DinoLand U.S.A. is officially extinct, and fresh concrete is already taking its place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The End of an Era at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
The death of DinoLand U.S.A. was slow. Walt Disney World Resort dismantled the beloved roadside-carnival-themed area in phases, beginning in January 2025 with the closure of Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, the Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, and TriceraTop Spin. The Boneyard play area followed that September. Then last month, the final pieces — DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and everything else that remained of the original April 1998 land — went dark for good, closing the book on a 27-year run at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed what comes next: Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land that will bring an Encanto (2021)-inspired attraction based on Casita, a wood-carved Disney animal carousel featuring characters like Dug from Up (2009), and a reimagined version of the DINOSAUR ride system inspired by the Indiana Jones franchise. Imagineers have been careful to note that the Indiana Jones attraction will be distinct from the existing Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park, despite sharing the same ride technology.
Concrete Marks the Spot
On Thursday, March 12, WDWNT reported that construction crews had poured a concrete foundation for the future carousel in Pueblo Esperanza, sharing a photo of the fresh slab on Facebook. The new foundation sits a short distance from the rising show building for the Casita-themed attraction, which began as a reddish-brown steel framework and has since been fitted with silver steel beams along its exterior.
Most of DinoLand U.S.A.'s structures have already been leveled. The bar attached to Restaurantosaurus has been demolished, though the dining building itself will be converted into a hacienda rather than torn down. Work continues inside the DINOSAUR ride building as crews transform it into its Indiana Jones-inspired replacement.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced a specific opening date for Pueblo Esperanza, though a 2027 debut is currently anticipated.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort's decision to replace DinoLand U.S.A. with Pueblo Esperanza? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
