Disney World Teardown Begins After Permanent Shutdown of Animal Kingdom Area
Things are changing inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Related: CONFIRMED: Disney Pushes Back Launch of New Vacations Until 2026
The Disney World Resort has begun to unveil significant transformations within its beloved theme parks, notably at Animal Kingdom. One of the first impacts felt is the closure of The Boneyard, an interactive playground area that has entertained countless children since its opening. This closure took effect on September 1, and it is just the beginning of the changes in DinoLand U.S.A.
With The Boneyard’s closure, guests now face altered access routes within DinoLand. The main entrance to this area has been blocked off, prompting visitors to navigate a longer, winding path to explore what remains of the land. Construction walls have emerged, signaling the beginning of an extensive renovation that promises to reshape the entire area.
The transformation of DinoLand was first hinted at during a 2022 conference, where Disney shared concept art proposing a complete reimagining of the prehistoric-themed land. This preview sparked excitement, as many fans had long anticipated an update to this section of the park, which some felt was out of sync with the rest of Animal Kingdom.
Not to be outdone, Magic Kingdom is also poised for a significant enhancement in form of Piston Peak, a new land inspired by the adored Pixar franchise, Cars. Set to offer a host of attractions and experiences, Piston Peak promises to captivate both young and old Disney enthusiasts alike.
Among the highlights planned for Piston Peak is an off-roading racing adventure, reminiscent of Disneyland’s popular Radiator Springs Racers. This attraction will invite guests to immerse themselves in the world of Lightning McQueen and friends, adding vibrancy to the Magic Kingdom experience. As planning progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how Piston Peak integrates into the existing framework of the park, paying homage to its rich history while introducing fresh, thrilling activities.
The Shift to Tropical Americas Theme
Related: Guests Stunned as Disney Scales Back Halloween Celebrations in Paris
Transitioning further into Animal Kingdom, the upcoming change is nothing short of monumental. The current dinosaur themes will be replaced with the vibrant and diverse culture of Tropical Americas. This transformation will feature attractions based on wonderful Disney intellectual properties (IPs) such as Indiana Jones and Encanto, steering away from the dinosaur-heavy narrative that defined DinoLand.
Scheduled to officially debut in 2027, Tropical Americas promises to offer a delightful array of experiences for guests. With its fresh focus on well-loved characters and stories, it aims to foster a deeper connection with visitors, allowing families to engage creatively with the attractions based on their favorite Disney films. The change is anticipated to breathe new life into the park, making it a more inclusive destination for all.
The closure of DinoLand has elicited mixed responses from the Disney community. While some guests express sadness at the departure of an area they have enjoyed over the years, many others feel relieved to see the changes coming. Long-time park attendees have voiced their anticipation for the renovations, discussing how DinoLand had started to feel disconnected from the overall Animal Kingdom theme.
As these transformations unfold, visitors are eager to witness what the future holds for both Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. The long-term vision from Disney seems to embrace bold innovation while capitalizing on treasured franchises, aiming to enhance guest experiences for years to come.
