No Chance To Say Goodbye: Disney Overhauls DINOSAUR Experience Overnight
A surprise update has taken place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park as part of the ongoing changes to DinoLand U.S.A. In preparation for its upcoming closure and transformation, Disney has introduced a new on-ride photo feature for DINOSAUR, providing guests bidding farewell to the opening-day attraction with a special memory of their final blast into the past.
Walt Disney World Resort announced that a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza will replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The new area will feature two Encanto (2021) attractions and an Indiana Jones retheme of the DINOSAUR ride.
Much of DinoLand U.S.A., including Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and The Boneyard, has already closed. Aerial photographs show the closed areas completely leveled, with preparations beginning for the incoming Encanto rides. DINOSAUR and the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. will close permanently on February 2, 2026.
On September 29, 2025, Walt Disney World Resort introduced a fresh on-ride photo frame for DINOSAUR. According to @DrewDisneyDude on X (formerly Twitter), the new design is dated for 2025, featuring an updated image of the iconic red Carnotaurus that riders must escape from during the ride.
NEW: DINOSAUR’s attraction photo has been updated as of today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The final day to ride the attraction is February 1, 2026.
NEW: DINOSAUR’s attraction photo has been updated as of today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The final day to ride the attraction is February 1, 2026. pic.twitter.com/hAPisWF8IK
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) September 30, 2025
The photo frame also includes the DINOSAUR ride logo and the “It’s Fast! It’s A Blast! It’s In The Past!” slogan, as well as fan-favorite quotes like “You Made It!” and “Nice Work!”
Disney Park guests can purchase these on-ride photos through the My Disney Experience app, Walt Disney World Resort’s website, or at Disney PhotoPass locations throughout the theme parks. For most guests, the photos will automatically link to their Disney accounts via MagicBand, smartwatch, or mobile device, but assistance with lost photos is available at Disney PhotoPass help desks.
The DINOSAUR attraction will go extinct alongside the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. on February 2, 2026. The final chance to ride in its current form will be February 1, 2026. The rethemed ride will reopen with Pueblo Esperanza sometime in 2027.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to replace DinoLand U.S.A. with Pueblo Esperanza? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
