Disney Quietly Moves Forward With Sudden Closure of Two Iconic Park Spots

Disney World is changing fast. Over the years, guests have witnessed numerous transformations, but the pace currently feels different. New lands are on the horizon, fan-favorite attractions are getting overhauls, and the parks themselves are evolving at a rapid clip. For many fans, that’s exciting—but this time, two permanent closures have hit a little too close to home.

As Disney moves forward with massive expansion plans, not everything is making the cut. For some park regulars, it’s a tough goodbye.

Big Refurbishments Underway

Disney isn’t just adding new things—it’s also investing in what’s already beloved. One of Magic Kingdom’s icons, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is undergoing a significant refurbishment. It’s a ride that has carried generations of guests through the wildest ride in the wilderness, and it’ll return in 2026 with a refreshed look and updated technology.

Just a few lands over, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also in line for a major upgrade. The attraction has been a staple of Tomorrowland for years, and by 2026, it’ll reopen with new enhancements aimed at enhancing the experience and giving it new life. These two refurbishments alone are setting the tone for Disney’s larger strategy: update the classics while preparing for what’s next.

New Lands Are About to Transform the Parks

Refurbishments are just one piece of the puzzle. Entire new lands are being added across the Disney property. At Magic Kingdom, Villains Land is finally on its way—a dream expansion for fans who’ve always wanted the darker side of Disney to get its own spotlight.

Across the resort, Monstropolis will bring Pixar’s world of Monsters, Inc. to life. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tropical Americas will replace DinoLand U.S.A. with a rich new environment inspired by the cultures of Central and South America.

Meanwhile, Piston Peak will add another immersive landscape inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014). Disney’s storytelling approach is clearly shifting from light refreshes to full-on world-building.

Saying Goodbye to Two Beloved Spots

But to make way for what’s new, Disney removed two long-standing food locations at Animal Kingdom. Trilo-Bites, once known for its DOLE Whip floats, buffalo chicken chips, and margaritas, has shut down for good. Dino-Bite Snacks, loved for its warm cookies and creamy ice cream sandwiches, has also officially closed.

These weren’t just quick-service spots—they were part of people’s traditions. For some guests, grabbing a DOLE Whip or an ice cream cookie sandwich was as crucial as any attraction. Now, those familiar stops are officially part of Disney history.

Clearing the Way for Tropical Americas

These closures are part of a bigger plan. DinoLand U.S.A. is being completely transformed into the Tropical Americas, and the old snack stands were among the last remaining pieces. The area is already almost unrecognizable—construction walls and dirt piles have replaced familiar landmarks, signaling the scale of this reimagining.

Once complete, this will be a new hub of energy at Animal Kingdom, with new restaurants, attractions, and immersive theming that will completely change the guest experience in that corner of the park.

Indiana Jones and Encanto Are Coming

The star of the Tropical Americas expansion will be an Indiana Jones-themed attraction replacing DINOSAUR. Inspired by Indiana Jones Adventure in California, this ride will blend familiar thrills with new elements explicitly designed for Animal Kingdom. It’s a bold move that shifts the tone of the area away from prehistoric creatures and into cinematic storytelling.

Alongside Indy’s arrival, Encanto will bring the Madrigal family’s casita to life in an interactive, musical experience full of vibrant colors and family-friendly magic.

A Bittersweet Future

For longtime guests, the loss of Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks stings. But it also signals the start of something bigger. Between the major refurbishments, the addition of new lands, and the transformation of Tropical Americas, Disney World is entering a new era.

It’s never easy to say goodbye, but the future of the parks looks like it’s going to be nothing short of spectacular.