
A beloved piece of Walt Disney World Resort history has reached its final day. DinoLand U.S.A., the theme park within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, officially closes at the end of today, Sunday, January 12, 2025. This quirky, roadside carnival-inspired area is bidding farewell after over 25 years of entertaining Disney fans of all ages.
The closure marks a major shift for Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the theme park prepares for an exciting new future. Guests flocked to DinoLand U.S.A. this weekend to soak in the nostalgia and say their goodbyes to three of its most iconic attractions.
A Fond Farewell to DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand U.S.A. opened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on April 22, 1998, making it one of the park’s original lands. Its roadside carnival theme offered a playful juxtaposition to the park’s larger focus on animals and nature.
Despite its charm, the land’s decline began years ago. The closure of the Primeval Whirl roller coaster in 2020 left a significant gap in DinoLand U.S.A., and rumors of its eventual removal gained traction. The remaining attractions began to feel increasingly dated. Last year, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the following three pieces of DinoLand U.S.A. would close on January 12:
- Chester & Hester’s DinoRama (includes the Fossil Fun Games)
- Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- TriceraTop Spin
Yesterday, the Fossil Fun Games ran out of their last remaining DinoLand U.S.A.-themed prizes, including exclusive Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and dinosaur plush toys. While the games will remain open until the park closes tonight, only generic Disney merchandise is now available to win. @bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter) shared this photo of the final dinosaur plushes available alongside other non-exclusive prizes:
There are Dinoland plush available as top tier prizes in skill games at Animal Kingdom.
There are Dinoland plush available as top tier prizes in skill games at Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/FwMjQK9VqY
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 6, 2025
What’s Next for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park?
DinoLand U.S.A. will be replaced by a brand-new land inspired by the Tropical Americas. Walt Disney Imagineers have revealed that the area, called Pueblo Esperanza, will celebrate the rich cultures of Central and South America. It will feature new Encanto (2021) themed attractions, and DINOSAUR transform into an Indiana Jones-inspired ride.
Disney Parks fans will have time to say goodbye to some elements of DinoLand U.S.A. before they disappear entirely. DINOSAUR, the Boneyard playground, and dining locations, including Restaurantosaurus, Trilo-Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks, will remain open through 2025.
Do you have a favorite memory from DinoLand U.S.A.? Share it with Disney Dining in the comments.
The transformation to Indiana Jones should be an easy one, since the ride is almost identical to the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland anyway with just different characters.