Disney Is Destroying What’s Left of This Iconic Animal Kingdom Land
Disney crews have begun removing elements from DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom following recent closures. The area is being transformed into Tropical Americas, a new land featuring attractions from Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Restaurantosaurus Changes
Restaurantosaurus closed last weekend, and crews have started work on the building. The off-white tarp covering has been partially removed from a section that held a bar, exposing the building structure underneath.
Items like stanchions, umbrellas, and trash cans have been cleared from the area. The Restaurantosaurus sign and various props remain in place for now. Christmas lights still hang on the “EAT” water tower.
The restaurant and adjacent Dinosaur Treasures gift shop will be repurposed for Tropical Americas rather than demolished entirely, so major structural destruction isn’t expected.
DinoLand U.S.A. Archway Removed
The DinoLand U.S.A. archway was torn down recently. One base support initially remained next to the Moana meet-and-greet sign before being removed. The archway welcomed guests into the land for over two decades.
Encanto Ride Construction
The show building for the new Encanto ride continues growing inside the land. The building now shows distinct sections of different heights, more visible in aerial photos. Some interior work has begun, but the ride hasn’t been installed yet.
The Encanto show building is visible from multiple vantage points, providing glimpses of the major attraction coming to Tropical Americas.
Construction Zones at Disney
The walkway guests used to access Restaurantosaurus and DINOSAUR for the past few months now cuts through two dirt construction zones. Former guest pathways traverse active work sites.
From various angles, Restaurantosaurus remains visible though partially obscured by construction barriers. The former Dinosaur Treasures gift shop is also visible, awaiting transformation.
Dino-Sue Remains
Though the DINOSAUR show building is largely hidden behind walls, Dino-Sue still stands outside. Dino-Sue is a replica of a real-life T. rex fossil that served as iconic photo opportunity within DinoLand.
Dino-Sue’s presence creates reminder of what DinoLand was while construction erases the surrounding land.
Dino-Rama Remnants
A surprising remnant of Dino-Rama remains hidden by walls. The concrete wall with white rocks was once a planter holding “Dino-Rama” shrubbery. All surrounding infrastructure was removed but the planter persists, possibly for reuse.
Carousel Foundation
The foundation of a future carousel is visible in construction photographs. The carousel will provide family-friendly experience in Tropical Americas alongside Encanto and Indiana Jones rides.
Tropical Americas Plans for Disney
Tropical Americas will include the fictional village of Pueblo Esperanza. Concept art shows the expansive hacienda as transformed Restaurantosaurus. The Indiana Jones attraction replaces DINOSAUR. The carousel sits in the lower center. Casita, the Encanto ride facade, appears in the upper left with reimagined Dinosaur Treasures nearby.
Closure Timeline
DinoLand U.S.A. closed in phases from January 2025 to February 2026. DINOSAUR, originally Countdown to Extinction in 1998, closed along with Restaurantosaurus, Donald’s Dino-Bash, Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and The Boneyard across multiple dates.
What’s Being Lost at Disney
DinoLand represented unique environment celebrating paleontology through educational DINOSAUR dark ride and campy Dino-Rama roadside attraction aesthetics. While divisive, the land had devoted fans who appreciated its quirky charm.
Transformation Progress
As Restaurantosaurus loses DinoLand U.S.A. theming and surrounding construction continues, DinoLand U.S.A.’s permanent disappearance becomes increasingly visible. Tropical Americas promises immersive South American environments aligned with Animal Kingdom’s conservation themes.
The phased demolition allows Disney to systematically transform the area while managing construction logistics and guest flow through the park.
What Remains at Disney
Key DinoLand U.S.A. elements like Dino-Sue and some Restaurantosaurus signage remain standing, creating a transitional landscape where old theming persists alongside construction for new land.
These remnants won’t last long as construction accelerates toward Tropical Americas opening. Each removed element brings the land closer to complete transformation from DinoLand to the new South American-themed area.
For guests who loved DinoLand’s quirky character, watching remaining pieces being removed creates acknowledgment that this Animal Kingdom chapter is ending as Disney builds the future.
