Walt Disney World Resort has delivered surprising news about one of Animal Kingdom’s most beloved attractions.
Since its opening, DinoLand U.S.A. has been one of Disney’s most controversial lands. The area immerses guests in a quirky blend of prehistoric adventure and roadside Americana, with a backstory that revolves around the fictional Diggs County, where a group of paleontologists discovered fossils and established the Dino Institute to study dinosaurs.
The institute anchors DinoLand U.S.A., offering the thrilling DINOSAUR attraction, a time-travel expedition to save an Iguanodon. Surrounding it is Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, a kitschy carnival created by locals to capitalize on the dino craze, featuring rides like Primeval Whirl (now closed) and TriceraTop Spin. It’s tacky but fun – and set to close in phases to make way for a new Tropical Americas land starting January 12, 2025.
DINOSAUR’s Upcoming Closure
Contrary to popular belief, however, DINOSAUR is clinging on to life for a little bit longer. Disney has confirmed that the ride will remain open throughout 2025, with its closure fixed for some date in 2026.
While you’re visiting, make sure you “go get that dino” at DINOSAUR. We’ve previously shared this attraction will be closing to make way for the new Tropical Americas land – 2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!
This follows recent reports that the ride has recently received some TLC, with once-broken effects suddenly back in action for DINOSAUR’s last hurrah.
Once complete, the Tropical Americas land will include a new Indiana Jones attraction in place of DINOSAUR with the storyline set in a Mayan temple and offering a unique experience different from the version at Disneyland Resort. However, fans of DINOSAUR now have an extended opportunity to enjoy the ride before Indy moves in.
The land will also feature Disney’s first Encanto (2021) ride. As per Disney, this will feature the beloved Madrigal family and take place inside the Casita, where “Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…”
Demolition of DinoLand U.S.A.
Initially slated to begin in late 2024, the demolition of DinoLand U.S.A. and the construction of Tropical Americas seem to have been pushed back amid permit-related issues with the South Florida Water Management District. The new land is expected to debut in 2027.
Before then, Animal Kingdom will also debut a new 4D production at the Tree of Life Theater. “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will replace the endlessly terrifying (and admittedly quite outdated) “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” in the winter of 2025. This comes just in time for the release of Zootopia 2 in November 2025.
Do you plan on making one last trip to “go get that dino”?
