DINOSAUR: Ride Review

Name: DINOSAUR
Type: Ride, Bumpy "Jeep" ride through animatronic dinosaurs
Location: Animal Kingdom, in Dinoland, U.S.A. area
The Gist: Travel back in time millions of years to watch dinosaurs in their natural habitat, then almost get hit by an asteroid.
A Must-Do For: Dinosaur buffs, people who want an exciting ride that isn't a roller coaster.
Avoid if: You or your children are frightened by loud (very loud!) noises, dark spaces, or pretty darn realistic meat-eating dinosaur animatronics.
Fear Factor: 5/10. The actual movement part of the ride is not that scary. Just a little bumpy and jerky. What makes this scary, mostly for kids, is the atmosphere and the dinosaurs. It is very loud and dark. If you are like me, and know that loud and dark doesn't bother you, then you will be fine. Probably not a good choice for small children, though.

Lines and Other Tips: This ride is one of those that varies wildly. Sometimes the line will be super long, and other times you can walk on. It just depends on a variety of factors. If it is a must-do for you, get a fastpass or get their early in the day.

I personally love this ride. It is thrilling, but it doesn't scare  me, you know? If this is your first time at Animal Kingdom, though, I would recommend doing it only if you have time. Because the really cool stuff there, the stuff you won't get anywhere else, has to do with the real animals, not the robot ones. Do the Safari and the walking trails first, then do things like DINOSAUR if you have time.

And FYI, for some reason, this ride has been breaking down a lot lately. Perhaps it is getting near refurbishment time? Or maybe I just curse it. Because literally, like the last four times I've been to Animal Kingdom (within the space of the last few weeks, mind you), I wait it line for it, then just as I am about to get on- BOOM, the lights go on, the ride stops and is down for the rest of the day. So...either it happens all the time, or it is me. Either way, be wary, and don't depend on this ride to be up and running if it is like, the one thing you want to do here.

xoxo, Lily.