McALLEN — The city is drawing from the mythical and the prehistoric for their latest attraction which brings the world of dinosaurs and dragons to the McAllen Convention Center.
City officials unveiled the new Dinos and Dragons Adventure Park on Tuesday, touting the attractions which will include a combined 114 dinosaurs and dragons, a “carnivore cafe,” a two-story safari carousel, and an open-air movie theater which will play films such as “Jurassic Park” and “A Land Before Time.”
Jessica Gonzalez, sales coordinator for the McAllen Convention Center, added children will be able to take photos on some of the dinosaurs but they will also have a “Dino Studio” available for professional shots.
(PHOTOS: McAllen unveils ‘Dinos and Dragons’ attraction)
McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez said the project of bringing this attraction to the city was developed months in advance for the purpose of revitalizing the economy and the community following the standstill caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have just gone through an amazing experience in 2020,” Rodriguez said. “It’s been very hard, it’s been very stressful on families, on friends, on parents and so, many months ago — back in October when we were talking about the beginning of the South Pole (Illuminated Drive) — we actually discussed this with the city commission and got the green light because it was going to take a lot of effort.”
“Just like we led, I believe, the community in ensuring that vaccinations was at the forefront of everybody’s mind, we want to lead to reopen the economy in the region,” Rodriguez added. “It’s important for us to ensure that we do everything that we can to help put life back into the community.”
The park is scheduled to open to visitors next week, on April 15, allowing the city commission more time to finalize decisions about how attendees will be allowed to enter.
Rodriguez said they will likely have visitors drive through the park and also allow people to walk through it as well.
“Still, the priority is to keep people safe while having fun,” he said.
The adventure park will be open from April 15 through May 15.
Attendees will have to reserve time slots, for which tickets are expected to go on sale Friday, through Ticketmaster for $20 each, according to the city.
