Most 'out-of-place' place @ WDW?

[McLiberal8]

I think everyone has a resort/part of a park/area that they think seems out of place in Walt Disney World.
Mine would have to be the Hester and Chester's carnival thing at AK. I think Disney is way above cheesy carnival games and badly themed rides and coasters.
What about you?

[caryrae]

Mine is Tomorrowland Speedway in Tomorrowland. Seems weird to have a race track in the land that's about the future.

[White Rose]

I'd have to say the large dinosaur over in DHS...I think it's a ice cream shop or something?

I remember in my trip in January, my friend and I were walking by it and I was just utterly confused about why it was there. Unless, of course, it's some famous piece of Hollywood history that escapes me. That's always a possibility.

And Camp Mickey-Minnie over in AK...that entire area just really confuses me. There's gotta be a better name of a place for character meet and greets!

[Momto3littlemice]

Dino-land is definitely mine. That whole carnival theme is horrible! Having said that I have wondered about that strange dino ice cream shop at DHS many times. too funny!!

[big blue and hairy]

Chester & Hester actually have a back story, which I've related before. I'm not certain about this, but isn't the dino ice cream shop in DHS a replica from LA?

[Polynesian Dweller]

I'd have to say the large dinosaur over in DHS...I think it's a ice cream stop or something?

I remember in my trip in January, my friend and I were walking by it and I was just utterly confused about why it was there. Unless, of course, it's some famous piece of Hollywood history that escapes me. That's always a possibility.

That's exactly what it is. It's Gertie from a 1914 Winsor McCay cartoon that is considered to be the first with an appealing personality and is listed as #6 on the most important cartoons of all time. All previous cartoons were considered to be trick films. As such, it is an important part of Hollywood history and definitely belongs in DHS. There is a plaque either on or near Gertie and you can read more in Wikipedia.

[McLiberal8]

I remember in my trip in January, my friend and I were walking by it and I was just utterly confused about why it was there. Unless, of course, it's some famous piece of Hollywood history that escapes me. That's always a possibility.

I think I remember hearing that 'Gertie the Dinosaur' was the first animated character ever. Still, very obscure, not well known, and I think to 99% of guests, very confusing as to why it's there! :P

[wdwaggie]

I'd have to say the large dinosaur over in DHS...I think it's a ice cream stop or something?

I remember in my trip in January, my friend and I were walking by it and I was just utterly confused about why it was there. Unless, of course, it's some famous piece of Hollywood history that escapes me. That's always a possibility.

I'm thinking that maybe this is a nod to the Le Brea Tar Pits??

[DizneyRox]

Mine would have to be the Hester and Chester's carnival thing at AK. I think Disney is way above cheesy carnival games and badly themed rides and coasters.

Here's the best write up I could find on the backstory in three minutes.

So as the story goes, there are three very different groups of people whose presence can be found in DinoLand, which accounts for some of the confusion: The scientists, their interns, and the locals.

DinoLand (official name: Diggs County) was little more than a stretch of two-lane highway along Florida’s Route 498 (named for the date of Animal Kingdom’s grand opening, April, 1998). The whole area consisted of farmland, an old fishing lodge, and a run-down gas station owned and operated by two locals named–you guessed it–Chester and Hester.

Well back in 1947 (also the year Disney released “Fun and Fancy Free”), a few amateur fossil-hunters found some dinosaur bones in the area. This produced much scientific interest in Diggs County, and soon archeologists and researchers were flocking to the dig site. The findings were so substantial, that The Dino Institute was formed. The Institute bought out all of the surrounding land (except Chester and Hester’s, they wouldn’t sell), and set up headquarters in the old fishing lodge.

Over time, the Institute gained notoriety and funding, and added on to the lodge, albeit somewhat haphazardly. Chester and Hester, wanting in on the money being made, turned their service station into a souvenir store, erecting signs along the highway to trap the tourists heading to the Institute.

As the Dino Institute grew, it became clear that the dilapidated lodge just wasn’t feasible as a base anymore. They built a brand new building, much more modern and able to equip the machinery needed for their research. This paid off, and soon the Institute was able to announce it’s crowning discovery: Time travel. To help pay for it’s expenses, they started offering time travelling tours (you can even take this tour yourself, in the ride “Dinosaur.” Don’t worry. What could possibly go wrong?)

The old fishing lodge didn’t go to waste, either. It was converted into a cafeteria and lounge for the interns and grad students assisting at the Institute. These young interns are the pranksters responsible for adding “osaurus” at the end of all of the area’s signs (including the lodge itself, called the “Restaurantosaurus,” a counter service dining option).

With the ever-growing influx of tourists, Chester and Hester did not want to be outdone. They set up a carnival and midway area in their remaining land, across the road from the gas station. “Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama” is advertised for miles down the highway, reminiscent of the hokey roadside tourist attractions of the 1950s. It features a couple of corny-yet-highly-entertaining rides, including Primeval Whirl, Chester and Hester’s own mocking version of the Dino Institute’s time tours.

However, I agree, it's the most out of place location in WDW IMHO. I think the backstory was created around the location, not the other way around. AK has always been the red headed step child, I can't imagine this is any different.

I imagine the conversation going something like this.

Suit A: Why are people leaving our newest theme park before noon! It costs a lot of money to feed those animals even when people aren't there you know! They aren't spending money if they aren't in the park!
Suit B: According to exit surveys, people are done with everything a couple hours after they arrive. You're the one who cut out Beastly Kingdom, which would have been a whole new land, instead it's a character meet and greet.
Suit A: That's not it! Stop with the lousy excuses. You better fix this immediately! I want my bonus this year!
Suit B: OK sir, we'll see what we can come up with.
Suit B scurries off to find an answer and read in the paper that the local carnival went belly up and hatches a plan. He visits the local university to get some cheap interns, feeds them McDonalds for a week and comes back with an idea a few days later.
Suit A: Hey that's a great idea! The rides only cost how much? Legal won't go for the bumper car ride, too many injuries and we can't have that. Everything else sounds great, and telling people it's supposed to look cheesy on purpose is GENUIS I tell you, glad I thought of it! Stick with me kid!

[McLiberal8]

I think the backstory was created around the location, not the other way around.

I agree. When I am walking around Animal Kingdom, I frequently get the feeling of rushed attractions and a badly planned layout. I hope someday I can feel comfortable in that park, and the imagineers can fix the messier things that are evident. A closing of Dinorama and opening of Beastly Kingdom would be a great start

[cuteduck223]

i think chester and hester is more out of place because it costs money to be hokey. i think it would be super funny (with the backstory) if that stuff was free, or maybe was like a quarter. even if they didnt give out prizes or whatever.

[crazygoalie39]

I would agree with the Dino Land area of AK. I always have thought that part of the park was not to Disney standards.

[olivegirl]

I have to agree with Hester and Chester's carnival at AK also!!!! What were they thinking!!! I deal with it because my daughter still loves it there!!

[JPL]

I think Soarin at the Land Pavillion is the most out of place attraction in WDW and Epcot in general since it's located in Future World and is based on hang gliding which has nothing to do with the future. The theme of flying over California has nothing to do with the other attractions in the Pavillion at all. Not to mention the bad show of not hiding the building from the views from World Showcase!

[BrerSchultzy]

I think Soarin at the Land Pavillion is the most out of place attraction in WDW and Epcot in general since it's located in Future World and is based on hang gliding which has nothing to do with the future. The theme of flying over California has nothing to do with the other attractions in the Pavillion at all. Not to mention the bad show of not hiding the building from the views from World Showcase!

I think the premise of environmental responsibility that the Land represents kind of helps fit the idea of Soarin' in, but you're right about not hiding the building.

And I kind of like Chester & Hester's. Especially after eating at Restaurantosaurus and reading all the notes that the students have left on the walls.

As for me, the most out of place thing has to be the Swan and the Dolphin. So hideous and distracting.

And I suppose I have to throw a vote in for Pizza Planet being across the park from Pixar Place.

[wdwfansince75]

I have to agree with Hester and Chester's carnival at AK also!!!! What were they thinking!!! I deal with it because my daughter still loves it there!!

Sort of like the philosophy..."Nobody goes there anymore...It's too crowded." As with the Speedway ride at MK, it's there because it has an audience....The back story connects it to the park...Better back story than other apparent disconnects in other parks...

I happen to enjoy the whole cluster...we spent more time there when Donald's Breakfastasaurus was still there, but whole family (except DW) loves the rides....

As for the speedway, it's position in Tomorrowland is appropriate...for 36 years, I have watched all those preteens and teens, and said to myself, "O My God, those are our future leaders!" Not too many years until the person with the speaking role in HOP will be a graduate of the Speedway.

[luvDaMouse]

Another vote for Swan and Dolphin... ruins my pictures of the Boardwalk seeing those huge things peeking up behind it. Not a big fan and they seem so out of place.

[Kaps]

Completely agree we walk right through this to get to dinosaur. I wish we didn't have to. Feels like we are Six Flags going through this part of the park. I can only hope this is a one time thing and they don't repeat it elswhere

[nfrustaci]

Here's the best write up I could find on the backstory in three minutes.

So as the story goes, there are three very different groups of people whose presence can be found in DinoLand, which accounts for some of the confusion: The scientists, their interns, and the locals.

DinoLand (official name: Diggs County) was little more than a stretch of two-lane highway along Florida’s Route 498 (named for the date of Animal Kingdom’s grand opening, April, 1998). The whole area consisted of farmland, an old fishing lodge, and a run-down gas station owned and operated by two locals named–you guessed it–Chester and Hester.

Well back in 1947 (also the year Disney released “Fun and Fancy Free”), a few amateur fossil-hunters found some dinosaur bones in the area. This produced much scientific interest in Diggs County, and soon archeologists and researchers were flocking to the dig site. The findings were so substantial, that The Dino Institute was formed. The Institute bought out all of the surrounding land (except Chester and Hester’s, they wouldn’t sell), and set up headquarters in the old fishing lodge.

Over time, the Institute gained notoriety and funding, and added on to the lodge, albeit somewhat haphazardly. Chester and Hester, wanting in on the money being made, turned their service station into a souvenir store, erecting signs along the highway to trap the tourists heading to the Institute.

As the Dino Institute grew, it became clear that the dilapidated lodge just wasn’t feasible as a base anymore. They built a brand new building, much more modern and able to equip the machinery needed for their research. This paid off, and soon the Institute was able to announce it’s crowning discovery: Time travel. To help pay for it’s expenses, they started offering time travelling tours (you can even take this tour yourself, in the ride “Dinosaur.” Don’t worry. What could possibly go wrong?)

The old fishing lodge didn’t go to waste, either. It was converted into a cafeteria and lounge for the interns and grad students assisting at the Institute. These young interns are the pranksters responsible for adding “osaurus” at the end of all of the area’s signs (including the lodge itself, called the “Restaurantosaurus,” a counter service dining option).

With the ever-growing influx of tourists, Chester and Hester did not want to be outdone. They set up a carnival and midway area in their remaining land, across the road from the gas station. “Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama” is advertised for miles down the highway, reminiscent of the hokey roadside tourist attractions of the 1950s. It features a couple of corny-yet-highly-entertaining rides, including Primeval Whirl, Chester and Hester’s own mocking version of the Dino Institute’s time tours.

However, I agree, it's the most out of place location in WDW IMHO. I think the backstory was created around the location, not the other way around. AK has always been the red headed step child, I can't imagine this is any different.

I imagine the conversation going something like this.

Suit A: Why are people leaving our newest theme park before noon! It costs a lot of money to feed those animals even when people aren't there you know! They aren't spending money if they aren't in the park!
Suit B: According to exit surveys, people are done with everything a couple hours after they arrive. You're the one who cut out Beastly Kingdom, which would have been a whole new land, instead it's a character meet and greet.
Suit A: That's not it! Stop with the lousy excuses. You better fix this immediately! I want my bonus this year!
Suit B: OK sir, we'll see what we can come up with.
Suit B scurries off to find an answer and read in the paper that the local carnival went belly up and hatches a plan. He visits the local university to get some cheap interns, feeds them McDonalds for a week and comes back with an idea a few days later.
Suit A: Hey that's a great idea! The rides only cost how much? Legal won't go for the bumper car ride, too many injuries and we can't have that. Everything else sounds great, and telling people it's supposed to look cheesy on purpose is GENUIS I tell you, glad I thought of it! Stick with me kid!

very informative dizneyrox !!! and yes you do rox !!! the last part was HIGHLY AMUZING..... KEEP IT UP, I LOVE IT

[BrerGnat]

I'm not sure why, but I've always felt that the area in World Showcase that is supposed to be Africa (?) is just really weird, and seems completely out of place in the rest of World Showcase. I mean, it' not even a whole pavilion, but every time I walk through there, I can't help but wonder why it's there. Couldn't they have just expanded the other pavilions until the transition was more seamless?