Disney Brings DINOSAUR Back to Animal Kingdom Weeks After Closure
DINOSAUR merchandise returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park nearly a month after the attraction permanently closed, appearing at Island Mercantile as construction crews demolish DinoLand U.S.A.
X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Mattlegostar2 discovered the merchandise on February 19, posting photos of hand puppets, plastic figures, and an RC car modeled after the DINOSAUR ride vehicle:
DINOSAUR MERCH HAS RETURNED TO ANIMAL KINGDOM.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Found at Island merchantile!!!
DINOSAUR MERCH HAS RETURNED TO ANIMAL KINGDOM.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Found at Island merchantile!!! pic.twitter.com/RAFQ42iLla
— Mattlegostar (@Mattlegostar2) February 20, 2026
Six days later, Island Mercantile was still stocking the same items plus additional DINOSAUR clothing and toys. X user @AliciaStella documented the availability as of February 25:
Dinosaur-related merch still available at Island Mercantile in Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur-related merch still available at Island Mercantile in Animal Kingdom pic.twitter.com/lKvnNmXs8k
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) February 25, 2026
DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and all remaining areas in DinoLand U.S.A. closed permanently on February 2, 2026. Earlier closures began in January 2025, including Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, and the Fossil Fun Games. The Boneyard playground shut down in September 2025.
Pueblo Esperanza Construction Progressing
Walt Disney World Resort announced at D23 Expo 2024 that Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land, would replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The transformation includes two Encanto (2021) attractions—an animal carousel and a Casita-inspired family ride—plus an Indiana Jones conversion of DINOSAUR’s ride system that will differ from Disneyland Resort’s Indiana Jones Adventure.
Post-demolition construction has begun, with the main Encanto attraction’s foundation visible above construction walls. DINOSAUR props, including DINO-SUE, a cast of a T. rex skeleton, have been removed from the exterior of the original attraction.
Limited-Time Availability
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t specified how long DINOSAUR merchandise will remain available at Island Mercantile. Items typically remain available until sold out or transferred to discount locations such as Cast Connections (a Disney cast member store) or the Disney Character Warehouse outlets.
The merchandise return gives Disney Park guests who missed opportunities before the February 2 closure a final chance to purchase DINOSAUR souvenirs. Limited stock suggests items won’t last long as Disney Parks fans seek memorabilia from the original Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park attraction.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to transform DINOSAUR into an Indiana Jones-themed attraction? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
