‘Indiana Jones’-Themed Ride to Replace DINOSAUR! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

A brand-new Indiana Jones-themed attraction could be the new anchor attraction to replace DINOSAUR! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as Disney’s Parks President says the new attraction would be in keeping with Animal Kingdom’s storyline.

A brand-new Indiana Jones-themed attraction could be the new anchor attraction to replace DINOSAUR! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as Disney’s Parks President says the new attraction would be in keeping with Animal Kingdom’s storyline.

But amid the cries of “Say it ain’t so!” from diehard fans of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and, more specifically, of Dinoland, U.S.A., the truth remains plans call for the removal of Chester and Hester’s old stomping grounds to make way for a brand-new themed area of the park called The Tropical Americas.

animal kingdom dinoland usa entrance sign

Dinoland, U.S.A. has been a guest-favorite area at the Walt Disney World Resort since it first opened with the park on April 22, 1998. Fans of the prehistorically-themed land have enjoyed the DINOSAUR! attraction, as well as TriceraTop Spin, the Boneyard, and the now-removed Primeval Whirl attraction for more than 25 years, and news of its demise hasn’t gone over well with many of them.

And while the news was met with sadness and even frustration by many of Disney World’s frequent guests who love the dino-themed land inside the resort’s fourth gate, others met the news with a fresh perspective on what might be in the works for the new area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and those who are looking to the stories of Indiana Jones for clues about the new land’s major attraction are reportedly “digging in the right place,” if you’ll pardon the excavation pun.

During a press preview for the long-awaited opening of Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen, Disney’s Parks and Experiences Chairman, Josh D’Amaro, teased an Indiana Jones-themed replacement for the DINOSAUR! attraction, which has served as Dinoland U.S.A.’s signature attraction since April 22, 1998–the first day of operation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“I think I actually played some music, didn’t I?” D’Amaro teased, referring to his presentation at the Destination D23 event in September 2023, during which he revealed an artist’s rendering that depicted an Indiana Jones-style temple situated in place of the current DINOSAUR! attraction.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, D’Amaro talked further about plans for an Indiana Jones presence in the location that is currently Dinoland, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

D’Amaro talked briefly about a piece of concept art that was originally shared at the Destination D23 event in September 2023, saying that the artwork was not a final piece. But he did say that the image depicted in the artwork, which shows Dinoland, U.S.A. revamped into a wholly new land with a tropical Americas theme, shows “where [execs’] heads are” as the discussions about new plans for the area continue.

new themed land to replace dinoland usa

“We’ve got so many stories to tell,” D’Amaro explained. “We have so many things we want to make even better in the theme parks. My plan is to continue to share that with the guests. I know people are like, ‘My gosh, I can’t believe he’s saying this. Is he serious, is he not?’ The answer is, we are absolutely serious.”

The concept artwork depicts themes with nods to PIXAR’s Coco (2017) and Disney’s Encanto (2021).

D’Amaro touted The Walt Disney Company’s September 2023 announcement about its plans to infuse $60 billion into Disney’s Parks around the world over the next ten years to–as Disney CEO Bob Iger explained it, “turbo-charge” the parks–a decision that has angered many on Wall Street.

walt and mickey sculpture at hong kong disneyland

“We know what this business is capable of, we know what our fans expect of us, and we’re going all in,” D’Amaro continued. “You’re going to see more and more of that. As we make our way through some of these ideas, some of them will become real, and we’ll say that’s specifically what we’re going to do, but I want our guests to be on the journey with us.”

In the days following news of Dinoland U.S.A.’s eventual demise at the Destination D23 event in September, fans began to question just how Disney would try to use the stories of Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom, a park that has been devoted to specific themes and principles, including wildlife conservation, since it first opened more than 25 years ago.

Would those stories be in keeping with the theme of the park as a whole? Would they add to it–or worse, detract from it?

In response, D’Amaro, who previously held the position of Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, said he wasn’t ready to dive “deep into” specifics about the addition of Indy at this time but said that he remained optimistic about guests’ reception of ideas for the new themed land and attraction.

“Animal Kingdom is about exploration and adventure,” D’Amaro explained. “I was fortunate enough to have run that theme park, so I know how special it is, and I think there are a lot of stories that we can [use and] stay true to Animal Kingdom and express new properties in there, and that’s what you see us starting to do.”

It’s important to note that DINOSAUR! is an opening day attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that debuted in 1998 using a ride system that is very similar to the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction that opened at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, in 1996.

indiana jones adventure ride at disneyland california

As such, some fans have speculated that an Indiana Jones-themed attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom might be a carbon copy of the one at Disneyland, though there’s been no confirmation of this as of the time of this publication.

New Details Revealed for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.

From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. Today, we’re sharing details to help guests plan their artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.

Performing Arts Take Center Stage

Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Performing songs from many of our favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:

  • Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
  • Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
  • Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
  • Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
  • Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
  • Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *

Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where Guests will find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19

To guarantee priority seating for preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:

  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
  • Biergarten Restaurant
  • Coral Reef Restaurant
  • Garden Grill Restaurant
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room
  • Le Cellier
  • Spice Road Table
  • Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)

For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.

Culinary Arts Spark Sweet and Savory Adventures

More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And don’t miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.

Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for all the details in an upcoming Foodie Guide!

Don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. The handy Festival Passport will show where to make picturesque purchases and receive stamps. Once guests have collected five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at guests’ leisure – so they can enjoy a new treat every time they visit throughout the festival.

Interactive Experiences Place You in the Middle of the Magic

At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave a creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.

Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon guests to become part of the painting.

Guests can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**

Visual Arts and Merch Inspire Awe

One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.

There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items.

Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it with as little as $15 and wear it on a wrist for quick and easy scanning when purchasing all festival delights.

Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, guests will help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.

Every time guests find Figment, they add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on the map. Once the journey is complete, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake!***

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before we know it!

*Entertainment subject to change without notice.

**Disney PhotoPass service is subject to Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions. Online registration required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

***Redemption valid through Feb. 19 or while supplies last.

Disney Reveals Surprise Permanent Closure, Guests Left in Disbelief

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The Walt Disney Company frustrated many guests recently after dropping a surprise closure announcement for a famous attraction in one of its iconic theme parks.

The Disney Animation Building is an attraction located in Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The building serves as a celebration of Disney animation, providing guests with an immersive and educational experience about the art of animation.

Inside the Disney Animation Building, various exhibits, displays, and interactive activities showcase the history and process of Disney animation. Visitors can explore different rooms that highlight the creation of beloved Disney characters and films.

The Animation Courtyard is a space where guests can watch classic Disney animated film clips and enjoy character meet-and-greets. The Sorcerer’s Workshop offers interactive activities like drawing your favorite Disney characters.

Additionally, the Animation Academy allows guests to participate in drawing classes taught by Disney artists, allowing them to learn the art of animation hands-on. You can also have an unforgettable live conversation with Crush from Finding Nemo (2003) at the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction.

The Beast’s Library is a longstanding and beautiful location within the Disney Animation Building. The space is themed after the character Beast from Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast (1991). Guests entering this area step into an enchanting recreation of the library in the Beast castle, as depicted in the movie.

The library has magical effects, including a show that lets you discover your inner Disney character hosted by Lumiere and Cogsworth. Guests can also find displays featuring scenes and characters from Beauty and the Beast. It has been a prominent part of the building, but that is about to change.

Fireplace Beast's Castle

To the shock of everyone, Disney recently unveiled plans to change the Blue Sky Cellar at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park into a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home center. This location has served as a preview center where guests can get a sneak peek at upcoming attractions, shows, and developments within the Disneyland Resort.

Disney Journalist Scott Gustin gave some inside information on the bombshell plans Disneyland has in store. The Disney Imagination Campus currently occupying the Bly Sky Cellar will be moved into the Disney Animation Building, replacing The Beast’s Library.

This means The Beast’s Library is closing permanently to make room for the campus. Guests cannot experience the beautiful and immersive location after December 10, when it closes for good, to start the transition process.

Fans have responded with anger and disbelief over the change. An entire Reddit thread has popped up online with people venting their frustrations over Disney removing something fun to make room for more Disney Vacation Club spaces.

Basically removing something fun so they can move something to make way for touting their timeshares. (I get that DVC isn’t a typical timeshare but it’s a timeshare system nonetheless)

Many Disneyland fans wonder why Disney has chosen to remove this location, and others lament the decision. One user stresses that no announced change to the park to make room for a DVC experience has ever resulted in a good time for guests who aren’t DVC members.

Maybe it’s because I’m not a DVC member, but absolutely none of the announced changes to the parks as a direct result of some added benefit to DVC has been good, what so ever. Utilizing the Innoventions building as a DVC lounge is such a waste of space when that entire area should be re-hauled into some big ticket attraction for all guests to enjoy. And now we’re losing the library just so DVC can move into the Blue Cellar? This is all just pandering to a wealthier subset of clients while detracting from the park experience for the other 99% of guests.

Another was frustrated that Disney seems to be pressuring people to become a Disney Vacation Club member. However, they don’t believe it is worth the money when the quality of the parks seems to be diminishing instead of improving.

They make ridiculous amounts of money on DVC in the long haul, so they’re REALLY pushing to incentivize folks into signing up. But its is only worth it if the parks continue to grow and improve. The opposite is happening. Majority of that promised $60 billion isn’t going into what people imagine it is.

Disney’s New Genie+ Decision Leaves Fans Feeling Angry

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

New news regarding Disney’s Genie+ service at Disneyland Resort has received mixed emotions from fans since being announced.

Two highly-anticipated attractions at Disneyland Resort are poised to make their debut on the Genie+ platform, bringing even more excitement and adventure to visitors. However, one of these announcements has left fans feeling less than magical due to the fear of this decision raising wait times.

Disneyland Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, two attractions are set to join the Genie+ service. Among these soon-to-be additions, we have the much-loved Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, an immersive experience that takes Disney Park guests on an exhilarating journey through the whimsical world of these beloved Disney characters. Disneyland Park will soon add Genie+ to this magical attraction, which invites guests to embark on a thrilling adventure with Mickey and Minnie themselves.

The other ride getting Genie+ is the delightful underwater escapade, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, located at Disney California Adventure Park. This enchanting attraction is set to join the Genie+ Service lineup on the Disneyland app in the coming month. While some fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience this beloved ride through the convenience of Genie+, there is also a sense of concern among some enthusiasts.

The decision to incorporate Ariel’s Undersea Adventure into the Genie+ platform has sparked a wave of mixed emotions within the Disney fan community. While many are thrilled about the added convenience and benefits that come with utilizing Genie+ for this popular attraction, there are some who worry that the introduction of the service may inadvertently lead to longer wait times.

Understandably, fans who have grown fond of Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and cherish the memories made within its fantastical setting express concerns that the inclusion of Genie+ could potentially result in increased demand and, subsequently, longer queues. However, it’s important to note that Disney strives to strike a delicate balance between maximizing guest satisfaction and optimizing the overall visitor experience.

Dozens of fans left comments expressing their dissatisfaction over this decision. Many of them are concerned that this ride will become overly busy after this change is implemented. Some compare this situation to that of the Indiana Jones and Monsters Inc. attractions.

While it’s normal for any change in attraction management to elicit diverse reactions, it’s crucial to remember that Disney consistently evaluates and fine-tunes its services to ensure guests have memorable and enjoyable experiences. With the introduction of Genie+, Disney aims to provide visitors with a more streamlined and efficient way to navigate the park, ultimately enhancing their overall enjoyment.

Only time will be able to tell if this decision will end up being a smart one for Disney. Hopefully, Disney will be able to utilize Genie+ and individual lightning lane selection on these rides without greatly raising the wait time for low-wait attractions like Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

Disney World Area Locked down, Ride Closed after Reported Fire Causes Evacuation

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

A large section of Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park has been blocked off to guests after a possible fire caused a ride evacuation.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been grappling with less-than-ideal pushback after its expensive ticketed Jollywood Nights holiday event failed to wow fans recently. Now, it looks like it also has to contend with a popular ride reportedly catching on fire.

DisneyWorldTom has shared a video on Twitter/X reporting that a firm alarm evacuation has closed the entire area of Hollywood Studios surrounding the fan-favorite Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith attraction.

BREAKING: Fire alarm evacuation at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes entire area at Hollywood Studios

As it stands now, the ride is listed as “temporarily closed” on the My Disney Experience application. No further information has been provided. We have no idea the extent of the reported fire or how long the park section will be closed to guests.

The video footage shows Disney cast members closing and locking down gates to the park section to prevent anyone from accessing the area. This could be a precaution, as Disney is very proactive regarding dangers or incidents inside the park. Nevertheless, the situation is shocking and scary.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a roller coaster that opened in 1999 and was created in collaboration with the iconic rock band Aerosmith.

The ride is known for its high-speed launches, inversions, and synchronized onboard audio, featuring hit songs from Aerosmith. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has been a fan-favorite due to its unique ride experience combined with the integration of Aerosmith’s music.

The coaster accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. This launch experience is what keeps fans coming back for the thrills. The twists, turns, and inversions experienced in the dark during the ride are synchronized with the soundtrack, creating an immersive and adrenaline-pumping experience.

Over the years, there has been speculation and desire among fans for a retheme of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Some have suggested updating the ride to feature a different band or theme, possibly to keep the attraction relevant and fresh.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has had its share of shutdowns and accidents over the years. However, a fire on a fan-favorite ride involving guests moving at high speeds is a little unnerving to think about. An evacuation from a coaster that goes upside down also adds an extra sense of dread to the experience.

Here’s hoping no one was injured, everyone made it off the ride safely, and the sirens were just an accident or false alarm.