For years, Walt Disney World has found ways to evolve without completely letting go of its past. But every once in a while, a change comes along that makes it clear a chapter has officially closed.
That’s exactly where things stand right now.
Two longtime attractions—each a defining part of their park—are no longer what they once were. One is already gone. The other has closed and is preparing for a completely new identity. Together, they represent one of the most noticeable shifts happening across Walt Disney World in years.
DINOSAUR Is Officially Gone
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. has crossed a major line.
DINOSAUR is no longer operating.
For 27 years, the attraction stood as one of the park’s most intense rides. Guests boarded time rovers, raced through a collapsing prehistoric world, and tried to bring back an Iguanodon before a catastrophic asteroid impact. It was chaotic, loud, and unlike anything else at Animal Kingdom.
Now, that experience is gone for good.
Disney has officially begun demolishing and transforming the attraction into a brand-new Indiana Jones ride. While the ride system is expected to remain similar, everything else is being rebuilt—from the storyline to the environment surrounding it.
Instead of traveling back to the age of dinosaurs, guests will soon step into a globe-trotting adventure inspired by Indiana Jones. It’s a dramatic shift, and one that signals Disney is fully moving forward with its next phase for the park.
DinoLand U.S.A. Is Being Replaced
The removal of DINOSAUR is just one part of a much larger overhaul.
DinoLand U.S.A. itself is being replaced by Tropical Americas, a brand-new land that will bring a completely different tone to that section of the park. The quirky roadside attraction feel is being phased out in favor of something more immersive and cohesive.
The Indiana Jones attraction is expected to serve as a major anchor for this new land, helping define its identity from day one.
For longtime visitors, this is a major turning point. DinoLand has been part of Animal Kingdom since its early years, and DINOSAUR was its centerpiece. With both now on their way out, it’s clear Disney is ready to move on from that era entirely.
And over at another park, a similar kind of change has already taken place.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Has Closed Permanently
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, another major attraction has already reached the end of its original run.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is officially gone in its original form.
For years, it stood out as one of the most intense rides at Walt Disney World. The high-speed launch, multiple inversions, and music-driven experience made it a fan favorite and a must-do for thrill seekers.
That version of the ride has now been retired.
Disney has closed the Aerosmith-themed experience permanently and is moving forward with a full retheme that will completely change the ride’s identity.
The Muppets Take Over in 2026
When the coaster reopens on May 26, 2026, it will return as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
It’s a major shift in tone.
While the ride system will still deliver the same high-speed thrills, everything surrounding it is changing. Instead of a rock concert backdrop, guests will step into a chaotic, comedy-driven experience led by the Muppets.
It’s one of the boldest rethemes Disney has taken on in recent years.
The Muppets bring a completely different energy—one built on humor and unpredictability rather than pure adrenaline. It’s a big contrast from the Aerosmith version, but it also fits Disney’s current direction of leaning into recognizable characters and storytelling.
Disney World Is Changing Fast
Looking at both of these changes together, it’s clear that Disney isn’t just making small updates.
Entire sections of the parks are being reimagined. Longtime attractions are being removed. And new experiences are stepping in to define what comes next.
DINOSAUR is already gone, marking the end of one of Animal Kingdom’s most recognizable experiences. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has also closed in its original form, clearing the way for a completely new version.
For guests, that means Walt Disney World is going to feel very different moving forward.
A New Era Has Arrived
There’s no way around it—losing attractions like DINOSAUR and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is going to be tough for longtime fans. These rides have been part of the Disney experience for decades.
But Disney is clearly focused on the future.
The Indiana Jones transformation and the Muppets retheme both point to a new direction—one where the parks continue to evolve, even if it means saying goodbye to familiar favorites.
And with even more projects already underway across Walt Disney World, this isn’t the end of the changes.
It’s just the beginning.
