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Disney Springs is filled with unique dining spots, but if you’re a dinosaur fan or have kids who love prehistoric creatures, T-REX is a must-visit! This themed restaurant combines delicious food with an immersive dinosaur adventure, making it a favorite for our family on every Disney World trip. My two young boys are always thrilled by the sights, sounds, and fun activities here.
Whether you’re dining, shopping, or just taking a break, here are six reasons why T-REX is a dino-sized experience worth adding to your Disney World itinerary.
1. The Incredible Dining Rooms
The T-REX dining room is divided into two sections—one with a fiery “volcanic” ambiance and the other with a cool, icy “glacier” theme. Each area is intricately designed, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, mammoths, and other prehistoric animals that add to the immersive experience. My family loves both sides of the dining room, and it’s hard to pick a favorite! The “fire” room has warm, dramatic lighting, while the “ice” room is bathed in cool blue hues that change during the meteor showers (more on that below).
Credit; Disney
Don’t forget to say hi to Dexter, the massive T-Rex near the entrance who moves and roars, greeting guests as they arrive. And if you’re a fan of aquariums, you’ll love the large tanks filled with colorful tropical fish, adding even more beauty and excitement to the restaurant.
2. The Paleo Zone: A Fossil Dig Adventure
T-REX takes family dining to a new level with its Paleo Zone, a play area where kids can dig for fossils and pretend to be paleontologists. This interactive experience is a great way for kids to stay entertained while waiting for your table or after finishing their meal. They can dig, explore, and learn about fossils in a hands-on way, while parents can relax for a bit.
It’s also the perfect place for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of Disney Springs, giving everyone in your group a chance to recharge and have fun at the same time.
3. The Dino-Store and Build-A-Dino
After your meal, make sure to stop by the Dino-Store. This shop is filled with unique dinosaur-themed merchandise that’s reasonably priced, especially compared to other Disney Springs stores. Our favorite feature? The Build-A-Dino area located in the back of the store, where kids can create their own stuffed dinosaurs with clothes and accessories, just like at Build-A-Bear.
This adds a fun, memorable element to the experience, letting kids take home a piece of the prehistoric world they just dined in. If you’re looking for a unique and customizable souvenir, Build-A-Dino is a hit with dino-lovers of all ages.
4. Relaxing Cocktails with Souvenir Glasses
Parents and adults, T-REX has something for you, too! The bar and lounge area is a perfect place to unwind. The bar’s prehistoric decor and dino-themed drinks add to the ambiance, and you can even order a cocktail that comes with a souvenir glass. Choose from a variety of themed drinks, and when you’re ready to go, you’ll get a fresh, boxed souvenir glass to take home.
Credit: Disney
The souvenir option is a fun touch, and the glasses come in different styles depending on the drink, adding a unique keepsake to remember your T-REX experience.
5. The Epic Chocolate Extinction Dessert
If you love dessert and chocolate, the Chocolate Extinction at T-REX is a must-try! This massive dessert is designed to be shared and comes with a dramatic twist: it arrives with a smoke/fog effect, creating a fun, theatrical experience for everyone at the table. The Chocolate Extinction includes layers of chocolate cake, ice cream, whipped cream, fudge, caramel, and Butterfinger crumbles.
It’s a chocolate lover’s dream and big enough to satisfy everyone in your group. Make sure to save room for this one—it’s worth it!
6. The Meteor Shower Experience
Every 15-20 minutes, T-REX offers an immersive meteor shower experience that transforms the entire restaurant. The lights dim, the sounds pick up, and the animatronic dinosaurs and animals come to life. It’s a thrilling part of the dining experience that kids and adults alike enjoy. During this “meteor shower,” the dining room, especially the ice room, undergoes an atmospheric change, making it feel like you’re in the middle of an ancient prehistoric event.
Credit: Disney
If you have little ones, be mindful that the sudden noises and movement might seem a bit intense, but most kids find it exciting and fun. My boys have been visiting since they were babies and always look forward to it!
Final Thoughts:
T-REX offers a dining experience like no other at Disney Springs. From its beautifully designed dining areas to interactive play zones, unique merchandise, and thrilling meteor showers, it’s more than just a meal—it’s an adventure. Whether you’re taking a break from shopping, looking for a fun meal with the kids, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds, T-REX has something for everyone in the family.
Next time you’re at Walt Disney World, make a reservation at T-REX to add some prehistoric fun to your trip. Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or just looking for a unique place to eat, this restaurant won’t disappoint. Grab a souvenir glass, dig into the Chocolate Extinction, and immerse yourself in the incredible sights and sounds of T-REX.
It’s a Disney Springs favorite that you’ll want to visit repeatedly!
