Disney Relocates Beloved Fab Five Character at Park, Guests Take Note
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in the midst of a wide-ranging transformation, following the path of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which have also seen major changes in recent years. Many fan-favorite attractions have closed, and experiences have been relocated or reimagined as part of the park’s extensive construction projects.
The most significant change is the upcoming Tropical Americas land, slated to open in 2027. This new area will replace much of DinoLand U.S.A., leaving only a handful of its original offerings intact. Among these, the DINOSAUR attraction will be among the last, set to close permanently on February 1, 2026.
DinoLand’s closure paves the way for the new Pueblo Esperanza area, which will bring attractions inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2021 hit Encanto and the Indiana Jones franchise. Guests can already catch glimpses of the construction and the layout of the new land.
Not all changes are tied to rides. Meet-and-greet experiences have also shifted to accommodate construction. Goofy, for instance, has a new location near a backstage gate in the Africa section of the park, adjacent to a newly installed mural, per WDWNT. The character can now be found near Harambe Market, a spot that itself will close temporarily on October 20, 2025.
The popular Harambe Market will adjust its offerings to support the closure of Restaurantosaurus, serving American classics like hamburgers and chicken strips. Meanwhile, the former menu items will move to Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, which will extend its hours to accommodate guests.
Visitors to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios over the coming year should stay updated on park schedules, as further changes and adjustments are expected during these overhauls. At Hollywood Studios, confusion is already arising with the shutdown of the Animation Courtyard ahead of its refurbishment.
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