Walt Disney World Resort has always been a magical place where nostalgia and new experiences come together. Between the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, the water parks, and Disney Springs, the possibilities seem endless!
That was certainly the case on January 12, 2025, when two beloved but seldom-seen characters, Hester and Chester, made a surprise return at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Related: Is Disney Scrapping Animal Kingdom’s Latest Attraction? Fans Predict the End
A Farewell to DinoLand U.S.A.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998, with a mission to inspire conservation and celebrate the natural world. From the sprawling African savanna of Kilimanjaro Safaris to the adrenaline-pumping Expedition Everest, the park quickly established itself as a fan favorite.
However, one land struggled to connect with guests over the years: DinoLand U.S.A.
In 2023, Disney announced plans to reimagine the area, replacing it with a new land inspired by the Indiana Jones franchise and Disney’s Encanto (2021). While some fans were thrilled about the fresh concept, others lamented the loss of a quirky section that had been a part of Animal Kingdom since its inception.
On January 12, 2025, DinoLand U.S.A. officially bid farewell to a large portion of its attractions, including the TriceraTop Spin ride, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures shop. The area closed to regular park guests and remained open exclusively for Cast Members to say their goodbyes.
Related: Theme Park Rivalry Heats Up as Universal Takes a Shot at DinoLand U.S.A. Shutdown
Hester and Chester’s Triumphant Return
The real surprise of the evening came when Hester and Chester, the charming duo behind DinoLand U.S.A.’s fictional backstory, appeared in the area. The characters had been absent from the park for nearly 25 years, making their reappearance a momentous occasion for Cast Members and fans alike.
One Disney enthusiast shared their excitement on social media:
YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE WHO PULLED UP AT THE CAST FUCTION (Chester and Hester!!!!)
YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE WHO PULLED UP AT THE CAST FUCTION (Chester and Hester!!!!) pic.twitter.com/ThhuPsS49S
— montana (@femsteverogers) January 13, 2025
Related: Disney’s Surprise Decision: DINOSAUR Remaining Open Amid DinoLand Closures
The tweet quickly gained traction, with Disney fans expressing their envy and amazement. The reclusive characters’ quirky aesthetic and rich lore have made them cult favorites over the years, and their return only added to their mystique.
Another fan lamented the missed opportunity for regular guests to see the duo:
NO FREAKING WAY! After almost 25 years they bring Chester and Hester out after closing hours and only for cast?!?! 😫😫😫 Insanely cool but let us character hunters have a chance. They should have wandered the land for the last couple months at least. 🥲
NO FREAKING WAY! After almost 25 years they bring Chester and Hester out after closing hours and only for cast?!?! 😫😫😫 Insanely cool but let us character hunters have a chance. They should have wandered the land for the last couple months at least. 🥲 https://t.co/ac6gxtgBkc
— Dr. Grant Seeker (@Dr_GrantSeeker) January 13, 2025
The End of an Era
For those unfamiliar, Hester and Chester’s backstory is a tale of small-town ingenuity. The pair owned a roadside gas station that became a tourist hotspot after the discovery of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. To capitalize on the dinosaur craze, they transformed their humble gas station into a souvenir shop and eventually added the amusement park elements that defined DinoLand U.S.A.
While the whimsical land may be fading into history, its legacy is far from forgotten. The characters’ surprise appearance was a fitting tribute to the quirky charm that DinoLand U.S.A. brought to Animal Kingdom for over two decades.
What’s Next for Animal Kingdom?
As construction begins on the new Tropical Americas-themed land, which is set to open in 2027, fans are already speculating about what’s to come. Will the spirit of innovation and nostalgia embodied by Hester and Chester live on in the park’s future attractions? Only time will tell.
For now, Disney fans can only dream of the day when rare characters like Hester and Chester step back into the spotlight.
Would you have loved to see these iconic characters before Dino-Rama closed? Share your thoughts below!