"Dinosaur" reflections

[monetnj]

Dino is ok, but it is a little dark and loud. I wish we had more scenes with the dinosaurs in their natural "habitat" so to speak, instead of just having them pop out at you. It suffers in comparison to the Raiders of the Lost Ark ride at DL. They use the same type of ride vehicle, but the execution and theming at DL is better. I hope if they ever close the Raiders stunt show at MGM they replace it with the Raiders ride. Especially if they ever get around to making Indy 4.

 

[yeaitspootie]

I have to agree. I would love to see more of the Dinos in a peaceful setting, because you know Disney would do an amazing job. But on th flip-side of the coin, the fast bumpy scary ride is still entertaining. And by the way, I always have to tell myself, "you won't die, it's all fake, if it was real than we wouldn't be able to ride it!!"

 

[ChrisFL]

Dinosaur(AKA Countdown to Extension) is one of my favorite rides also. I've never riden Jurasic Park because I think it is more like a rollercoaster with drops. That's why I've never ridden it. I don't do rollercoaster, except or RR, because it doesn't have drops. Dinosaur is not a rollercoaster. It's more like Snow White on Acid. No really, it's a dark ride on a track that goes fast in places and is very bumpy in places. Be sure and pay attention to the preshow and listen to the story on the intercom on the ride so you will know what's going on. Try to remember that it's all fake and that you're not really going to be eaten by animatronics. Hold those heads up high and keep saying to yourself "Mickey wouldn't make anything that would hurt me! It's just a story!" Listen to the audio that's on the DIS before you go and get used to the story. Maybe it will make you want to leave your eyes open to see what's going on in the audio.

Jurassic Park just has one really big drop. Besides the fact that they're dinosaur themed rides, they're nothing alike. I can't say which one is better.

Dinosaur is more intense for a longer period of time with lots of darkness and loud noises, where JP is mostly a calm ride to begin with, seeing the docile dinos first, until you get misdirected into the Raptor containment area. It's a slowly built up tension, you see raptors moving in the trees, until you start to get attacked from all sides, and then the T-Rex is in front of you and....

well I can't spoil it all.

They're both very effective in different ways.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I've never riden Jurasic Park because I think it is more like a rollercoaster with drops. That's why I've never ridden it.

JP is not a roller coaster, it is more of a water ride--along the lines of Splash Mountain with different theming.

 

[BlindTyldak]

I've ridden Dinosaur more than any ride at WDW. I LOVE that ride! Though I wish they hadn't turned down the lights, it was just a tad brighter when I rode it when it was Countdown.

My DD is a huge dino nut and when I'm reading a dinosaur book to her I have a horrible time not doing "computer" immitations of the dinosaur names.

 

[DebbieTN]

JP is not a roller coaster, it is more of a water ride--along the lines of Splash Mountain with different theming.

Oh yeah, I remember seeing a promo of it. That's how I knew that I didn't want to ride it. I can't even ride Splash Mountain or Space Mountain.

 

[MermaidMommy]

For those of you who have ridden with children, has their reaction been mostly positive? DD will be 7 on our next trip, and loves coasters, the Dinosaur movie, and usually doesn't get scard by rides or movies. She's seen the roaring TRex on the planning video and wonders if that's the scariest the ride gets or if it's too intense. I know everything depends on the individual child, but I'm trying to get some perspectives. Thanks!

 

[yellownovawife]

Hi mermaidmommy - I am in the same boat. I would hate for this ride to ruin my currently "fearless" 7 year old. I would like to know if she can really handle it. I will watch for the responses you get!

 

[BlindTyldak]

While I haven't been on with a child myself, I've seen adults leaving the ride in tears, and my own DH, when asked if he wanted to go back on, saifd "nah, I don't think so", in that "I'm playing cool but honestly I didn't think it was fun and I'm gonna hit the bathroom now' tone of voice. It is a very, VERY intense ride that has the possibility of shaking riders (literally and figuratively) of any age.

 

[yeaitspootie]

Yeah, it is one of the best Disney rides, but only if you aren't traumatized by riding it. It is loud, bumpy, and VERY realistic. Even kids who enjoy rollercoasters may be scared by Dinosaur. My advice would be to ride it yourself, then you can gauge how scared you think you're child would be. Hopefully they'll love it!!

 

[Glendamax]

Hey Glendamax, you a Seal fan I take it? I have that very CD, love it, jam on it all the time. Would love a comparison of Jurassic Park to this ride if you have one, thanks.

Yes! I'm a HUGE fan! You gotta get Seal IV, and his Live in Paris DVD! (There's an accoustic CD as well )

As for comparing this ride with Jurassic, I can't. Since I can't do big drops I wasnt able to ride I really wanted to, but did not want to DIE on my vacation . . . So that's why I really love this attraction; it IS a thrill ride, but it dosent make me feel sick, and there are NO drops to brace myself for.

 

[monetnj]

For those of you who have ridden with children, has their reaction been mostly positive? DD will be 7 on our next trip, and loves coasters, the Dinosaur movie, and usually doesn't get scard by rides or movies. She's seen the roaring TRex on the planning video and wonders if that's the scariest the ride gets or if it's too intense. I know everything depends on the individual child, but I'm trying to get some perspectives. Thanks!

I made the mistake of taking my little fearless DS4 on the ride. He loves SM, BTMR and just about any coaster they allow him on. He also loves the Dinosaur movie. He does get scared of "scary" rides, although he did finally get on HM with us and did pretty well. Dino, with its very loud and realistic dinosaurs, was too intense for him. He didn't completely break down, but he did spend a lot of time covering his eyes and hugging my arm. However, he did recover quickly and it didn't scare him off from trying the other coasters. I'd love to take him on ToT since he loves those drop machines at the carnival, but I suspect the Twilight Zone theming would be too much.

 

[Mickeygolf]

My whole family loves Dino. We think this is where our 7 year old DS developed his daredevil nature to rides. The first time my wife road it she was a couple months pregnant and didn't see the signs to not ride it. When she got off she was a little worried but felt great. That little boy is the biggest rider in the family. He's not afaid of any ride. He still loves dinosaur. I always love his picture at the end. He's usually the only one in the car with a smile from ear to ear.