AKL Dinoland games

[BurleyGirl]

Do the "boardwalk" type games at AKL's Dinoland cost an additional charge to play? My DS4 will want to play them, and I want to be prepared if there is a charge to play them.

Thanks!

 

[HookdonWDW]

First off, the games are at Animal Kingdom Park (AK), not Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL)... didn't want to confuse people that didn't already know this!!!

There is a charge to play the games. I can't tell you how much it is, because I refuse to allow my children to spend their money in what I affectionately call "Tacky-land"...

 

[BurleyGirl]

Thanks for the AK/AKL correction--duh!!

Thanks also for the info--just curious--why do you refer to this area as "Tacky land?" This will be our first time there, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Thanks again for your reply!

 

[HookdonWDW]

I refer to it as Tackyland because I think that the area looks like a tacky carnival area. It's a personal thing... I don't go to Disney for the equivalent of carnie games, and I don't think that this entire area fits in with the idea of Animal Conservation or with true dinosaurs.

Disney took out their dino/paleontology exhibit tent to put this up. Now granted, their exhibit was lame and needed work, but instead of putting in a hands-on somewhat educational exhibit (ala IOA), the Eisner Brain Trust got together and decided that what people would really like were a half dozen generic carnival rides and games... and coincidentally, people will part with even more of their money for the privilege. It just strikes me as being "beneath Disney." If I wanted to play carnival games, I'd spend $50.00 and go to the carnival in the next town. I wouldn't spend thousands to go to Disney.

OMG! I just realized that I'm a Disney snob!!!

 

[BurleyGirl]

Thanks, HookdonWDW. (It doesn't sound like you're a Disney snob.)

At least I'll know what to expect and either steer my DS4 clear of this area or go into it prepared!

 

[Whitegloves]

I have to disagree...we love Dinoland! It seems this is an area of Disney you either love or hate. To me it is another example of Disney's ability to theme an area. It has all the charm of bygone days, when you might come upon a small carnival or roadside attraction in your travels.
As for the games, my then 18 yr.old, who paid for his own game, tried one of them. He loved them and we had fun watching, especially when he surprised the girl running the strength test. (Where you hit the pad with a lg. hammer? and it measures your strength. )She really didn't expect him to win anything. He is built thin but extremely strong. It was worth the $2.00 ( I think) for the cute stuffed snake he won. Don't quote me on the price, this was last June.
Incidentally, while my husband was waiting for us on one of the rides, he watched a rather rough looking character having fun playing the games. After he had won 2 stuffed animals, the man turned around and approached a family with 2 handicapped children. He proceeded to ask the parents if he could give the toys to the kids. After gaining their approval , he gave the stuffed animals to the kids. He left with his buddy in one direction smiling, while the parents and the 2 children went in another direction smiling and happy. It also brightened our day. How's that for Disney magic?!

 

[Mboothby]

Well, I have to put my 2 cents in here. I think Dinoland is SUPPOSED to be tacky and they've done a grand job of recreating those little tourist trap roadside carnival places you found along roadside america. That said, I LOVE carnival games and yes, there is a charge and it runs between $1 a game to $2 a game, depending on what you're playing. While I agree, this is a waste of money, if you're good, you WILL at least get something for it and really, what in WDW DOES anyone NEED. It's a vacation. It's meant for spending on fun frivolous things. Have at it, have fun, try your hand at a couple, plop down maybe $5 and move on. The little kids (and this big one) love to play those things.

 

[jaysue]

DS (3 1/2) and I played a couple of games against each other and he won every time with a lil bit of Dad's help. He loved Dinoland and he also loved AK as well. Yes it is a little tacky but the theme is well done and appreciated

Thanks
jaysue

 

[HookdonWDW]

LOL, see? That's the joy of Disney... one person's tacky is another person's idea of a good time!

 

[KMH1]

What I think is cool about Dinoland games is that the CMs will let you play with only two people competing. My husband and I played the "whack a saur" against each other, so we were guaranteed to win a small prize, which turned out to be our beloved green dinosaur "Digger." (Much to my dismay, Kevin beat me by 10 points.)

Though I was eager to give Digger away to a small child, we only seemed to come across people who had two or more children (I didn't want to cause any fights) and then I was tempted to just abandon him because it was weird to walk around AK with a bright green dinosaur but he was too cute to leave by himself.

So...my husband and I turned it into a big joke and we took pictures of Digger for the rest of the day. For example, Digger eating popcorn waiting for the Jammin Jungle Parade, Digger hanging out with Mickey and some of his other stuffed animal friends, Digger sitting in the backseat wearing his seatbelt, etc. (Kevin also gave Digger a high pitched "voice," but that's another story.)

Now Digger sits proudly on my desk at school...I teach seniors and my students know if they are being really obnoxious I will embarrass them by making Digger "kiss" them, etc.

Incidentally (and I realize I am carrying on here), we also played "whack a saur" against a full house (12 people I think) and since so many people were playing, the prize was a BIG dinosaur. Well, much to my delight, I won! But, I didn't want a big dinosaur (it was way too big to lug around), so I asked if I could have three small dinosaurs instead. The CM happily obliged and we walked around the rest of the day with Sunshine (yellow), Sunset (orange), and Doogie (another green one).

Our new friends also had many "photo ops" and the best thing was our "mousekeeper" at AKL arranged them to look out at the Savannah each day!

Yep, we have priceless (well, $8.00) memories from Dinoland!

Below is a picture of me sipping my root beer float with my new friends!

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[BurleyGirl]

You know I never thought of it this way--my DS4 would really enjoy playing those games, especially if he were able to come away with a prize! What's $5 in the grand scheme of things? Does anyone know if Disney Dollars can be used at them? (Sorry to keep this thread going, but I've had a change of heart and thought of this one last (hopefully) question.)

Thanks guys!

 

[Whitegloves]

BurleyGirl,
I would think you can use your Disney Dollars there. I think they are good anywhere at the parks.
Have fun!
Diane AKA Whitegloves =0)

 

[jaysue]

Disney Dollars are indeed good anywhere on WDW property (not sure about Swan/Dolphin though)

Thanks
jaysue

 

[bobcat]

And at least the carnies are clean. LOL! I expected to hate Dinoland when it first opened but it grows on you. My favorite things are the little details. I laugh everytime I ride Primeval Whirl and see the hubcaps and broken antennas used as decorations. Much better than any local carnival.

 

[PatriciaH]

Does everyone really like the way Dinoland looks though?? I mean REALLY? I was keeping my fingers crossed as they were building it even though I did not like what I was seeing. I thought well maybe it will be fun for kids. Then when we finally saw it finished...Oh my gosh... I just cringe whenever I have to pass it. I know the Imagineers tried with whatever $$ they gave them but it is nothing like they wanted to do. And that blacktop in the sun