The transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is officially underway, and a once-beloved land is being wiped from existence. It’s time to say goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand U.S.A. Fades Into Extinction
For over two decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests could step back in time at DinoLand U.S.A., a unique, kitschy corner of the park dedicated to paleontology and prehistoric fun. But in January 2025, Walt Disney World Resort officially closed several of the land’s original attractions to make way for something new.
The demolition process has now begun in earnest, with crews tearing down Chester & Hester’s DinoRama, the carnival-style theme park within a theme park featuring games, retail, the family-friendly TriceraTop Spin attraction, and the infamous Primeval Whirl coaster, which permanently closed in 2020.
Disney’s Next Big Project Takes Shape
Fans had long suspected that DinoLand U.S.A. was doomed, especially after Primeval Whirl’s closure and subsequent dismantling. Then, at D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering confirmed the rumors, revealing that the land would be transformed into Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-inspired area featuring attractions based on Encanto (2021) and an Indiana Jones reimagining of the DINOSAUR attraction.
Since then, construction walls have been put up, blocking off large portions of the land, and the physical removal of the old attractions has begun.
What’s Left of DinoLand U.S.A.?
Disney Dining reported that excavation equipment arrived onsite earlier this month, signaling the start of the demolition process. Now, according to WDWNT, all of the carnival games from Chester & Hester’s DinoRama have vanished. That includes longtime favorites like Whac-A-Packycephalosaur, Fossil Fueler, Mammoth Marathon, Comet Crasher, and Bronto-Score.
Meanwhile, crews have also begun stripping away themed elements and shading structures from TriceraTop Spin, though the ride structure remains intact—for now.
A video from TikTok user @rebanora shows what guests can currently see peeking over the construction walls and rolling planters:
@rebanora Dinoland…are you okay babe? Please blink twice if you are still working properly. Also why did I have to come AFTER they closed half of it!!!??! #dinolandusa #dinoland #animalkingdom #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneyworld #wdw #disneyattractions #disneyparks #disneycontent #disneytrip
While massive portions of DinoLand U.S.A. are disappearing, not everything is gone just yet. Walt Disney World Resort guests can still visit DINOSAUR, The Boneyard play area, and DinoLand U.S.A.’s Quick Service dining locations, at least for a little longer. These attractions will remain operational through 2025, but sometime in 2026, the land as we know it will be no more.
What do you think Disney should include in Pueblo Esperanza? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
