It’s the beginning of the end for this beloved Animal Kingdom ride.
DinoLand U.S.A.
Animal Kingdom is undergoing heavy renovations to make way for the Pueblo Esperanza expansion, and we’ve just taken another step closer to change.
In January of this year, TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures were permanently closed, and construction started almost immediately, clearing the land of any possible dinosaurs.
Chip and Dale in Dinoland!
Closing dates for the rest of Dinoland, including DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites, have not been announced, but Disney has been saying that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct.”
Restaurantosaurus
Disney filed a new permit a few days ago for the DINOSAUR area to “provide labor, material, and/or electrical for construction.” That sounds like they’re ready to work!
DINOSAUR
Because DINOSAUR is close to other already extinct areas, this could be for additional construction within the closed areas, or it could be for DINOSAUR itself. Disney has been saying that the rest of Dinoland will remain open for all of 2025, but it looks like Disney is getting ready to turn the attraction into the new Indiana Jones ride.
©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom
To make us a little less sad about losing our Dinoland (how will we ever catch that dino again?), we’re trying to focus on the new fun we’re getting. There will be a new Encanto ride that will take you inside the Madrigals’ Casita…
©Disney
…an Indiana Jones attraction that will replace DINOSAUR and will feature a brand-new storyline…
©Disney
…and a carousel with different sculpted Disney animals! This expansion is set to open sometime in 2027.
Pueblo Esperanza Carousel Concept Art ©Disney
We’re going to keep an eye on all the construction and new permits Disney files for these changes, so make sure to follow Disney Food Blog to be the first to know.
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Are you excited about the changes coming to Animal Kingdom? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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They should relocate the DinoLand games dinosaur to the Hollywood Studios lagoon to join Gertie. They are a very similar look and style. Gertie could have a friend!