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Credit: @PoobaStank_DINOSAUR attraction at Walt Disney World Resort sees a surprising update with some major new additions that has guests scratching their heads.
Confirmed: DINOSAUR Ride To Be Replaced Soon at Disney World
Disney’s Dinosaur remains a visually impressive film, even though its animation shows signs of aging. Initially conceived as a realistic portrayal of dinosaurs with no dialogue, the studio later shifted to a more traditional animated adventure, complete with talking dinosaurs and a menacing villain.
The film’s development was a lengthy process, beginning with initial pitches in 1986, but Dinosaur wouldn’t make its theatrical debut until 2000.
With a reported budget of $127.5 million, it was the most expensive computer-animated film of its time. It also marked a milestone as Walt Disney Feature Animation’s first fully 3D-animated feature. Despite its significance, Dinosaur has largely faded from public conversation by 2024.
While classic Disney films like Beauty and the Beast remain iconic, Dinosaur seems to have been relegated to the background, nearly forgotten within Disney’s extensive film catalog.
However, fans of the film might recognize its enduring legacy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the ride based on Dinosaur is undergoing significant changes. At Animal Kingdom, the DINOSAUR attraction is being phased out for new experiences.
Recent Developments
Recent developments include the removal of trees surrounding the attraction’s show building, making the structure more visible than ever before. The ride’s queue, which is designed to resemble a museum called the Dino Institute, once had trees and vegetation masking the massive show building. The removal of this greenery is a clear sign that Disney is preparing for a major overhaul of the attraction.
This marks at least the second time in recent months that Disney has made changes to the DINOSAUR show building. The ride’s future became uncertain after Disney announced its intention to retheme DinoLand U.S.A.—the land where DINOSAUR is located—during the D23 Expo in 2022.
DinoLand U.S.A., situated at the back of Animal Kingdom, features several prehistoric-themed attractions and experiences, with DINOSAUR serving as its flagship ride.
While details were initially vague, Disney made it clear that it planned to give DinoLand a complete overhaul. During the 2023 D23 Expo, the company reiterated its plans, but instead of the previously suggested Zootopia and Moana-themed additions, Disney pivoted to a South America-themed land inspired by Encanto.
Even with this looming transformation, DINOSAUR surprised guests by adding two new animatronics, a curious move considering the ride’s impending demolition.
@Dr_GrantSeeker on X recently posted an astonishing video showing some new animatronics added to the attraction, giving way to guests speculating why Disney would add these major experiences so late with the ride closing down soon to make way for a new experience. You can see the new animatronics down below:
This is HUGE. The Alioramus Animatronic has been removed from Dinosaur as of yesterday! In its place resides a saltasaurus peeking at you from behind a rock. Also, there is a new, static raptor statue added to the beginning of the ride. This new raptor hasn’t replaced the other
This is HUGE. The Alioramus Animatronic has been removed from Dinosaur as of yesterday! In its place resides a saltasaurus peeking at you from behind a rock.
Also, there is a new, static raptor statue added to the beginning of the ride. This new raptor hasn’t replaced the other https://t.co/LrQfsTRrMl
— Dr. Grant Seeker (@Dr_GrantSeeker) October 12, 2024
Of course, the speculation also got the above individual thinking of whether or not Disney is finally deciding to bring back a fan-favorite dino, Ali:
The new raptor and saltasaurus are trying to distract the rider and keep them from noticing the missing Ali animatronic. Are they fixing Ali and going to bring him back? Or will we never see Ali again? Time will tell. I’m upset! But honestly want to see the new figures also.
The new raptor and saltasaurus are trying to distract the rider and keep them from noticing the missing Ali animatronic. Are they fixing Ali and going to bring him back? Or will we never see Ali again? Time will tell.
I’m upset! But honestly want to see the new figures also. 😮💨
— Dr. Grant Seeker (@Dr_GrantSeeker) October 12, 2024
But of course, for now, this is purely speculation, and nothing has been confirmed with Disney or the theme parks regarding what this means. But seeing the parks trying to give guests a much better experience when riding this classic attraction is nice.
These developments signal a period of transition for DinoLand U.S.A., and Disney fans will be watching closely to see how the new Encanto-inspired land takes shape, marking the end of DINOSAUR‘s reign at Animal Kingdom.
What are your thoughts on the new animatronics added to DINOSAUR?