This Dinosaur Kingdom II Review will give you an overview without spoiling the surprises.
If you make it down to Natural Bridge, you will find there are so many unique attractions to try out. One of those attractions, Dinosaur Kingdom II, is the brain child of Mark Cline and it is one of the most creative and unique things you will ever see.
Mark Cline has been creating fiberglass art for many years and has sold to companies all over the country. He currently works from the former Enchanted Studio Tours Castle (you will pass this as you come Southbound) and can be seen in Dinosaur Kingdom. Make sure you say hi as he is very friendly and never meets a stranger.
Dinosaur Kingdom Arrival
Honestly, you cannot miss this. Driving down Route 11, you will see Dinosaur Kingdom across the street from the Natural Bridge Zoo. There are zany creatures everywhere, and of course, dinosaurs.
Gift Shop
There is a gift shop to the left of the ticket building that carries all things dinosaur and many of Mark Cline’s comic books. Also, guests can find shirts and general gift shop items to remember their zany trip.
Dinosaur Kingdom Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website and adults cost $17 while kids cost $14.
Dinosaur Kingdom Discount Tickets
There are many opportunities to get discount tickets here.
First, if you are a resident of Rockbridge County, go on a Tuesday and get half off your tickets.
Similarly, if you wear or bring a t-shirt with Mark Cline’s artwork, you will receive half off.
Also, there are facebook giveaways, military discounts and senior citizen discounts.
On Mother’s Day, moms get in free when accompanied by a child and on Father’s Day, dads get in free when accompanied by a child.
Dinosaur Kingdom Story
Yes, there is a story that Cline is trying to tell with all these creatures but I must warn you, you need to have a sense of humor to enjoy this park!
This park’s idea takes place during the Civil War. Union soldiers have discovered dinosaurs and think they will be able to use them against the Confederates in the war. However, the dinosaurs have other plans and will not go along with it! Basically, it’s a big mess for the Union.
Getting inside
After you purchase your tickets, you must head through time to the small settlement close to the dinosaurs. In this area, there are funhouse like gags that will mess with your brain. There are also many jokes and on hot summer days, water gun fights with Bigfoot. Seriously, I can’t make this up!
Once you leave the first section, you will walk through a dinosaur skeleton into the woods where you can take a ride on a dinosaur (like a bull) and video yourself.
In the “war zone”
You will begin your main journey in the woods where you will see evidence of many battles with the dinosaurs. Similarly, there will be scenes of dinosaur violence and the green guy, Mr. Slime, instructing the dinosaurs to attack.
Similarly, there are dinosaurs roaming or showing that they will not do what the Union soldiers wish. Also, as you roam through the woods, there are several surprises and gags along the way. In short, don’t let down your guard!
The Dinosaur Kingdom Dinomaze
After you have wandered through the wreckage from the war, you will come to an area where you can go through a maze to see his most Asinine sculpture. I will not ruin the surprise, but it is a must see for the adults (still kid friendly!).
In the same area, you will find a dinosaur bone dig for kids and adults to discover dinosaur bones and just have fun in a sand pit.
At the end
As you leave the maze, you will come across this statue of Mark Cline and his buddy Mr. Slime. Similarly, there are several more gags as you leave because Cline wants you to leave with a smile on your face and possibly be inspired to try something new yourself.
Dinosaur Kingdom Summary
This attraction is great for the dinosaur lover in your family but it is also good for anyone who wants a good laugh. Guests will giggle and startle their way through the beginning and just laugh at what these statues depict in the woods.
In conclusion, Cline’s humor is clear and creative as you wind through the woods and you will enjoy the absurdity of being transformed to a fictional Civil War.
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