A significant chapter at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has come to an end. Much of DinoLand U.S.A., known for its roadside carnival charm and dinosaur-themed fun, has officially been demolished as part of a major park overhaul. This demolition marks the final goodbye to an area that has been a part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the park’s grand opening in 1998.
DinoLand U.S.A. offered Disney Park guests a quirky break from the park’s animal-centric focus, introducing them to the misadventures of dinosaur entrepreneurs Chester and Hester. With attractions like the classic DINOSAUR ride, the whimsical TriceraTop Spin, and the addictive Fossil Fun Games, it was a nostalgic and colorful land that entertained visitors for more than two decades.
In August 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering announced plans to close DinoLand U.S.A. to make way for a new Tropical Americas-themed land featuring rides based on Encanto (2021) and a reimagined version of DINOSAUR inspired by Indiana Jones. In January 2025, much of the area closed down, including Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama and TriceraTop Spin.
Recent aerial images shared by Disney Parks fan @bioreconstruct reveal that the closed areas of DinoLand U.S.A. have been completely leveled:
Aerial overview of the Encanto attraction site in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Part of the transformation to a Tropical Americas section in the park.
Aerial overview of the Encanto attraction site in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Part of the transformation to a Tropical Americas section in the park. pic.twitter.com/naJCRDEcMs— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 9, 2025
The remaining parts of DinoLand U.S.A., including The Boneyard and the DINOSAUR ride, will still operate through the end of 2025. While Walt Disney World Resort has not specified an official final closing date, it is expected that the land will welcome its last guests in early 2026.
The upcoming Pueblo Esperanza land is slated to open sometime in 2027. Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce an exact opening date.
Which part of Pueblo Esperanza are you most excited about? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
