Disney with Toddlers who Love Dinosaurs

If your toddler loves dinosaurs, there are several attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World that will surely spark their excitement. Here are some of the best things to do at Walt Disney World with a dinosaur-loving toddler:

Dinosaur Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It was announced this year, 2024, that DinoLand U.S.A. will soon be closed to make way for a South America themed area. The newly rethemed section will include attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. Closures in this area of the park are expected to begin in January 2025, starting with the TriceraTop Spin, carnival style games, and gift shop.

It is unknown if The Boneyard, an interactive play area where kids can dig for fossils and climb on slides and rope bridges, will be rethemed. We can only hope they will keep some variation of it, because it is definitely a staple for a trip with little ones. For now, this will remain open during the first phase of the DinoLand closure.

If you plan to visit before the closure, this section of Animal Kingdom is a must visit for your dinosaur lover! The Boneyard play area is the perfect place to let your little ones stretch their legs and run around, as it is gated with only one entrance and exit.

Visit Gertie the Dinosaur and Grab an Ice Cream!

Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction is located at Echo Lake in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The iconic dinosaur is also home to an ice cream stand where you can get soft-served ice cream or a classic mickey bar.

Visit The T-Rex Restaurant at Disney Springs

Visit this dinosaur-themed restaurant where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. It’s an immersive and entertaining dining experience. While you wait for your table, head through the gift shop to the dig area, where little ones can play in a gravel pit full of dinosaur fossils. There is also a Build-a-Bear located inside of the shop where toddlers can make their own dinosaur friend to take home!

Read More: Dining with Toddlers: Best Places to Eat at Disney Springs

Dinosaur Accommodations

While Disney World does not have any dinosaur themed rooms on property, you can find one at nearby Universal Studios Orlando. The Lowes Royal Pacific Resort has a Jurassic World(TM) Kids Suite that has a very fun dinosaur themed kids’ bedroom that would take your trip with a dino-lover to the next level!

Local Attractions: Dinosaur World

Under an hour from Disney you can find Dinosaur World in Plant City with over 200 life-like dinosaur sculptures. Your little ones will be captivated by colossal T-Rex, Brachiosaurus, and Velociraptors.

The park offers a range of interactive exhibits, including a fossil dig, where young paleontologists can uncover treasures and take home as souvenirs.

Local Attractions: Gatorland

If your little adventurer is fascinated by all prehistoric creatures, you may want to check out Gatorland, just a short drive from Disney.

While not filled with dinosaurs, Gatorland offers an exciting opportunity to encounter a different type of ancient creature—the alligator! Your little one will be captivated as they observe these fascinating reptiles in their natural habitat. From baby alligators to massive adults, crocodiles, birds and other reptiles, there is plenty to see.

As always, remember to check all park schedules, showtimes, and height restrictions beforehand to plan your day accordingly and make the most of your toddler’s dinosaur-filled adventure.