Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park said a heartfelt farewell to one of its original attractions on Monday, September 1, 2025. The Boneyard, the interactive play area that has delighted young paleontologists since it opened with DinoLand U.S.A. in April 1998, officially closed its gates for the last time.
The fate of The Boneyard was sealed during the 2024 D23 Expo when Walt Disney World Resort confirmed plans for a new Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This upcoming expansion will replace DinoLand U.S.A. and introduce two Encanto (2021) attractions alongside an Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR. While attractions like DINOSAUR, Trilo-Bites, and Restaurantosaurus will remain open through the end of 2025, The Boneyard’s closing date was set for September 1.
Much of DinoLand U.S.A., including Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, closed permanently in January 2025. Construction walls quickly followed, and the area was bulldozed to prepare the land for the Encanto rides.
On Monday, X (formerly Twitter) user @Nickpalermo824 captured this video of Disney cast members delivering the final closing spiel for The Boneyard:
Here is the video of the final goodbye spiel of The Boneyard
“Attention paleontologists and fellow dinosaur lovers, the time has come for you to hang up your shovels, as our excavations have ended for the day,” the first cast member said. “We hope you have enjoyed exploring The Boneyard and that you enjoyed your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”
A leader then took the microphone for a final farewell.
“From April 22, 1998, to September 1, 2025, paleontologists of all ages have explored The Boneyard and excavated the dig site,” the leader said. “DinoLand operations would like to thank all of our guests and cast members who have played a part in making this area so special. In Diggs County, we like to say, extinction is forever, but so are the memories.”
Guests cheered as cast members finished the closing procedures, officially marking the end of The Boneyard’s time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Walt Disney World Resort has not yet announced an exact closing date for the remainder of DinoLand U.S.A., nor has it shared a grand opening date for Pueblo Esperanza.
What did your family think of The Boneyard play area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear your memories in the comments!
