Another piece of DinoLand U.S.A. is on its way out. This time, Walt Disney World Resort‘s wrecking crew has its sights set on part of one of the former land's most recognizable restaurants.
Restaurantosaurus Begins Its Final Transformation
Guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park spotted major changes above the construction walls surrounding the former DinoLand U.S.A. on Thursday, March 19. WDWNT reported that a trailer once attached to the restaurant's “Hip Joint” dining room has been formally marked for demolition, and that exterior paneling has already been stripped from the building. An image shared on Facebook captured the structure's current state mid-transformation.
Not all of Restaurantosaurus is destined for the bulldozer. Walt Disney World Resort is converting portions of the former Quick-Service restaurant into a hacienda-style dining location that will fit the aesthetic of the incoming Tropical Americas-themed land, Pueblo Esperanza. The “Hip Joint” trailer, however, apparently didn't make the cut.
What's Rising in DinoLand U.S.A.'s Place
DinoLand U.S.A. didn't go extinct all at once. The closure unfolded in stages, beginning in January 2025 with the permanent shuttering of Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, the Fossil Fun Games, and TriceraTop Spin. The Boneyard play area followed in September. Then, in February 2026, DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and the remaining pieces of the land closed for good, officially ending a 27-year run at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Pueblo Esperanza, the Tropical Americas-themed land announced at D23 Expo 2024, is taking shape in its place. Walt Disney Imagineering has confirmed a Casita-inspired attraction based on Encanto (2021), an Indiana Jones retheme of the DINOSAUR ride, and a Disney animal-themed carousel featuring characters including Dug from Up (2009). The former Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures gift shop will also be repurposed into a new retail location selling merchandise suited to the Tropical Americas theme.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort's decision to transform DinoLand U.S.A. into Pueblo Esperanza? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
Absolutely agree with theme change. Dinoland was our least favorite part of the park. Except for Dinosaur, the attractions were underwhelming. Looking forward to it.