NEW: Dino Safari Coming to Florida Mall
“We are the dinosaurs, marching, marching. We are the dinosaurs. Whaddaya think of that?…” That song has been stuck in my head all week! Maybe that’s a sign that I need to take my family to LuminoCity’s Dino Safari, a traveling festival coming to Florida Mall.
School is almost out. And that means that most parents are scrambling to figure out what to do with the kiddos over the next couple of months. Well, if you’ve got dino-obsessed children, you’re in luck…
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What is LuminoCity?
Xiaoyi Chen founded the LuminoCity Festival five years ago. She was inspired to share the experience of her hometown’s lantern festival because she cherished this childhood memory made in Zigong, China.
Chen believes children of all ages would likewise be mesmerized by lantern-making techniques and illuminated sculptures. While the LuminoCity Festival hasn’t always been themed with prehistoric creatures, this year’s focus is sure to be well received by T-Rex lovin’ toddlers.
What is Dino Safari?
Dino Safari is an immersive attraction featuring “life-sized” animatronic dinosaurs and interactive exhibits. Typically, families spend about 1-2 hours exploring the vibrant space.
There is no time limit. Stay as long as you wish–before those tantrums start–but note that re-entry isn’t allowed. So, no, you can’t leave for naptime and come back afterwards.
LuminoCity’s Dino Safari is scheduled to be at the Florida Mall starting Friday, May 17 through Sunday, June 16, 2024. Operating hours are 4:30-9:30pm.
Event coordinators say the attraction “will transport attendees to an era long past, offering a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and more.”
The attraction will feature two exhibition areas, Dino Safari and Ice Age Adventure. In the latter, visitors will be up-close to animated dinosaurs as well as lit ice age animal sculptures.
There will also be an interactive recreation zone for pint-size paleontologists. This line-up includes a Dino Bounce Castle, Dino Speedway, T-Rex Thrill Experience, Jungle Explorer Playground, Dino Carousel and Oviraptor Ride.
If you’re worried about the summer slide, note that Dino Safari gently weaves in learning opportunities. For example, educational experiences can at the Safari Dig and Dino Fossil Hunt. Naturally, the Lumi giftshop will be open for business. You’ll likely be begged to purchase dino themed toys and gifts. FYI, food trucks will be onsite for snacks.
Know Before You Go
- Where: Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809. Plenty of free parking.
- Admission: Tickets are available for purchase online at LuminoCityFestival.com or onsite.
- Cost: Ranges $16-20 per person; children 3 and under are free.
- More: LuminoCity is ADA-compliant and stroller-friendly. To review all info, skim the FAQ page.
- Mixed reviews: As of press time, Orlando Parenting hadn’t physically visited the yet-to-come Dino Safari. In our research, however, we noticed LuminoCity experiences get mixed reviews (i.e., Tripadvisor, Yelp). Maybe if you liked the Dinosaur Invasion at Leu Gardens this new attraction is up your alley.
After its brief residency at the Florida Mall, LuminoCity’s Dino Safari heads to locales in Bethesda, Maryland and Huntington Station, New York.
