It's no secret that kids, especially boys, are often fascinated by dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs are real, but also fantasy in a sense, because none of us have actually seen them in real life. They are frightening enough to be exciting, but not frightening enough to be upsetting, because we all know that dinosaurs don't exist anymore and can't actually hurt us (Jurassic Park notwithstanding).
I got a tip that the Fisher Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex was going to be a hot dinosaur toy this Christmas, so I thought I'd check it out and write a particularly lengthy review for it
This is a huge dinosaur that roars, walks, has eyes that light up, and shoots projectiles out of its mouth. No wonder it's such a big hit!
Update: I have recently discovered that a lot of people are having problems where there dinosaur won't walk. I did some research on that problem and how to fix it. Scroll down to the bottom to find details to the problem as well as the solution.
Description of Fisher Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex
Imaginext T-Rex Walking Dinosaur
First of all, the Fisher Price Ultra T-Rex Dinosaur is a huge toy! When it stands at its full height, it is two and a half feet tall, and it weighs 24 pounds. Along with the T-Rex itself, it comes with three warrior figures, all with helmets and accessories like spears and shields, four boulders, and four projectiles. It requires four AA batteries, which are included
Who Is The Fisher Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex For?
I know some people don't like it when you gender-label toys, but to me the Ultra T-Rex just screams "boy." It's ugly, it's scary, it makes noise, it fights warriors, it shoots things. What more could a boy want?
The age range listed is 36 months - 8 years old, but I personally think a three year old might be a little too young for it. For one thing, it has a lot of small pieces, and for another, it's so large that it might be hard for a child that young to manipulate (and even possible that they might be frightened of it at first). Another thing to consider is whether is how well your child can handle a toy that shoot projectiles -- would they be able to follow basic rules about when and where they are allowed to shoot them?
I think this toy would be perfect for kindergarten through about fourth grade.
If you're shopping for a very young dinosaur lover, you'll want to check out my post about dinosaur toys for babies and toddlers.
Ultra T-Rex Features
There's a lot here to have fun with. Kids can use springs and levers to make T-Rex open its mouth or stand on its legs, and he can "walk" about two feet with motorized action. Different lights and sounds correspond to the different actions, including T-Rex's roar and chomping sounds when he moves his mouth. He has a projectile claw, and both his mouth and boulder launchers in his chest can fire projectiles as well.
Val says
Hi. My Blue Ice does not have a battery “pack” that I can find? Just takes 4 AA batteries. I put in 4 new Duracell’s and he won’t walk. Makes all the sounds. Lights flash. Can hear gears. He tries to moves his legs. No walking. Ideas?
I also have the green imaginext Dino w/rider on top that has the orange winged things etc. fairly large Dino I don’t think he performs correctly either. His big stalky legs seem to not hold him and walk. Ideas?
Thanks.
zidane says
very clear and good article easy to understand. Thank you