Jurassic World is set to provide an experience which is out of this world, a brand new park which features some brand new dinosaurs. Brand new dinosaurs on a tiny island? It is truly a recipe for disaster if they escape.
While we here at Attraction Tickets Direct certainly aren’t pessimists, we thought it only necessary that our customers should be fully prepared for the worst case scenario; here’s our guide on how to survive Jurassic World, and take our quiz directly below to see how well you would fare!
Would you survive?
We’ll start off with the most important question: how long would you survive on Jurassic World? While it’s obvious that you won’t really know until you’re there, check out our quiz below which will give you a good idea of how you would fare. Depending on your results, it could be necessary to do some research by reading on further.
The Dinosaurs
Should the mains power fail like it did in Jurassic Park all those years ago, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re up against. You’ll want to some research before, so here’s our guide to just six of the prehistoric beasts you may run into.
Ankylosaurus
Unmistakable for its spiky armour that runs the length of its body, the Ankylosaurus is a herbivorous dinosaur that feeds almost exclusively on ferns and other low-growing vegetation. It doesn’t see humans as prey, and it most likely won’t attack unless it is aggravated. Also, be sure to watch out for its massive tail!
Mosasaurus
If you’re petrified at the thought of a great white shark, the 18-metre long Mosasaurus is enough to keep you well away from the water. With a jawline packed full of razor sharp teeth and a constant shallow-water dweller, it would certainly make short work of a human if they were to accidentally make a splash!
Pachycephalosaurus
Although it’s similar in size to a Velociraptor, the Pachycephalosaurus couldn’t be any different to the ferocious pack hunters that terrorized Dr Hammond and the rest in Jurassic Park. Noticeable for its thick skull, they are herbivores and are herd animals, so the only real threat would be in the instance of a stampede.
Pterandon
With a wing span of 6 metres, Pterandon is the largest bird on the island and is a lethal threat to all island dwellers – except some of the noticeably larger dinosaurs of course. Don’t underestimate the Pterandon as it is very aggressive. Our advice: keep an eye on the sky.
Velociraptor
Undoubtedly the most intelligent animals on the island, these ferocious pack hunters will catch you out if you’re aimlessly wandering the forest floor. With razor-sharp claws on each hand and the ability to run up to 40mph in short bursts, the odds wouldn’t be in your favour if you came face to face.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
The Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) may be the most famous dinosaur of all, but that doesn’t mean it’s a dinosaur you want to get star struck in front of. Contrary to popular belief, the T-Rex can see you if you stand still. It’s also fairly quick off the mark, so running is not advised. The best thing to do is try and climb a tree, although be sure to get at least 12.5 metres up so it can’t reach you! While the T-Rex you can see after purchasing your Universal Studios Orlando tickets is only a model, the one in Jurassic World is as real as they come!
Some Expert Tips
Dr Neil Clark
With the six mentioned above just some of the 18 dinosaurs Jurassic World is home to, your chances of survival will be very low without some prior planning. We thought we would call upon the help of some experts to offer some specialist advice, and there is none better than Dr Neil Clark, Curator of Palaeontology at Glasgow University. Pictured below with some dinosaur tracks he found during a dig on the Isle of Skye, Neil’s expertise in the field is second to none; here are Neil’s top tips for prehistoric survival.
1. Avoid visiting the island in the first place: If you don’t go there, you won’t become dino-fodder.
2. If you have to visit the island, or arrive by accident: climb a very tall tree and wait for help.
3. Or… find a cave and light a fire at the entrance, although some lizards (frill-necked lizards) are attracted to burnt ground, there is no evidence that the larger dinosaur predators will be.
4. Stay away from nesting grounds: dinosaurs tend to nest in large groups on soft sandy earth and will be protective of their young and nests – both herbivores and carnivores.
5. Avoid obvious trails through woodland: these may be frequently used by either herbivores or carnivores. Carnivores sometimes will train their young to hunt and will use trails to follow herbivores.
6. Do not get friendly with a Diplodocus, Triceratops, or any other herbivore: some of the most dangerous animals in Africa today are herbivores – elephants, hippos, rhinos.
7. Stay away from a recent kill: predators are more likely to leave you alone if they have already eaten and they don’t see you as a threat or competition.
8. Smear Tyrannosaur poo on you: most animals are repulsed by the smell of carnivore poo and smearing it on you may save your life. A Tyrannosaurus has an acutely sensitive sense of smell.
9. If you are a meat-eater, mark your territory by peeing on trees: remember, you are a carnivore too and carnivores will try and avoid each other rather than engage in battle.
10. If you are a vegetarian, make friends with a meat-eater: they will be eager to be your friend as they will think that you are more likely to be eaten first if attacked, while they escape. It also increases your chances of survival too.
11.Avoid large bodies of slow-moving water: although dinosaurs probably did not venture into the water very much, there are likely to be other predators, like crocodiles, that will be happy to eat you.
We also asked Neil what one item he would want with him at all times, for which he gave a well-considered answer:
“This is not an easy one. I did think of spears, guns, bow and arrow, taser, smoke bomb, missile launcher or even a book on dinosaurs, however, I think that all these would have limited use. Once the bullets/arrows/smoke bomb/missile are finished, there is not much left to protect you with. Probably the best multi-purpose survival tool you could have with you is a sturdy spade. With it, you can dig traps, chop branches, take a swing at the jaws of a predatory dinosaur (or an over inquisitive herbivorous dinosaur), help build a shelter and, if you find the right stone, even start a fire.”
- Neil Clark, Curator of Palaeontology at Glasgow University
Dr Steve Brusatte
Another knowledgeable name in the field that we called upon was Dr Steve Brusatte, Chancellor’s Fellow in Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Edinburgh, who certainly understands the dangers that these prehistoric giants can present. Here is his response when we asked him for some expert survival tips.
“If I've learned anything from a career studying dinosaurs, it's that I wouldn't want to ever have to share an island with Velociraptors and T. rexes. But if it happened, then maybe I would actually be in a position of putting some of my knowledge of dinosaurs to good use. A lot of the nonsense you've seen in the movies isn't true. T. rex could see you if you were standing still, and had such incredible hearing and smell that it could sense you from perhaps miles away. But, on the other hand, T. rex couldn't run like a sprinter and Velociraptors couldn't open doors. I'd behave like if there was a serial killer on the loose. Stay indoors, batten down the windows, lock everything in sight, and try to have a big gun on hand at all times.”
- Steve Brusatte, Chancellor’s Fellow in Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Edinburgh
Do your research by visiting Gatorland
Obviously you will want to do your research before you visit Jurassic World, and as dinosaurs will be the key danger to you, why wouldn’t you want to know as much as possible?
Gatorland, a renowned alligator attraction in Orlando offers the perfect method of doing this, especially as alligators are one of the closet living relatives to dinosaurs. With thousands of alligators on site and a team of dedicated experts on everything from characteristics to eating habits, it should give you a good idea of how some of the dinosaurs on the island could behave. If you want to test your bravery and get up close to alligators, crocodiles and snakes, you can purchase your Gatorland entry passes from us today.
Head to the new Raptor Encounter at Universal Studios
What better way to be prepared for the velociraptors of Isla Nublar than the chance to see them face to face? This is exactly what you can now enjoy at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure thanks to the newly installed Raptor Enclosure. While these 9ft giants are only animatronic, the fact that they mimic the same calls and movement means you can gain an insight into what you’re dealing with should you meet them on the island.
Essentials for your packing list
As being stuck on Isla Nublar will present a host of new challenges you may never have experienced before, planning what to pack is perhaps the best method to maximise your level of survival. What should you pack for such a dire situation? All of this!
Keep your valuables dry with a waterproof backpack
As you’ll be in a tropical rainforest where a sudden downpour is never too far away, it’s important to keep your valuables and electronic items safe and dry – particularly in the case of the latter as this may well be your only source of contact with people off the island. This is why we recommend a waterproof backpack as an absolute must, and the products from Overboard are some of the best. The trusted manufacturer of 100 per cent waterproof backpacks, dry bags, cases and all manner of portable storage, their products are used by athletes and sportsman all over the world, so there’s no doubt they will be up to the task – providing you seal them in the first place of course! After we contacted Overboard for a few recommendations, a clear winner was the Pro Sports Backpack.
They also recommended their multi-purpose waterproof case as the perfect method of keeping all of your electronics safe.
“Thanks to our Slide Seal System™, the case is 100% waterproof, guaranteed submersible to 6m / 19ft and will float when dropped in the water.”
A Hammock
With dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes roaming the island floor day and night, staying at ground level while you sleep is an almost certain way of being eaten. Because sleeping in a tree isn’t a practical way of keeping your balance, why not consider a hammock to stay safe and comfortable at the same time? To find out more about why a hammock can be so useful on your quest for Jurassic World safety, we got in touch with specialists Hen and Hammock. Here’s why a hammock should be part of your kit.
• We have natural coloured hammocks which if hung high up in the tree canopy would be a pretty safe place to hide and sleep. A few branches to add extra camouflage would help.
• If you need to leave the canopy in a hurry, why not use the hammock as a parachute?
• We also have brightly coloured rainbow hammocks which could act as lures for the dinosaurs. This could aid escape and provide a lifesaving distraction.
• Slung between two trees a hammock could also be used as a trip wire. A stumbling dinosaur is much easier to run away from.
• If the trip wire fails, you could dig a dinosaur sized pit and cover it with a hammock. Our hammocks can take 200kg weight, which is enough for two adults but not enough for even a baby dinosaur.
• Another thought though is that as our hammocks are 100% cotton and therefore very soft, they might appeal to a dinosaur looking to build a comfortable nest. Probably best to keep the hammock hidden in its bag during the day.
A reliable waterproof
Staying on the subject of rain, you will need to keep your body dry to avoid running the risk of getting ill. However, it’s also necessary that you have a jacket which can be folded and stowed away when it’s not needed, especially as you will want to keep as light on your feet as possible. We got in touch with Ellis Brigham, a renowned supplier of jackets for all weathers. The product they recommended was Target Dry Mac in a Sac 2, a product considered by many as the best in its class.
A trusty torch
An item you will be glad you didn’t leave at home, a torch offers a valuable lifeline of light should the power ever go out. For the perfect device, we recommend the Magtac™ 2-Cell Cr123 Led Flashlight Plain Bezel from Maglite. A tactical torch which features a power switch at the base of the torch, it’s the perfect torch if you want to light your way whilst staying out of sight while in the wilderness.
Night vision goggles
If you’re looking to be far stealthier – which we would certainly recommend doing – night vision goggles are in a class of their own when it comes to perfect vision after dusk. By taking the Cobra Optics Storm Pro Night Vision Goggles from Nightgear with you, you will certainly have an advantage over everyone else.
Here are some other items that you may wish to have with you. We initially planned to include a rifle but the advice from Neil Clark swayed our decision.
• Rubber Soled Shoes: perfect for climbing the electric fences
• Two-Way radios: providing vital communication with others should you get lost
• Flares: to help you get noticed by rescuers or to distract dinosaurs
• A Ghillie Suit: to provide the perfect camouflage
• A map and compass: in case you knock over any direction signs
• GoPro Camera: how else are you going to share your story with the world?
• Pocket Knife: an obvious choice because of their versatility and small size.
• GPS Satellie Navigation: providing it’s got enough battery, getting lost will never be a worry.
If you want to experience the thrill of Jurassic Park without the dangers of real-life dinosaurs, purchase your tickets to Universal Studios in Orlando at the best price by visiting Attraction Tickets Direct.
Image Credit: Neil Clark, Steve Brussate, Hen and Hammock, GoPro, Jared and Colin (Flickr.com), Colin Zhu (Flickr.com)
