Disney’s Animal Kingdom is officially entering a brand-new era, and the proof is now sitting right at the former entrance of DinoLand U.S.A.
Because the DinoLand archway—the iconic entrance sign that guests walked under for years—is officially gone.
This isn’t one of those small changes Disney slips in quietly, like swapping out a menu item or repainting a wall. This is a full-on statement. When a land loses its entrance sign, it stops feeling like it’s “closed for construction” and starts feeling like it never existed at all.
And that’s exactly the vibe happening at Animal Kingdom right now.
DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed on February 2, marking the end of a land that had been around for decades. Along with the land closure came major losses, including DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus—two experiences that, love them or hate them, were part of the park’s personality.
But what’s happening now goes beyond closure. Disney is actively removing the physical evidence that DinoLand was ever a real place inside Animal Kingdom.
Even though guests can still cross the bridge that once led into DinoLand, they won’t be walking under that familiar archway anymore. Instead, the space feels empty and strangely unfinished. Disney has also blocked off the area with construction walls, scrim, and planters, making it impossible to access what used to be the land itself.
The remaining walkways don’t lead guests into DinoLand anymore. They simply guide people toward the Theater in the Wild, home of Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!, or funnel them toward the Asia side of the park.
And if you’ve ever visited Animal Kingdom, you know how much those pathways matter. The park is built around exploration. You’re supposed to wander. You’re supposed to stumble into areas naturally. When Disney cuts off a major land entrance like this, the entire park layout starts to feel different.
What makes the demolition even more symbolic is the fact that DinoLand’s archway was more than a sign. It was storytelling. The entrance featured a long-necked dinosaur above the “DinoLand U.S.A.” lettering, with references to the Dino Institute and its famous motto: exploration, excavation, exultation. It was goofy, but it worked.
Now, that landmark is gone.
And the timing isn’t random. Disney is clearing the way for the next major transformation at Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas.
The upcoming land will be called Pueblo Esperanza, a lush village-inspired area that Disney has described as feeling lived-in, similar to Harambe. It will cover 11 acres and include a massive hacienda that will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. The land will also feature a central fountain, a unique animal-themed carousel, and two signature attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto.
Disney says construction will begin soon, and Pueblo Esperanza is expected to open in 2027.
So yes, DinoLand is gone. But what’s replacing it isn’t just another expansion.
It’s Disney reshaping the identity of Animal Kingdom, and the removal of that entrance archway proves the demolition phase has officially begun.
