Disney in a Minute: Who is Dinosaur Gertie?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

Located at the edge of Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios stands a larger-than-life figure that’s been charming visitors since the park’s opening day in 1989: Gertie the Dinosaur.

This 50-foot-tall dinosaur isn’t just any prehistoric creature; she’s a tribute to animation history. Gertie is based on the star of the groundbreaking 1914 animated short film of the same name, created by Winsor McCay. This film was one of the first to feature a dinosaur and pioneered animation techniques still used today.

Gertie’s presence at Hollywood Studios is more than just decorative. She houses an ice cream stand, aptly named “Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction,” where guests can grab a cool treat while admiring this piece of cinematic history.

The Gertie structure is an example of California Crazy architecture, a style popular in the 1930s that featured oversized icons and buildings shaped like the products they sold. Gertie’s playful design makes her a perfect fit for the whimsical world of Disney and her location near the similarly retro 50’s Prime Time Diner is thematically on point.

What makes Gertie truly interesting is her dual role as both a tribute to animation’s roots and a functional part of the park. She represents the bridge between cinema’s past and present, making her a unique photo opportunity and a delicious pit stop for ice cream lovers.