Joe Rohde Shares the Secrets and Stories Behind DinoLand, U.S.A.
As the countdown to extinction wound down on DinoLand, U.S.A., the opening-day land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally got one last moment in the spotlight.
While DinoLand was never the most popular area in the park, and it certainly had its faults, it was also one of the most uniquely themed lands Disney ever created.
DinoLand, U.S.A.
Blending real-world archaeology with the kitsch of roadside attractions and classic Disney storytelling, DinoLand was unlike anything we will ever see again.
The land also featured an elaborate backstory and intricate theming that rewarded guests who took the time to notice the details.
Joe Rohde Reflects Back
While DinoLand is now officially part of Disney history, Joe Rohde has been shining a spotlight on some of the countless details scattered throughout the land.
As the driving creative force behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Rohde’s insights and stories have helped fans better appreciate DinoLand and everything it had to offer.
So, without further ado, here are a few things we’ve learned from Rohde’s posts.
Rohde’s Restaurantosaurus Painting
If you ever dined at Restaurantosaurus, you undoubtedly remember the giant dinosaur painting inside the restaurant.
That painting was actually done by Rohde himself, who jumped in when the DinoLand team began running out of money for props.
“It is an homage to the famous early 20th-century paleo-artist Charles Knight,” Rohde shared on Instagram. “That’s why the anatomy and styling are not quite accurate—because it’s supposed to be an old painting, like one from the 1940s.”
“Knight’s original painting depicts a battle between a Tyrannosaurus and a Triceratops. My favorite dinosaur is Styracosaurus, and since Styracosaurus existed somewhat earlier, this must be a battle between a Gorgosaurus and a Styracosaurus. Just for you paleontology folks who would want to know that we thought of that.”
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Those Carved Dinosaurs
Throughout Restaurantosaurus, guests could also spot intricately carved wooden dinosaurs displayed throughout the space.
Photo: Joe Rohde on Instagram
These carvings were created by master carver Wayan Mustika in Bali.
Rohde and his team actually discovered Mustika’s work by accident, but they were immediately enamored with his creations.
Photo: Joe Rohde on Instagram
Eventually, Rohde began sending Mustika sketches of scenes they wanted carved, and the artisan would send back finished sculptures.
Photo: Joe Rohde on Instagram
“Mustika went on to become one of the main sources for woodcarving in the whole park,” Rohde explained.
“This started a tradition at the Mustika home. Each time Mustika did a project for us, he would carve a special window for their house to commemorate the project.”
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Remember the Dino Jubilee?
If you visited DinoLand, U.S.A. during its first couple of years of operation, you may remember the Dinosaur Jubilee.
Photo: Disney wiki
Located in the future home of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, the exhibit was essentially a large tent filled with reconstructed dinosaur fossils.
According to Rohde, the Dinosaur Jubilee was born out of a practical challenge.
At over 500 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom required a lot of space to be filled. The Dinosaur Jubilee, then, was part of the solution.
Photo: Discovery River Boats
The exhibit covered a large footprint and featured reconstructed fossils that were relatively inexpensive to acquire.
The result was an economical attraction that still managed to entertain and educate guests.
Photo: Discovery River Boats
“Together with the real lab facility, where we helped prepare the skeleton of Sue the Tyrannosaurus alongside the Field Museum, this was, at the time, actually one of the more extensive and impressive paleontological public exhibits in the Southeast U.S.,” Rohde explained.
“The tent eventually came down to make way for Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, which is another story altogether—although the underlying theme of economics was the same.”
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I can’t wait to see what else Rohde shares!
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