Big changes are arriving at Walt Disney World, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to feel the impact.
As the final days of January 2026 tick away, Walt Disney World Resort is experiencing a wave of closures unlike anything seen in years. Recent months have already brought major losses, including Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom and the removal of MuppetVision 3D from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most recognizable areas.
DinoLand U.S.A. is officially being phased out to make room for Pueblo Esperanza, a new land themed to the Tropical Americas. The reimagined area will introduce attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, with Disney targeting a 2027 opening. Even though the debut is still over a year away, guests can already spot active construction beyond the walls.
The closure process has been unfolding gradually. Popular quick-service locations like Dino-Bites Snacks and Trilo-Bites have already served their last guests, and The Boneyard playground has permanently shut down. Only Restaurantosaurus and DINOSAUR remain operational—and only for a few more days.
Disney Experiences has confirmed that these final elements of DinoLand U.S.A. are closing this week, bringing the land’s original concept to a complete end.
Guests have until February 1, 2026, to enjoy DINOSAUR and dine at Restaurantosaurus. Both locations will close permanently on February 2. Once shuttered, construction is expected to expand fully into the DINOSAUR site, where the attraction will be transformed into an Indiana Jones ride. Disney has stated that this new experience will be unique and not based on any existing Indiana Jones attraction worldwide.
Despite excitement surrounding future additions, the farewell to DINOSAUR has clearly resonated with parkgoers.
As seen earlier this week, and reported by WDWNT, DINOSAUR was the longest wait at Disney's Animal Kingdom, usurping the park's usual top attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora.
The report noted that DINOSAUR posted a 50-minute wait, ahead of Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. With the attraction’s final operating day approaching, those wait times may continue to rise.
February 1 could see especially heavy demand as guests rush in for a final ride. What’s clear is that Animal Kingdom will look and feel dramatically different once the week is over, signaling a broader evolution across Walt Disney World Resort.
Elsewhere in the former DinoLand footprint, work on the Encanto attraction is already well underway. The project has gone vertical, a milestone that points to steady progress. The ride is expected to take guests inside Antonio Madrigal’s bedroom. In Encanto (2021), Antonio—voiced by Ravi Cabot-Conyers—has the ability to communicate with animals, making the concept a natural match for Animal Kingdom’s identity.
The full closure of DinoLand U.S.A. marks the retirement of a land that has been part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom since opening day in April 1998. After nearly 28 years, the area is officially being removed, permanently changing the park’s layout and storytelling.
For longtime visitors, the moment carries emotional weight. For others, it opens the door to a reimagined future for the park.
Do you think the closure of DINOSAUR will completely change Animal Kingdom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
