Disney Parks

Disney World’s Scariest Ride Going Extinct, Expect More to Close In 2025

Several rides and attractions will close soon in Disney World, including perhaps its roughest one of all.

Josh D'Amaro DinoLand retheme at Disney World Resort's Animal Kingdom.
Credit: Disney/Josh D’Amaro

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Disney World is set to undergo significant changes, with several beloved attractions slated for closure in the upcoming years. As the resort continues to innovate and refresh its offerings, fans will need to prepare for the retirement of some iconic rides. This major shift involves a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, as visitors reflect on their favorite experiences while looking forward to the new adventures around the corner.

Many Disney enthusiasts have expressed mixed feelings about the announced ride closures. While some are excited about the new attractions in development, others feel a sense of loss as they prepare to say goodbye to longstanding favorites like DINOSAUR and other classic rides. Online forums and social media platforms are bustling with discussions, showcasing a range of emotions from excitement to sadness. Fans are eager to share their memories and debates surrounding each ride, highlighting the personal connections formed over years of visits.

The timeline for the transitions at Disney World has been officially released, with some closures occurring as early as 2025. The last chance to experience DINOSAUR will be in early 2026, prompting fans to make their plans accordingly. New attractions, including those inspired by beloved franchises such as Indiana Jones and Pixar’s Cars, aim to bring fresh excitement to the parks. While change can be daunting, the promise of new experiences keeps the Disney spirit alive.

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

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DINOSAUR, with its thrilling journey into the prehistoric past, has captured the hearts of countless guests since its debut alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998. Originally launched as Countdown to Extinction, this ride has been a mainstay for adrenaline seekers and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. Over the years, it garnered a dedicated fan base, becoming synonymous with nostalgia for many park visitors.

What set DINOSAUR apart from other attractions was its combination of intense thrills and lifelike animatronics. Guests were transported on a daring mission to rescue an extinct dinosaur species, all while encountering vivid, moving prehistoric creatures. The ride’s high-energy experience, enhancing the park’s thematic approach to education and entertainment, made it stand out. In an era where screen-based attractions are becoming more common, DINOSAUR’s traditional animatronics represented a unique charm that many guests cherished.

As the ride makes way for a new Indiana Jones-inspired attraction, visitors are left wondering what the future holds. Disney has promised that the new experience will honor the park’s adventurous spirit while introducing exciting elements. Although fans may feel nostalgic about DINOSAUR’s closure, the anticipation of a new adventure provides a silver lining in this transition.

The closure of DINOSAUR marks the beginning of a significant remodel of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As part of this transformation, other attractions within the area will also be affected, leading to a fresh look and feel for guests. The redevelopment aims to create an immersive experience, advancing Disney’s commitment to storytelling and engagement.

Other attractions in DinoLand U.S.A. are also closing, further altering the landscape of the park. TriceraTop Spin and various carnival games have already shut down, signaling a shift in focus toward more themed experiences. This redevelopment is expected to enhance guest interaction and immersion, reinforcing the idea that Disney continues to evolve its parks to meet the desires of a modern audience.

The upcoming changes in Animal Kingdom indicate a larger trend of revitalization within Disney. While some may mourn the loss of familiar attractions, the enhancements will likely enrich the theme park experience. With a focus on storytelling and connection to beloved franchises, guests can anticipate an engaging visit that continues to spark imagination.

Not only does Animal Kingdom see the transformation, but Magic Kingdom is also preparing for an overhaul in Frontierland. Disney plans to create a new area dedicated to the Cars franchise, which has stirred up controversy among fans. The closure of the Rivers of America is set to accompany these changes, impacting several classic experiences in the park.

Hollywood Studios joins the movement, introducing its own Pixar expansion inspired by Monsters, Inc. This redevelopment will lead to the controversial closure of Muppet*Vision 3D and the Muppets Courtyard, sparking discussions among fans who treasure the beloved characters. As with the other parks, this expansion underlines Disney’s commitment to continually refreshing its offerings while navigating the balance between nostalgia and modernity.

While some fans embrace the new directions, others feel a sense of unease about losing treasured attractions. The ongoing conversation among park-goers focuses on what these changes mean for the overall Disney experience. Disney World has always been about creating magical moments, and the hope remains that the new destinations will deliver memorable experiences for generations to come.

Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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