NEWS: Disney Releases More Details on DinoLand Closings at Animal Kingdom in Disney World

DinoLand, USA, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is being transformed into a new Tropical Americas-themed land. While some of the land has already closed, there are still plenty of offerings to enjoy in the land while you can. Disney has given more information on when we can expect closures for what’s remaining. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Rachel Paige:

As previously announced at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, DinoLand U.S.A. inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme park will close to make way for new, exciting updates coming with an expansive Tropical Americas destination. While the ongoing change is very exciting and we’re already humming along with La Familia Madrigal, time is running out for the prehistoric friends we’ve made along the way.

But when, where, and how is this happening? How long do you have to go catch that dino? If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers about the ongoing transformation happening inside DinoLand as work begins for Tropical Americas.

Is DinoLand still open?

Yes! You don’t even need a Time Rover to visit DinoLand because parts of the area are still currently open through 2025. (But if you happen to have a Time Rover lying around, by all means, please feel free to use it on any upcoming authorized missions…)

What’s happening to DinoLand?

Announced during the Horizons showcase at D23, DinoLand is closing to make way for a new location in Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas. Within this location, a brand-new thrilling Indiana Jones experience will debut following Indy’s journey to find a mythical creature deep within the temple — and it’s unlike any Indy experience you’ve ever seen before. And, a very famous house is coming to life, literally, with the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

Dirt is moving on floors, drawers, and doors for what’s coming next. More to come!

When is DinoLand closing?

If you’re hoping to get in some prehistoric fun, 2025 is your last year to visit DinoLand before it goes extinct. Currently, many of DinoLand locations are still operating, including DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, and Restaurantosaurus. When construction ramps up throughout the year, we’ll bring you more info faster than a Time Rover can race out of the end of the Cretaceous period.

What’s already closed in DinoLand?

To accommodate construction, the first wave of closures happened earlier this year, with TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures running their last day of operations on January 12, 2025.

Where can I find Animal Kingdom merchandise if not in Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures??

Don’t worry, there are still plenty of locations to pick up trinkets throughout the park, like Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company, and the nearby Dino Institute Shop, which is still open.

When is DINOSAUR closing?

This is your year to go fast and visit the past with DINOSAUR. Even after it closes in 2026, the legacy, and asteroid impact, of the Dino Institute will live forever in our hearts.

When is Restaurantosaurus closing?

You’ve still got time in 2025 to rustle up some grub at Restaurantosaurus, and it’s the perfect place to refuel before your next wild adventure in the park. You might even catch a performance from the Dino Institute Intern — on a break from his internship duties — happy to entertain everyone and anyone who will listen to his original dino-themed tunes.

Be sure to stop by and pick up some of the tasty entrees and snacks currently available, like the fan favorite Foot-long Hot Dog with Chili and Cheese, an order of A-Maize-ing Magic Munch Fries, or the S’moresosaurus Shake!

The nearby Dino-Bites Snacks is also still open, where you can pick up an ice cream cookie sandwich or the Dig Dino ice cream sandwich — you can’t go wrong with either snack.

When is the Boneyard closing?

There’s still time for another excavation (or two) throughout 2025. The Boneyard is still open and welcoming little archeologists to play daily.

Does Dr. Seeker know?

Yes, Dr. Seeker knows that his tenure at the Dino Institute is coming to a close, and he’s hopeful he can find that dino before security does.

Ok, what else can you tell me about Tropical Americas?

Tropical Americas — better known as Pueblo Esperanza — will be a new 11-acre lush and sprawling area. Just like Harambe, this land will feel lived in, with a long, rich history. Not only will the land include a hacienda — which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World Resort — but also two signature attractions for Indiana Jones and Encanto.

Additionally, the area will feature a large fountain in the center and a local woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.

Construction on the land is currently ongoing and Tropical Americas will open in 2027.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tropical Americas Land Confirmed; Indiana Jones and Encanto Ride Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

by Chad and Cindy Nykamp

Last fall Disney announced ideas about a Tropical Americas retheme for DinoLand, USA. During the  Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney confirmed the changes are coming and construction will begin this fall. Learn more below.

Disney Cast Member Michael Hundgen shares the details below:

A new adventure awaits at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the addition of a new space themed around Tropical Americas. Welcome to Pueblo Esperanza.

As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro explained during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, work on this new 11-acre section of the park is set to begin later this year. Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.

The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.

That’s not all that will be located here – the new land will include not one but two signature attractions!

Indiana Jones

A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.

In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Encanto

If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…

Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027 — but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).