Dinosaur the RIde

[cer]

I haven't been to WDW yet, but I thought this ride was similar to Indiana Jones at Disneyland. It sounds like it may be quite a bit more intense! If you have been on both rides, how would you compare them?

Thanks!

Same ride technology. I have heard Indiana Jones is better, but I have never ridden Indiana Jones.

[Stu29573]

Same ride technology. I have heard Indiana Jones is better, but I have never ridden Indiana Jones.

Actually, Dino is the exact same ride route with different theming and effects. This was done so they could get two very different rides out of the same plans. Much cheaper. I last went on Dino in November and it actually did jar my back a bit (it hurt off and on for quite a while afterward.) I didn't admit it to my wife, who refused to go on it because of her back. I figured a lecture wouldn't make it feel any better I'm hoping it was a fluke and I'm just not getting too old!

[DizneyRox]

Same ride technology. I have heard Indiana Jones is better, but I have never ridden Indiana Jones.

As stated above, it's actually deeper. It's the same track layout AND even roomlayout. Just a different theme in each and different vehicle movement to match the story. It's called a two fer, and is an old Hollywood trick known as saving money!

[BrerGnat]

Indiana Jones is a much more comprehensive and visually stunning ride experience. It's much longer (maybe because the jeep doesn't go as fast) than Dinosaur and not nearly as dark for the most part, so there's lots of interesting things going on. Indiana Jones is, in my opinion, about a thousand times more enjoyable than Dinosaur.

But...that snake scares me almost as much as the Carnotaurus.

I have to question the validity of the statements regarding the track layout and show building being identical. I don't think so. For one thing, the Indiana Jones ride exists on multiple levels. You drive over a suspension bridge in a huge open room, then go down into a cave of sorts, and while you are down there, you can actually look up and see cars above you, going over the bridge. I don't recall Dinosaur being like this.

[magicalmom]

Unless you really enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the excellent theming, I don't think AK is a full day park.

We don't have a problem spending until 5 or 6 at the AK, because we also spend quite a lot of time enjoying what I call "the forgotten attraction", the animals! The tigers are magnificent, the bats intriguing, I love the birds, and I don't think my dad will ever quite get over explaining to my kids that "the gorillas are - ummmm - >gulp< - er - making baby gorillas."

[DizneyRox]

I have to question the validity of the statements regarding the track layout and show building being identical. I don't think so. For one thing, the Indiana Jones ride exists on multiple levels. You drive over a suspension bridge in a huge open room, then go down into a cave of sorts, and while you are down there, you can actually look up and see cars above you, going over the bridge. I don't recall Dinosaur being like this.

While wikipedia CAN be wrong, this is from there regarding Dinosaur at DAK:

Attraction statistics
Grand opening: April 22, 1998 (Opened with Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Previous attraction name: Countdown to Extinction, changed shortly after the Dinosaur film was released (which was on May 19, 2000).
Show length: 3:10
Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm) or taller
Additional features: Interacts with Pal Mickey

Location: DinoLand U.S.A. Geographical location: 28.357109°N 81.587262°W

Ride system: Computerized ride vehicle, termed EMV (Enhanced Motion Vehicle), which are synchronized to, and trigger show scenes. Uses the same EMV technology and bolt for bolt identical track layout as Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye, only the themeing is different.

Features: Appearances by actors Wallace Langham and Phylicia Rashad.

I remember seeing a track layout once for Dinosaur, (probably a Martin Smith movie) but can't find it. Here is the closest I could find. Shows Dinosaur IS a 2 level layout and possible to see vehicles below you at time, if it were themed that way.



and the DL blueprint, rotated like 90°


One thing I see is at point H on the DL map, it is different, but I can't remember if the AK is accurate at that point or not. We're comparing hand drawn to "blueprint". Knowing Disney, not sure if they would make that "small" of a change for show. I suspect they really are in fact identical. It's just plain cheaper, only need one set of spare parts in a warehouse for repairs.

[Stu29573]

Indiana Jones is a much more comprehensive and visually stunning ride experience. It's much longer (maybe because the jeep doesn't go as fast) than Dinosaur and not nearly as dark for the most part, so there's lots of interesting things going on. Indiana Jones is, in my opinion, about a thousand times more enjoyable than Dinosaur.

But...that snake scares me almost as much as the Carnotaurus.

I have to question the validity of the statements regarding the track layout and show building being identical. I don't think so. For one thing, the Indiana Jones ride exists on multiple levels. You drive over a suspension bridge in a huge open room, then go down into a cave of sorts, and while you are down there, you can actually look up and see cars above you, going over the bridge. I don't recall Dinosaur being like this.

Yep, they are in fact exactly the same. There ia a tribute video out there that maps them both out wonderfully. I know we can't put links on here, so you probably will have to do a little "Google Fishing."

[BrerGnat]

Well, if they are identical, they did a heck of a job making them feel like two completely different attractions!

[twinboyz]

No hills or drops... Much of it is pretty dark and there are some pretty close encounters with dinosaurs. If you sit in the middle row(s) and the middle seats, the bumpy nature of the ride is tamed, although still pretty good.

I like it, although the smell of hydraulic fluid can be overpowering some times.

Took my boys on it at age 12. I have twins. One liked it, the other closed his eyes and covered his ears the entire time. It is intense, but fun. I loved it, but skipped it the first few times we were there. Now it's a must do. I must have been ready.

Depends on your kids and it's nothing like the Norway ride. Maybe skip it until they are ready to try it?

[AXOAlum]

LOVE IT! My favorite ride at DAK (and second to only Finding Nemo: The Musical as an attraction) - I don't do thrill rides either. I have never ridden E:E or M:S and only did TOT a few times and RNRC ONCE (and that was more than enough). But there is something about Dinosaur that I just adore. I think it is wonderful! That being said - I hold onto the handrail and spread my feet apart to help control the jerky movements. DS 8 has been riding since he was 3 (he is tall for his age) and loves it - but then again, he is a thrill junkie!

I could spend 1/2 day at DAK just riding Dinosaur!