No Work and All Play Disney on the Companys Dime! (8/1 There and Back Again)
- Thread starter thecapells
- Start date
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
I asked Caitlin what ride she thought you started with and her reply was "Dinosaur, duh"So is she quicker than her mom?
I knew I could at least count on Caitlin!
Sorry Dawn - she beat you to it!
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
I asked Caitlin what ride she thought you started with and her reply was "Dinosaur, duh"
Where is she by the way?
I figured she'd weigh in on her own!
dawnbu40
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2008
She has been super busy with college and not Dissing too much. Now that exams are over (and she just got her report card...4.0!
) and she is on break I think she'll be on more.
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
She has been super busy with college and not Dissing too much. Now that exams are over (and she just got her report card...4.0!
Understandable.
Send her our congrats on the 4.0!
We'll look forward to hearing from her over break!
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
It doesnt have quite the same ring as Jurassic Park, does it?
Anyway, I followed behind the mass of people heading towards Expedition Everest.
However, I veered to the right at the next big junction.
While Asia was calling them, I heard the call of the Dinosaurs!
As you can see, there were a couple of people who had the same idea I had but not too many.
I strolled towards the Dinoland bridge and noticed a path off to the side.
Ah yes, the meet and greet with Pooh.
I made a mental note of the times on the board and then headed over the bridge.
Welcome to Dinoland U.S.A.
Ive always liked the Oldengate Bridge so I had to grab a shot of that:
I was literally taking my time through Dinoland and noticed lots of things I hadnt really paid attention to before.
First, there was the researchers station complete with Triceratops skull:
And, of course, I passed the eye sore that is Dinorama.
I took a shot of the flying triceratops to show the kids
I noticed this guy as I wandered deeper into the realm of the huge beasts.
At last I arrived at the Institute itself with its grand pillars.
Once again, I always feel like this is something out of Jurassic Park.
It almost looks like the main building from the 1st Jurassic Park movie.
Too bad Disney didnt partner with Spielberg on that one much like Indy it wouldve fit perfectly here.
In fact, scrapping Dinoland in favor of a Jurassic Park wouldve been awesome.
Can you tell Im neither a fan of Chester nor Hester nor their Dinorama?
And, yes, before you let me know Jurassic Park was indeed built at the "other theme park", I know.
But it wasn't Disney.
I've been over there and experienced the sick Triceratops animatronic which had way too long a wait for basically nothing.
I don't even think it's there anymore.
And I've seen the attractions just for kids.
And yes, I've even ridden the main ride - despite the drop and the fact that I hate drops.
I thought the dinosaur animatronics would be worth it.
Boy, was I wrong.
Really bad theming, animatronics that looked fake, and a 90 foot drop.
I'll never do that ride again.
In fact, the only redeeming feature of that "Island of Adventure" is the Jurassic Park gates themselves.
At least those were perfectly recreated from the movies.
But I digress (and we'll discuss this more later anyway).
Looking closer look at the Dino Institute's pillars reveals that they are presenting some sort of dinosaur exhibit.
Lets check it out!
Along the walkway to the Institute, Dino-Sue stands triumphant.
I love the fact that she was carefully recreated as an homage to the original.
Finally we reach the gates of the Institute itself
I was able to grab one of the other few patrons who came this way to prove that I was here.
This was a big deal to me since I love this ride but, with the kids in tow, its hard to come this way.
However, I hope to enroll them at the Dino Institute on our 2011 trip.
I believe by then they will have met the prerequisites.
But for now, it was just me and I was in no hurry.
I slowed down and start snapping away.
From interesting angles
To the educational lobby interior
To the T-Rex in the pre-show area
I was enjoying this part of the solo trip.
Enjoying the details at my speed and exploring what I wanted to explore.
No kids getting bored or frightened.
Definitely a new way to look at it.
And I really enjoyed not being in a rush I had a list of stuff to do today but I had a couple of hours before I needed to get to those
After the pre-show with Mrs. Huxtable herself, we were ushered into the depths of the Institute.
I really like the details here as we descend to the laboratories.
Its obviously a basement of some sort but the signage makes it seem like the Institute tried to make it feel as pleasant as they could.
At the bottom of the stairs, the Time Rover awaited our prehistoric adventure!
And then, in the blink of an eye, and a jarring of the rover, we were off.
A rocky adventure ensued and we had a blast.
Meteors rained down, dinosaurs closed in on us, and that silly doctor kept pushing us onward guaranteeing our safety despite the computer warnings.
When the meteor shower started in earnest and we were out of time, who finally appeared?
Why it was Aladar! We quickly returned to the present and just in the nick of time!
Departing our rovers, banners showed where weve been.
And then the monitors above showed our new friend Aladar wandering the facility.
He apparently escaped and was exploring his new surroundings.
Isnt he cute?
Heading towards the gift shop, we got a glimpse of our past and how we handled it:
Then it was into the gift shop itself where this guy was just hanging around
Ill leave you here but come back soon.
We still have to explore the grounds outside of the illustrious institute!
Anyway, I followed behind the mass of people heading towards Expedition Everest.
However, I veered to the right at the next big junction.
While Asia was calling them, I heard the call of the Dinosaurs!
As you can see, there were a couple of people who had the same idea I had but not too many.
I strolled towards the Dinoland bridge and noticed a path off to the side.
Ah yes, the meet and greet with Pooh.
I made a mental note of the times on the board and then headed over the bridge.
Welcome to Dinoland U.S.A.
Ive always liked the Oldengate Bridge so I had to grab a shot of that:
I was literally taking my time through Dinoland and noticed lots of things I hadnt really paid attention to before.
First, there was the researchers station complete with Triceratops skull:
And, of course, I passed the eye sore that is Dinorama.
I took a shot of the flying triceratops to show the kids
I noticed this guy as I wandered deeper into the realm of the huge beasts.
At last I arrived at the Institute itself with its grand pillars.
Once again, I always feel like this is something out of Jurassic Park.
It almost looks like the main building from the 1st Jurassic Park movie.
Too bad Disney didnt partner with Spielberg on that one much like Indy it wouldve fit perfectly here.
In fact, scrapping Dinoland in favor of a Jurassic Park wouldve been awesome.
Can you tell Im neither a fan of Chester nor Hester nor their Dinorama?
And, yes, before you let me know Jurassic Park was indeed built at the "other theme park", I know.
But it wasn't Disney.
I've been over there and experienced the sick Triceratops animatronic which had way too long a wait for basically nothing.
I don't even think it's there anymore.
And I've seen the attractions just for kids.
And yes, I've even ridden the main ride - despite the drop and the fact that I hate drops.
I thought the dinosaur animatronics would be worth it.
Boy, was I wrong.
Really bad theming, animatronics that looked fake, and a 90 foot drop.
I'll never do that ride again.
In fact, the only redeeming feature of that "Island of Adventure" is the Jurassic Park gates themselves.
At least those were perfectly recreated from the movies.
But I digress (and we'll discuss this more later anyway).
Looking closer look at the Dino Institute's pillars reveals that they are presenting some sort of dinosaur exhibit.
Lets check it out!
Along the walkway to the Institute, Dino-Sue stands triumphant.
I love the fact that she was carefully recreated as an homage to the original.
Finally we reach the gates of the Institute itself
I was able to grab one of the other few patrons who came this way to prove that I was here.
This was a big deal to me since I love this ride but, with the kids in tow, its hard to come this way.
However, I hope to enroll them at the Dino Institute on our 2011 trip.
I believe by then they will have met the prerequisites.
But for now, it was just me and I was in no hurry.
I slowed down and start snapping away.
From interesting angles
To the educational lobby interior
To the T-Rex in the pre-show area
I was enjoying this part of the solo trip.
Enjoying the details at my speed and exploring what I wanted to explore.
No kids getting bored or frightened.
Definitely a new way to look at it.
And I really enjoyed not being in a rush I had a list of stuff to do today but I had a couple of hours before I needed to get to those
After the pre-show with Mrs. Huxtable herself, we were ushered into the depths of the Institute.
I really like the details here as we descend to the laboratories.
Its obviously a basement of some sort but the signage makes it seem like the Institute tried to make it feel as pleasant as they could.
At the bottom of the stairs, the Time Rover awaited our prehistoric adventure!
And then, in the blink of an eye, and a jarring of the rover, we were off.
A rocky adventure ensued and we had a blast.
Meteors rained down, dinosaurs closed in on us, and that silly doctor kept pushing us onward guaranteeing our safety despite the computer warnings.
When the meteor shower started in earnest and we were out of time, who finally appeared?
Why it was Aladar! We quickly returned to the present and just in the nick of time!
Departing our rovers, banners showed where weve been.
And then the monitors above showed our new friend Aladar wandering the facility.
He apparently escaped and was exploring his new surroundings.
Isnt he cute?
Heading towards the gift shop, we got a glimpse of our past and how we handled it:
Then it was into the gift shop itself where this guy was just hanging around
Ill leave you here but come back soon.
We still have to explore the grounds outside of the illustrious institute!
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
And I just wanted to say Happy Holidays and Merry Mikemas to everyone out there!
(the 25th is my birthday so, to me - it's "Mikemas!")
(the 25th is my birthday so, to me - it's "Mikemas!")
All7OfUs
<font color=darkorchid>We too are so very NOT into
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2007
Hey There!!
Merry Christmas AND Merry Mikemas!!!
I hope you were able to celebrate in a grand way!!
Enjoyed your foray into Dinoland- lovely descriptions!!
I wouldn't have ever guessed you'd go on Dinosaur- REALLY! I thought too bumpy etc...
Merry Christmas AND Merry Mikemas!!!
I hope you were able to celebrate in a grand way!!
Enjoyed your foray into Dinoland- lovely descriptions!!
I wouldn't have ever guessed you'd go on Dinosaur- REALLY! I thought too bumpy etc...
3girls4me05
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
Merry Mikemas! I hope you had a great birthday.
MEK
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 8, 2005
That was an excellent photo montage of dinosaur. Well done! I see I am going to have to try to take more photos of that ride during my next visit. It really is one of my favs! In fact, I am a nurse practitioner in a hospital and whenever someone asks me a question about a patient that isn't on my service, I reply "Not my dino"! No one knows what the heck I am talking about, but I say it anyway! I just can't help myself!
I see I am going to have to try to take more photos of that ride during my next visit. It really is one of my favs! In fact, I am a nurse practitioner in a hospital and whenever someone asks me a question about a patient that isn't on my service, I reply "Not my dino"! No one knows what the heck I am talking about, but I say it anyway! I just can't help myself!
praisehisname
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2003
That was the best pictorial tour of Dinosaur I've ever seen! Great job!
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
Hey There!!
Merry Christmas AND Merry Mikemas!!!
I hope you were able to celebrate in a grand way!!
Enjoyed your foray into Dinoland- lovely descriptions!!
I wouldn't have ever guessed you'd go on Dinosaur- REALLY! I thought too bumpy etc...
Nah, I'm anti-drops but I have no problem with a couple o' bumps!
Nice update on Dinosaur! We love that ride!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks!
I figured Dinosaur was a fun topic to write about on Mikemas!
It was nice and relaxing, thanks!
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
That was an excellent photo montage of dinosaur. Well done!
That's awesome!
Great quote to keep alive.
Thanks!
I had fun just snapping shots all over the place.
The luxury of being on one's own.
Much more to come!
PrincessCaitlin
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2009
Happy Belated!!!!!
I am a fan of Dinosaur I have had many good times on that ride
I always love how it isn't too packed
and thank you for the congratulations unfortunately college gets in the way of my dissing
I am a fan of Dinosaur I have had many good times on that ride
I always love how it isn't too packed
and thank you for the congratulations unfortunately college gets in the way of my dissing
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
Happy Belated!!!!!
I am a fan of Dinosaur I have had many good times on that ride
I always love how it isn't too packed
and thank you for the congratulations unfortunately college gets in the way of my dissing
That's understandable.
You'll just have to catch up on your college breaks!
It can be something to look forward to!
Merry Mikemas! So funny, my SIL's b'day is also Christmas day, but she doesn't seem to take it anywhere near as well as you do 
Great update, we're really looking forward to AK since we haven't been there. Did you know Kali River Rapids runs on a track, btw?*laughing*
Looking forward to the next update!
Great update, we're really looking forward to AK since we haven't been there. Did you know Kali River Rapids runs on a track, btw?*laughing*Looking forward to the next update!
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
Merry Mikemas! So funny, my SIL's b'day is also Christmas day, but she doesn't seem to take it anywhere near as well as you do
Looking forward to the next update!
Yeah, Xmas bdays suck in general.
My new theory is that since everyone gets a present on my birthday, I should get one on everyone else's birthday!
I don't think that one will catch on though...
thecapells
Disney Dad
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2008
Wandering the Dino Institute grounds, I discovered a lot of things Ive never noticed before.
First off, how about a drink of water straight from the Dinos mouth?
And then I saw this guy again.
The kids had a blast posing and playing with him last trip.
But this time I was able to grab a shot of just him.
I was interested in exploring the Cretaceous Trails to see what they've done.
At the head of the trail is this guy
I dont quite get this guy. I like the fact that most of the stuff surrounding the Institute is authentic or very close to it.
This guy, on the other hand, is very far from realistic.
Needless to say, this didnt bode well for my trek into the past.
However, once on the trails, I noticed a great picture spot.
I definitely need to take the kids here next time for a pic.
At the heart of the trail, I expected to hear some rustling in the trees or some jungle-type sounds.
I couldve sworn this was the case last time I was here years before.
This time, my journey was quiet and all I could spot was a couple of Triceratops grazing off to the side.
Returning to the present, my next priority was the first showing of Finding Nemo: The Musical.
But I had plenty of time to kill.
So I did the unthinkable and actually ventured into Dinorama.
I had heard that theres a meet and greet over here that is normally empty so I figured I could swing by that.
However, nobody was out yet so I wandered through Dinorama for the first time.
And it was as bad as I feared.
It reminded me of a really bad move-able carnival.
The games were bad, the theming was bad, and it was entirely non-Disney.
I decided to try a ride and didnt like the looks of Primeval Whirl so I headed towards Triceratops Spin.
A Dumbo/Astro Orbiter/Aladdins Magic Carpets clone, I figured I could at least get a birds eye view of Dinoland.
I boarded my cheesy-looking triceratops and was off.
The theming of the ride was very campy and over-the-top.
It's supposed to look like triceratops trying to escape a meteor shower.
There's even a baby triceratops at the point a la Timothy in Dumbo.
The big Dinoland Dino was kinda neat but also a bit campy.
And then theres these guys trying to find Dinorama kinda reminds me of the South of the Border billboards up and down Interstate 95.
I definitely prefer the seriousness of the Institute as opposed to the silliness of Dinorama.
So, with that, I had had enough.
It was time to get back to more Disney theming.
The characters were still not out, so I headed over to the Theatre in the Wild to see what I could see.
Stay tuned for lots more details including lots more things I never noticed before!
First off, how about a drink of water straight from the Dinos mouth?
And then I saw this guy again.
The kids had a blast posing and playing with him last trip.
But this time I was able to grab a shot of just him.
I was interested in exploring the Cretaceous Trails to see what they've done.
At the head of the trail is this guy
I dont quite get this guy. I like the fact that most of the stuff surrounding the Institute is authentic or very close to it.
This guy, on the other hand, is very far from realistic.
Needless to say, this didnt bode well for my trek into the past.
However, once on the trails, I noticed a great picture spot.
I definitely need to take the kids here next time for a pic.
At the heart of the trail, I expected to hear some rustling in the trees or some jungle-type sounds.
I couldve sworn this was the case last time I was here years before.
This time, my journey was quiet and all I could spot was a couple of Triceratops grazing off to the side.
Returning to the present, my next priority was the first showing of Finding Nemo: The Musical.
But I had plenty of time to kill.
So I did the unthinkable and actually ventured into Dinorama.
I had heard that theres a meet and greet over here that is normally empty so I figured I could swing by that.
However, nobody was out yet so I wandered through Dinorama for the first time.
And it was as bad as I feared.
It reminded me of a really bad move-able carnival.
The games were bad, the theming was bad, and it was entirely non-Disney.
I decided to try a ride and didnt like the looks of Primeval Whirl so I headed towards Triceratops Spin.
A Dumbo/Astro Orbiter/Aladdins Magic Carpets clone, I figured I could at least get a birds eye view of Dinoland.
I boarded my cheesy-looking triceratops and was off.
The theming of the ride was very campy and over-the-top.
It's supposed to look like triceratops trying to escape a meteor shower.
There's even a baby triceratops at the point a la Timothy in Dumbo.
The big Dinoland Dino was kinda neat but also a bit campy.
And then theres these guys trying to find Dinorama kinda reminds me of the South of the Border billboards up and down Interstate 95.
I definitely prefer the seriousness of the Institute as opposed to the silliness of Dinorama.
So, with that, I had had enough.
It was time to get back to more Disney theming.
The characters were still not out, so I headed over to the Theatre in the Wild to see what I could see.
Stay tuned for lots more details including lots more things I never noticed before!
dtr_angel
Sorry I'm Late
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
I love your trip reports!
Happy Belated Birthday!
My husband and I were lucky enough to get CS at El Pirata y el Perico on our trip in August. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular either. My only complaint really is that they only had hard taco shells. I LOVE tacos, but I am not crazy about hard tacos. I'm not sure but I don't think it was open when we were there in March, or the previous June so I guess we got lucky last trip. On our August trip we were determined to eat at CS restaraunts that we had never eaten at before, and somehow managed to not have burgers or chicken nuggets the whole week!
Happy Belated Birthday!
My husband and I were lucky enough to get CS at El Pirata y el Perico on our trip in August. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular either. My only complaint really is that they only had hard taco shells. I LOVE tacos, but I am not crazy about hard tacos. I'm not sure but I don't think it was open when we were there in March, or the previous June so I guess we got lucky last trip. On our August trip we were determined to eat at CS restaraunts that we had never eaten at before, and somehow managed to not have burgers or chicken nuggets the whole week!
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