Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently undergoing a significant transformation, and one of its popular dining locations, Harambe Market, has officially closed for the year to make way for a big refresh. This temporary shutdown is part of the larger Tropical Americas project, a massive overhaul that’s reshaping the park’s landscape and dining scene in preparation for 2026.
Harambe Market: Closed but Not Forgotten
Known for its vibrant African street food-inspired atmosphere, Harambe Market is currently shuttered as scheduled for refurbishment. While the food counters have paused operations, the outdoor seating area remains open for now, allowing guests a place to sit and soak up the park’s ambiance. Signage at the market entrance directs guests to alternative dining options nearby, including Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, and Restaurantosaurus.
Disney has confirmed that Harambe Market will reopen in early 2026 with an updated menu focusing on crowd-pleasing quick-service staples like burgers and chicken strips. This revamp coincides with the upcoming permanent closure of Restaurantosaurus on February 2, 2026, which will shift more fast-casual dining demand onto Harambe Market once it returns.
Kusafiri Expands Its Offerings
To help bridge the gap while Harambe Market is closed, Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery—also located in the Africa section of the park—has expanded its menu to include lunch options. Current items include the Harambe Chicken Rice Bowl, Plant-based Picadillo Rice Bowl, and Harissa Chicken Wrap. This temporary expansion aims to provide guests with some flavorful alternatives as the park’s dining landscape adjusts during the refurbishment period.
Tropical Americas
Harambe Market’s refurbishment is just one piece of a sweeping project aimed at replacing DinoLand U.S.A. with a brand-new immersive land themed around the rich cultures and landscapes of Central and South America. The highlight of this ambitious expansion will be an Encanto-themed attraction inspired by Disney’s hit 2021 animated film.
Jared Bush, co-director and writer of the original Encanto movie, is actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering, crafting fresh, original dialogue and story elements specifically for the new ride. Rather than simply retelling the film, the attraction promises a unique experience that dives deeper into the Madrigal family’s magical world.
Visible Signs of Progress
Recent months have brought major visible changes at Animal Kingdom. Construction walls now block off large sections of the former DinoLand area, with cranes towering overhead. Walkways have been rerouted, and beloved locations like the Boneyard playground closed their gates on September 1, 2025, signaling a clear end to one chapter and the start of another.
While the DINOSAUR ride continues to operate for now, it is slated to close on February 1, 2026. The existing ride system will be repurposed for a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction as part of the Tropical Americas expansion.
Aerial photos and reports from Disney insiders reveal substantial vertical construction, including steel framing and deep excavations that hint at the scale and complexity of the upcoming Encanto attraction and the surrounding land.
A Preview of What’s to Come
For guests eager for a sneak peek, the Walt Disney Presents gallery inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios currently showcases a detailed model of Tropical Americas alongside other upcoming projects like the new Monsters, Inc. coaster and the Cars expansion at Magic Kingdom.
This preview model depicts a central plaza called Pueblo Esperanza, complete with a hand-carved animal carousel inspired by classic Disney creatures, lush landscaping, and planned dining locations, giving visitors a tangible glimpse into the immersive environment Disney aims to create.
A New Era for Animal Kingdom
The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into Tropical Americas is part of Disney’s effort to reposition Animal Kingdom as a full-day park experience packed with immersive storytelling and cultural richness. While Pandora: The World of Avatar helped begin this shift, Tropical Americas looks to deepen it, blending the natural beauty and vibrant traditions of the Americas into a uniquely Disney experience.
Naturally, some longtime fans are nostalgic for the quirky charm of DinoLand, but anticipation is high as the new land promises fresh attractions, dining, and entertainment that will broaden the park’s appeal and deepen its storytelling.
While Harambe Market’s closure means guests will miss its signature flavors for a while, the upcoming menu revamp aims to keep the spirit of quick-service convenience alive and well. Meanwhile, Kusafiri’s expanded lunch offerings and nearby dining alternatives provide plenty of options.
In the meantime, guests should be prepared for construction-related changes and plan their dining accordingly, but also get excited: Animal Kingdom’s future is unfolding rapidly, and it looks like it’s set to become even more vibrant, immersive, and culturally rich than ever before.
