached by Bruce (a shark) and his friends Anchor and Chum (also sharks). Although it initially appears that Dory and Marlin will be eaten by the sharks, it turns out that the group is actually part of a support group whose motto is "fish are friends not food". The trio of sharks then sing a song also titled “Fish are Friends not Food”.
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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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Following the end of Fish are Friends not Food, Dory and Marlin stumble upon a divers mask. While investigating the mask, Marlin accidently hits Dory causing her nose to bleed. Smelling the blood Bruce gets the urge to eat the fish (despite his pledge not to). While Anchor and Chum try to have an intervention to keep him from devouring the duo. Before Bruce can eat the duo, Marlin and Dory escape, ending the scene.
+
  
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As the curtain rises, the scene changes to a dentist's office. As the dentist works on the teeth of a patient, he explains that he found Nemo on a coral reef and that he thinks that it will make a good present for his niece. Following this explanation, Nemo swims on stage and sings "Where's my Dad", in which he states that he is too small to be alone. Following the end of the song, a tribal chant begins the song "The Tank Gang". During the song and Nemo is introduced to the other creatures in the fish tank that he now finds himself in-   Deb, Bloat, Bubbles, Peach and Gill. The group then explain that they were all bought from a pet store. After Nemo explains that he is from the ocean, a stork named Nigel appears outside the tank. After seeing the bird, the dentist shoos him away, stating that Nemo isn't for Nigel, but for his niece Darla. At the mention of Darla's name, all of the fish scream, alarming Nemo. The reason for their fear, is that Darla is “fish killer".
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On July 16, 2020, Disney announced that Primeval Whirl would be permanently closed <ref> https://wdwnt.com/2020/07/breaking-stitchs-great-escape-rivers-of-light-and-primeval-whirl-officially-closed-forever-at-walt-disney-world/ </ref>.
  
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Although it seems that Nemo is done for, Gill declares that Nemo is small enough to help the entire group escape. Initially reluctant to participate due to his bad fin, Nemo eventually agrees. Gill then explains his plan while singing "We Swim Together". According to the scheme, Nemo will jam the tank's filter, causing the dentist to have to clean it. As he is cleaning the tank, the fish will be placed in plastic bags. Gill then tells the group that after they are in their bags, they will roll out the window and into the ocean.
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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:ChesterHesterdino2.jpg|400px|thumb|The entrance to Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.]]
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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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Following the end of “We Swim Together”, the scene cuts back to Marlin and Dory sleeping in the ocean. As Marlin wakes up, he realizes that the diver’s mask they found is gone. Distraught that their only clue to his son's whereabouts is gone, Marlin claims that he may never see Nemo again. In an attempt to calm Marlin down, Dory sings "Just Keep Swimming". Following Dory's advice, the duo stumbles upon the mask which says “P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney" on it.  
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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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As Dory continues singing Just Keep Swimming, Marlin grows impatient with her. The clownfish then tells her that she should stay while he continues his journey. After a brief argument, a group of moonfish arrive and ask Dory if Marlin is bothering her. Speaking to the group, Dory states that they are trying to get to Sydney. Upon hearing the name of the city, the moonfish form the shape of the Sydney Opera House and tell Dory and Marlin that they need to follow the East Australian Current (the E.A.C).
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==Attractions==
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Before departing the moonfish warn the duo to swim through and not over a trench that they will encounter on the way. When the time comes however, Marlin ignores their advice and he and Dory find themselves surrounded by jellyfish. Although Dory is stung by a smaller jellyfish, Marlin eventually convinces her that they should play a game to get through. To encourage Dory, Marlin says, “first one out of the jellyfish without touching the tentacles wins. Ready set go!” As the two fish hop atop the jellyfish, they continue to sing “Just Keep Swimming”. Although things initially go well, Dory is eventually stung by the jellyfish. As she begins to lose consciousness, Marlin tells her that she’s winning the game, but she needs to stay awake. Unfortunately however Dory passes out, ending the scene.  
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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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As the curtain rises, Nemo and Gill appear on stage. Nemo apologizes to fish leader for not being able to jam the fish tank’s filter. Gill tells Nemo not to worry because he has another plan, to escape down the toilet. To encourage Nemo, Gill tells him that his father is probably on his way to get him now. Hearing this however Nemo sings "Not My Dad" in which he laments the fact that his dad is not brave enough to get save him, and he is probably mad at Nemo for disobeying him.  
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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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Following "Not my Dad", the scene changes to the E.A.C. where Marlin is riding on Crush’s back. After Crush tells Marlin that he saved Dory by taking on the jellyfish, Marlin states that he has to get to the EAC to save Nemo. Hearing this, Crush begins to sing "Go with the Flow". During the song he explains to Marlin that he has to relax. As an example of his philosophy, Crush points out his young son Squirt, who traveled from the beach to the ocean by himself after being born. Hearing Crush's advice and seeing Squirt fall out of the current and then find his way back, Marlin begins to rethink his over protectiveness. At the end of the song, Crush tells Marlin that the "exit" for Sydney is coming up. Before departing however, Marlin asks Crush how old he is (something that Nemo had asked Marlin at the beginning of the show) after Crush responds that he is “150 and still young”, the scene ends.  
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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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The next scene depicts various marine wildlife gossiping about Marlin's adventure. Hearing these stories, Nigel reports to Nemo what has happened. Hearing this news, Nemo signs “That's My Dad (Reprise)”, in which he lauds his father for his bravery.  
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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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At the end of the song, a fish net dives into the tank and scoops Nemo up. Much to the horror of the rest of the Tank Gang, Nemo is put in a plastic bag and given to Darla. At this point Nigel arrives, having brought Marlin and Dory with him. Unfortunately however, Nemo appears to go belly up inside Darla's plastic bag. Thinking his son for dead, Marlin thanks Dory and begins to head home. Fortunately however, Nemo was only pretending to be dead so that he would get flushed down the drain and released. After traveling down the train, Nemo is now reunited with Marlin and Dory. Suddenly however, a school of fish swim up, warning the trio to swim away. Before they can however Dory is captured inside a large net. Despite his father’s fears, Nemo says that he has to save Dory. During the song "We Swim Together (Reprise)", Marlin says he has faith in Nemo, and the young clownfish is able to release Dory and the rest of the fish.  
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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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Although it initially seems as if Nemo has been injured, he is actually ok. Marlin then tells Nemo that he met a sea turtle who was 150! Excited by this, Nemo, Marlin and Dory begin their adventure home.
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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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===Former Attractions===
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[[Image:Jubilee.jpg|350px|thumb|Prior to the creation of Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama, guests could visit the Dinosaur Jubilee, where they would see various dinosaur skeletons]]
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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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'''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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'''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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'''[[Primeval Whirl]]'''- This mild roller coaster takes guests back to the time of the dinosaurs. Primeval Whirl opened on March 31, 2020 and closed on July 16, 2020.
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==Restaurants==
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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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'''[[Dino-Bite Snacks]]'''- Located next to Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite is a quick service stand that sells ice cream.
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'''[[Dino Diner]]'''- This quick service stand sells various snacks and alcoholic beverages.
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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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'''Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures'''- This large store sells dinosaur and other Disney merchandise.
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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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The scene then shifts to Marlin and Nemo back at school. As Nemo prepares to leave with his class, Marlin tells him to have fun and go have an adventure. Marlin, Dory, Mr. Ray, Nemo and his classmates then perform “Finale - The Big Blue World (Reprise)". As the stage dims, the cast members come out and take a bow. This is followed by seagulls saying "mine, mine, mine" and the show ending.
 
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==See the Show!==
 
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==Songs==
 
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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[[Image:OldenGateBridge.jpg|250px|thumb|The Oldengate Bridge in DinoLand USA]]
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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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* 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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* 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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* Behind Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, guests can find a dinosaur photo-op <ref name= "jacK"/>.
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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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* 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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* 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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* 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"/>.
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==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 08:15, 18 November 2020

DinoLand USA
DINOLAND2.jpg
The Dino Institute in DinoLand USA.
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].

On July 16, 2020, Disney announced that Primeval Whirl would be permanently closed [11].

Backstory [12]

The entrance to Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.

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.

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

Prior to the creation of Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama, guests could visit the Dinosaur Jubilee, where they would see various dinosaur skeletons

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.

Primeval Whirl- This mild roller coaster takes guests back to the time of the dinosaurs. Primeval Whirl opened on March 31, 2020 and closed on July 16, 2020.

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

The Oldengate Bridge in DinoLand USA
  • 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 [13].
  • Paleontologists Phil Currie and Bob Bakker consulted on DinoLand USA [14]
  • All of the dinosaur fossils found in DinoLand USA are from North or South America during the Cretaceous period [15]
  • Behind Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, guests can find a dinosaur photo-op [12].
  • 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[12].
  • 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[12].
  • 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. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2020/07/breaking-stitchs-great-escape-rivers-of-light-and-primeval-whirl-officially-closed-forever-at-walt-disney-world/
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/08/chester_and_hesters_dinorama.html
  13. ↑ This information was shared by Imagineer Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DIJYUHRbr/
  14. ↑ This information was shared by Imagineer Joe Rohde on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6GnMMnzgd/
  15. ↑ Joe Rohde shared this information on his Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6GnMMnzgd/
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