Disney Animal Kingdom ParkNews

“Change Is Good”: Disney World Area Closes Forever, New Land Coming

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, a piece of Disney history came to an end. Most of DinoLand U.S.A., an original section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, officially closed its gates for the last time. Known for its roadside carnival-inspired theme, the land’s attractions and quirky charm delighted Disney Parks fans for over 26 years.

By Monday morning, the area was entirely walled off. Construction crews have begun transforming it into a new land celebrating the Tropical Americas, aptly named Pueblo Esperanza. As one chapter ends, another begins for Walt Disney World Resort guests.

DinoLand U.S.A. Says Goodbye

Entrance to Dinoland U.S.A. theme park with a large, arched sign, surrounded by lush trees and plants. A staff member in a blue shirt and mask stands near Dino Diner to the right, and visitors can be seen in the distance under an overcast sky at Animal Kingdom.
Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Fanatic

DinoLand U.S.A. opened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998, as one of the park’s original lands. For decades, its whimsical carnival rides, themed games, and exclusive merchandise attracted families seeking lighthearted fun. The area’s closure, however, has been anticipated for years.

In 2020, the closure of Primeval Whirl marked the beginning of the end for DinoLand U.S.A. After the roller coaster was dismantled, the land’s future seemed uncertain. Last year, Walt Disney Imagineering officially announced plans to replace the area with Pueblo Esperanza, a vibrant new land inspired by the rich cultures of Central and South America.

Concept art for the new Tropical Americas area at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Credit: Disney

Sunday’s closure includes Chester & Hester’s DinoRama (including the Fossil Fun Games), TriceraTop Spin, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. These areas officially closed on January 12, marking the extinction of a fan-favorite part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

On Monday, theme park journalist Scott Gustin (@scottgustin) shared a screenshot of the updated Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park map on X (formerly Twitter):

“Here’s the new digital map at Animal Kingdom that shows the future footprint of the Encanto ride in the upcoming Tropical Americas-themed land.”

Meanwhile, Redditor u/ekecede shared photos of the walled-off area, showing construction walls adorned with plants and quotes like “Change is good” from The Lion King (1994) and “SQUIRREL!” from Up (2009):

Dino-Rama! Chester & Hester removed from Park Guide Map

Dino-Rama! Chester & Hester removed from Park Guide Map
byu/Ekecede inDisneyWorld

 

Exclusive Prizes Disappear

A dinosaur plush prize from DinoLand U.S.A.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

One of the hallmarks of DinoLand U.S.A. was the Fossil Fun Games, where guests could win exclusive plush prizes featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and dinosaurs. As the closure approached, these prized collectibles became harder to find. Small and medium plush toys were sold out by the land’s final weekend, leaving only large dinosaur prizes.

On January 11, the day before the closure, even the large prizes were gone, replaced by generic Disney merchandise such as Pride Mickey Mouse and various nuiMOs.

Pueblo Esperanza Brings a New Chapter

A sign at DinoLand U.S.A. reads "SEE Y'ALL REAL SOON!"
Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Fanatic

While some Disney Parks fans are saddened by the loss of DinoLand U.S.A., Walt Disney Imagineering is preparing for the future. Pueblo Esperanza will feature new attractions, including an experience inspired by Encanto (2021) and an Indiana Jones retheme of the popular DINOSAUR ride. For now, parts of DinoLand U.S.A. remain operational, including the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, DINOSAUR, Trilo-Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks, which will stay open through 2025.

What part of the upcoming Pueblo Esperanza land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park excites you the most? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments.

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Back to top button