Walt Disney World Resort has officially demolished one of the original icons of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The demolition is part of the ongoing changes happening in DinoLand U.S.A., a nostalgic, roadside carnival-inspired land that is being reimagined into a Tropical Americas-themed area called Pueblo Esperanza.
DinoLand U.S.A. first opened alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on April 22, 1998. While the rest of the park focused on showcasing living creatures, DinoLand U.S.A. paid tribute to some of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth. It blended the scientific and prehistoric with a carnival-style atmosphere, with Chester and Hester hoping to make a quick buck off tourists visiting the nearby Dino Institute.
In August 2024, Walt Disney World Resort confirmed that formerly “blue sky” plans for a Tropical Americas area would move forward: a land known as Pueblo Esperanza will replace DinoLand U.S.A. The new area will feature two new attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and a rethemed version of the DINOSAUR attraction inspired by Indiana Jones.
Much of DinoLand U.S.A. closed its doors permanently in January, including Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, which housed the Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and the TriceraTop Spin ride. Construction walls went up almost immediately, and demolition crews began their work.
Since then, major sections of the area have been demolished, including TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and much of the oversized theming, including the iconic green Cementosaurus. While most of the roadside billboards that decorated Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures were removed, one colorful mural remained until very recently. The mural featured a playful advertisement for the Dino Institute and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama. The mural read, “When visiting Diggs County, see The Dino Institute. But if you want some real fun, visit Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! Rides! Games! Laffs!”
According to WDWNT, this final remaining billboard was demolished on Sunday, April 6, after Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park closed for the day. On Monday, April 7, Disney Park guests peering over the construction walls in DinoLand U.S.A. saw the mural crumpled near other debris and dirt.
As construction continues, Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that several attractions and dining locations will remain open in DinoLand U.S.A. through the end of 2025. DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and the Boneyard will remain operational until early 2026, at which point they will close to make way for Pueblo Esperanza. The new land is scheduled to open sometime in 2027, though exact dates have not yet been announced.
Have you noticed any ongoing construction at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
