Walt Disney World Resort has dropped exciting new details regarding the Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
At D23 Expo 2024, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, shared fresh information about the upcoming Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza, which will replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This new land will feature two attractions inspired by the hit movie Encanto (2021) and an Indiana Jones reimagining of DINOSAUR.
The 26-year-old DINOSAUR attraction, a fan favorite since the park’s opening in 1998, will begin its transformation next year. The closure of DinoLand U.S.A. began earlier in January, and construction is well underway. Certain sections of the area have already been demolished, including:
-
Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
-
Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (including the Fossil Fun Games)
-
TriceraTop Spin
While these areas are closed, the DINOSAUR ride, along with The BoneYard play area and nearby Quick Service dining spots, will remain open through the end of 2025. The entire DinoLand U.S.A. area will be demolished starting in 2026, making way for Pueblo Esperanza, with a planned opening for the new land in 2027.
What’s Coming for DINOSAUR and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort recently filed a Notice of Commencement for construction at DINOSAUR, a reminder that the clock is ticking for the ride’s extinction. The permit reveals that Ferran Services & Contracting Inc., known for its heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services, will work on the initial stages of “general construction.”
The filed permit is valid until March 18, 2026, suggesting that this phase of construction will focus on basic preparations for the DINOSAUR retheme. As the project progresses, Walt Disney World Resort will likely file additional permits for the full-scale demolition and retheming.
When Will DINOSAUR Close?
Walt Disney World Resort has yet to confirm an exact date for the closure of the DINOSAUR ride in 2026 or Pueblo Esperanza’s grand opening in 2027.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to retheme DINOSAUR? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
