Dinoland U.S.A. was distinctly different from the other areas of the Animal Kingdom when it first opened. Because there weren't any dinosaurs around any more to populate the area (save for the dinosaur's distant descendents, the birds!), this section of the park was slated to be home to the first (and only for a time) thrill ride at the Animal Kingdom, Countdown to Extinction (later to be renamed Dinosaur). Other early attractions in Dinoland U.S.A. included Journey to the Jungle Book (a live theatrical show), the 1998 Dinosaur Jubilee (an exhibit with dinosaur artifacts) and the Fossil Preparation Lab (site of the restoration of Dino-Sue).

There was also a lot more humor evident in the design of this land. A child's play area was included which included lots of visual jokes and puns, and lots of whimsical details can be found throughout Dinoland. But there was also an element of education to be found, as evident in the creation of the Dinoland Institute, home to the Countdown to Extinction attraction. Authentic sculptures of dinosaurs were created and place throughout Dinoland, and the landscaping was carefully designed to recreate the prehistoric environment of the dinosaurs, utilizing plants descended from actual species alive at the time.

The Theatre in the Wild has played host to a number of stage shows, starting with Journey to the Jungle Book which was one of the opening attractions in Animal Kingdom in April 1998. The show closed in April 1999 and was replaced by Tarzan Rocks. Tarzan Rocks itself closed on January 21, 2006 (a new show, Finding Nemo - the Musical!, is set to debut in the latter half of 2006).

Chester & Hester's DinoRama opened on November 1, 2001, providing a whimsical, carnival-themed area to the park.