The wrecking ball has arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and a decades-old section of the park is being reduced to rubble. DinoLand U.S.A., a staple of the park since its opening in 1998, is officially on its way out, making room for Disney’s next major project.
Disney Moves Forward With Massive Demolition
In January 2025, Walt Disney World Resort permanently closed several attractions in DinoLand U.S.A., marking the beginning of the end for the land. Now, the demolition process is in full swing, with crews dismantling Chester & Hester’s DinoRama, a once-bustling carnival-style area featuring games, retail, and the TriceraTop Spin ride.
For years, fans speculated about the land’s fate, especially after the abrupt closure and removal of the Primeval Whirl roller coaster in 2020. But at D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering confirmed the inevitable—DinoLand U.S.A. would be replaced by Pueblo Esperanza, a brand-new land inspired by the Tropical Americas.
What’s Disappearing in DinoLand U.S.A.?
According to WDWNT, the demolition crews have already removed all of the carnival games from Chester & Hester’s DinoRama, including:
- Whac-A-Packycephalosaur
- Fossil Fueler
- Mammoth Marathon
- Comet Crasher
- Bronto-Score
Meanwhile, TriceraTop Spin is being stripped down, with its themed elements and sun shades being taken apart. The ride itself is still standing.
A video from TikTok user @rebanora offers a glimpse at the ongoing demolition, with construction walls and rolling planters shielding much of the activity in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s former theme park within a theme park:
@rebanora Dinoland…are you okay babe? Please blink twice if you are still working properly. Also why did I have to come AFTER they closed half of it!!!??! #dinolandusa #dinoland #animalkingdom #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneyworld #wdw #disneyattractions #disneyparks #disneycontent #disneytrip
What Remains in the Land?
Though large portions of DinoLand U.S.A. are now history, a few attractions are still operational. Guests can still experience DINOSAUR, The Boneyard play area, and the land’s Quick Service dining options through 2025. The entire land is expected to close sometime in 2026.
As Disney clears the way for all-new Encanto (2021) attractions and an Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR, the park’s prehistoric past is quickly fading. Whether you love or hate this transformation, one thing is certain: DinoLand U.S.A. is going extinct, and Walt Disney World Resort isn’t looking back.
What will you miss most about DinoLand U.S.A.? Share your memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
