The sun has set on DinoLand U.S.A., a beloved yet polarizing part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, the prehistoric-themed land has officially closed and disappeared from park maps and the My Disney Experience app, marking a significant milestone in the park’s evolution. As Disney moves forward with plans for a Tropical Americas-inspired land, the closure signals the end of an era and the beginning of a bold transformation.
The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Since its debut in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has offered a unique blend of adventure, storytelling, and conservation. Unlike any other Disney park, it allows guests to explore exotic locales, encounter live animals, and immerse themselves in breathtaking environments. Popular attractions like Pandora – The World of Avatar, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition Everest make it a standout destination for Disney fans.
Beyond its attractions, the park is known for its culinary offerings, such as the global-inspired dishes at Tiffins, the creative cuisine at Satu’li Canteen, and the relaxed vibes of Nomad Lounge. Each corner of the park is designed to celebrate the wonders of nature and the spirit of exploration.
For decades, DinoLand U.S.A. added its own unique flair to this lineup, bringing a playful and nostalgic nod to the age of dinosaurs. Now, the land has joined the fossilized creatures it celebrated, leaving behind a space poised for reinvention.
A Look Back at DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand U.S.A. opened alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22, 1998. The land’s whimsical design told the story of a roadside dinosaur dig site that had been transformed into a quirky tourist attraction. Guests could uncover fossils in the Boneyard, spin on TriceraTop Spin, and experience a thrilling time-travel adventure in Dinosaur.
In the early years, the land’s charm was bolstered by Primeval Whirl, a wild-mouse coaster with a carnival theme. However, as time went on, DinoLand began to feel outdated and underwhelming compared to the immersive lands elsewhere in the park. The closure of Primeval Whirl in 2020 left a noticeable gap, and many fans speculated that the rest of the land would soon follow.
Their suspicions were confirmed in 2023 when Disney announced plans to replace DinoLand U.S.A. with a new land inspired by the Tropical Americas. Today, that transition officially begins.
The Final Chapter for DinoLand U.S.A.
As of this morning, DinoLand U.S.A. is gone from all official Disney park maps. Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, and TriceraTop Spin have permanently closed, while other attractions like Dinosaur and the Boneyard will remain operational until 2025.
Even during its final days, the land remained a focal point for families and fans who cherished its playful energy. However, Disney has chosen to move forward with a vision that promises to bring fresh experiences and renewed excitement to the park.
Below, you can see how the land has become extinct online with the My Disney Experience app thanks to reporter Scott Gustin, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/lO2CEWk0vB
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) January 13, 2025
What’s Next: Pueblo Esperanza
Replacing DinoLand U.S.A. is Pueblo Esperanza, which translates to “Village of Hope.” This new land, inspired by the cultures and ecosystems of the Tropical Americas, aims to deliver a richly detailed and immersive experience akin to Harambe Village in Animal Kingdom’s Africa section.
Pueblo Esperanza will feature two marquee attractions:
- Encanto-Themed Ride – The first of its kind, this ride will allow guests to step into the magical world of Encanto and its enchanting family, the Madrigals. It will occupy the space previously held by Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – Set to replace Dinosaur, this attraction will invite guests to join Indiana Jones on a thrilling expedition, combining cutting-edge technology with iconic storytelling.
Disney expects Pueblo Esperanza to debut in 2027, with phased construction beginning immediately.
A New Era for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The closure of DinoLand U.S.A. is just one part of a larger transformation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In the coming years, the park will also debut a Zootopia-themed show in the Tree of Life Theater, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug. The new show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, is expected to open in late 2025.
These changes reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to evolving its parks while maintaining their core mission of celebrating the natural world.
Reflecting on DinoLand U.S.A.
For nearly 25 years, DinoLand U.S.A. offered a playful blend of thrills, humor, and nostalgia. While its closure marks the end of a chapter, it also clears the way for an exciting new future. Pueblo Esperanza promises to bring vibrant storytelling and fresh attractions to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, ensuring the park continues to inspire wonder and adventure for generations to come.
As guests say goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A., they can look forward to a new land that celebrates the beauty, culture, and biodiversity of the Tropical Americas—a fitting addition to a park dedicated to the magic of nature.
