The countdown has begun at Disney World. After decades of dinos, Disney is preparing to close the gates on DinoLand U.S.A. in 2026, marking the end of a prehistoric era at Animal Kingdom. But don’t mourn just yet—what’s coming next might be even bigger.
Set to be replaced by a massive new themed land called Tropical Americas, Disney is giving fans two major reasons to get excited: Indiana Jones and Encanto are both headed to the park in a whole new way.
What’s Still Open—and What’s Already Closed at This Disney World Location?
Right now, the bones of DinoLand are still hanging on. You can still ride DINOSAUR, eat at Restaurantosaurus, and explore the Boneyard through the end of 2025. But several parts of the land are already extinct.
Oh yeah, Disney just waiting to demolish Dinosaur. Lots of bruises in the queue.
Oh yeah, Disney just waiting to demolish Dinosaur. Lots of bruises in the queue. 😔 pic.twitter.com/fS0pz2U2jQ
— Dueling Park News (@DuelingParkNews) June 20, 2025
On January 12, 2025, Disney permanently closed TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. These early closures kicked off the larger transformation happening behind the scenes—and that change is only accelerating.
The Big Reveal: What’s Replacing DinoLand?
The new land, Tropical Americas, will bring lush, vibrant landscapes inspired by South and Central America, all anchored by two major attractions:
-
A new Indiana Jones ride: This isn’t a clone of Disneyland’s version. Instead, it’s an original experience, following Indy on a wild expedition through a mysterious jungle temple. Expect thrills, danger, and everything you’d want from an Indiana Jones story.
-
The first-ever Encanto attraction: Step inside Casita and experience the world of the Madrigal family like never before. This new ride-through adventure will let guests interact with the magical house and its characters in a fully immersive environment.
This new direction not only refreshes a dated section of the park—it also marks Disney’s push toward culturally immersive, story-driven lands that connect with newer audiences.
A Deeper Shift in Disney’s Parks Strategy
This isn’t just about dinosaurs versus magic. It’s about Disney’s long-term strategy to evolve with its guests. DinoLand has long been seen as a placeholder, a quirky but outdated corner of Animal Kingdom. Now, Disney is giving the space a full transformation that taps into both nostalgic adventure (Indiana Jones) and modern emotional storytelling (Encanto).
By doing so, Disney continues to lean into IP-driven, richly themed experiences—something that’s become standard across its parks in recent years.
Say Goodbye to DINOSAUR—Before It’s Too Late at Disney World
Fans of DINOSAUR have noticed: the attraction is literally falling apart. Viral photos show broken walls and visible decay in the queue, and Disney has confirmed no refurbishments are planned before its closure in 2026. That means what you see now is what you’ll get—until it’s gone for good.
So, if you’re planning to take one final trip to the past aboard the Time Rover, 2025 is your last full year to do it. After that, the Dino Institute will officially shut its doors.
The prehistoric party is almost over… and something brand new is ready to roar to life.
