The End of an Era: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Demolition Begins
The transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is officially underway. Demolition crews have arrived, signaling the beginning of the end for DinoLand U.S.A., one of the park’s original lands.
DinoLand U.S.A. Closes to Make Way for a New Disney Expansion
In January, Disney officially closed most of DinoLand U.S.A., marking the start of a long-anticipated transformation. The theme park within a theme park, which first opened alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, is set to be replaced with a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza, featuring attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and an Indiana Jones reimagining of DINOSAUR.
DinoLand U.S.A. closed several attractions on January 12, 2025, including:
- Chester & Hester’s DinoRama
- Fossil Fun Games
- Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- TriceraTop Spin
However, some remnants of DinoLand U.S.A. remain intact—at least for now. DINOSAUR, The Boneyard playground, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will remain open through 2025. Character meet-and-greets are also still available in the area.
Demolition Equipment Moves into Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Now, just one month after DinoLand U.S.A.’s partial closure, the first signs of demolition have appeared.
According to BlogMickey, construction walls and hedge planters now block the former Chester & Hester’s DinoRama, where at least two large excavators have been spotted over the walls.
While no major demolition has begun yet, the removal of structures is already underway. Pieces of TriceraTop Spin have already been dismantled, and some carnival-style Fossil Fun Games booths have been removed.
The End of DinoLand U.S.A. Has Been in Motion for Years
Though January’s closures marked a major step, the fate of DinoLand U.S.A. was sealed years ago.
Rumors of its demise began in 2020 when Primeval Whirl, a wild mouse-style roller coaster, was permanently closed. The attraction had been reduced to seasonal operations in 2019 and never reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Disney parks worldwide in March 2020.
By late 2020, Disney removed Primeval Whirl’s ride vehicles and demolished the structure, leaving an empty, walled-off space that remained untouched until this year’s land-wide closure.
Now, Pueblo Esperanza is taking shape, with Walt Disney Imagineers set to overhaul the area into a vibrant new land inspired by Latin American cultures, characters, and stories.
What’s Next for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park?
As DinoLand U.S.A. disappears, Walt Disney World Resort fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of its replacement. While an official opening date for Pueblo Esperanza has not yet been announced, construction is expected to continue through 2026.
For now, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests still have time to experience the last remnants of DinoLand U.S.A. before it’s gone forever.
Does your family have fond memories of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share them with Disney Dining in the comments!
