A Dino Institute-branded snack cart continues operating at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park weeks after DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed, serving as an unexpected remnant of the extinct themed area.
The cart sits near one of the former land’s shuttered entrances, still displaying the green Dino Institute logo, referencing the research facility featured in the DINOSAUR attraction. X (formerly known as Twitter) user @greencheetah99 posted about the discovery:
The Dino Institute still lives on at this snack cart!
The Dino Institute still lives on at this snack cart! pic.twitter.com/1y5PUohju9
— Theme Park Cheetah (@GreenCheetah99) February 10, 2026
The kiosk sells pre-packaged frozen treats, including Mickey ice cream bars and Mickey cookies-and-cream ice cream sandwiches, as well as bottled Coca-Cola products.
DinoLand U.S.A. Closure Timeline
DinoLand U.S.A. closed in multiple phases starting in January 2025. Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama—including TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures—shut down first. The Boneyard playground followed in September 2025.
DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and remaining Quick-Service kiosks closed permanently on February 2, 2026, marking the land’s complete extinction after nearly three decades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Pueblo Esperanza Replaces Dinosaur Area
Walt Disney Imagineering announced at D23 Expo 2024 that Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land, would take over DinoLand U.S.A.’s footprint. The new area joins Africa and Asia as continent-themed sections of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Pueblo Esperanza will include two Encanto (2021)-inspired attractions: an animal carousel and a Casita-inspired experience inspired by the magical house from the animated film. The DINOSAUR ride system will be rethemed as an Indiana Jones attraction distinct from Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure, despite using the same track layout.
Construction on Pueblo Esperanza is scheduled for completion in 2027, though Disney hasn’t announced a specific opening date.
Snack Cart’s Future Uncertain
The Dino Institute was the research organization guests encountered during the DINOSAUR attraction. In DinoLand U.S.A.’s backstory, the facility inspired Chester and Hester to build their nearby roadside attraction.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t indicated when the Dino Institute snack cart will close or when it will receive new theming. The cart will likely disappear as the construction of Pueblo Esperanza intensifies, though no timeline has been announced.
Have you noticed any other remnants of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
