Menu

Official: Disney World Sets Irreversible Shutdown Date at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A sign at an amusement park entrance reads "SEE Y'ALL REAL SOON!" Decorated with a green dinosaur on the left pillar and a blue bear on the right, the whimsical scene resembles Disney World magic, complete with trees, additional signs, and park structures in the background.
Photo Credit: Becky Burkett

Many Disney fans have been fearing the day that Disney confirmed the closure date of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but as we knew, that day was fast approaching, and now, it’s here.

Entrance to Dinoland U.S.A. theme park with a large, arched sign, surrounded by lush trees and plants. A staff member in a blue shirt and mask stands near Dino Diner to the right, and visitors can be seen in the distance under an overcast sky at Animal Kingdom.

Photo Credit: Becky Burkett

DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a themed area designed to immerse guests in a unique blend of prehistoric fun and Americana. Opened with the park in 1998, DinoLand U.S.A. stands out for its quirky storytelling, where a group of paleontologists set up camp in a small American town that celebrates dinosaurs in its own kitschy way.

The land features a mix of attractions, eateries, and carnival-style games, all built around a playful but educational theme. At its core is DINOSAUR, a thrilling dark ride where guests join an expedition to bring back a real dinosaur—just before a meteor strikes Earth. This ride remains one of the area’s most popular experiences, providing a sense of adventure mixed with cutting-edge special effects.

DinoLand U.S.A.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

DinoLand U.S.A. also features the Boneyard, an interactive play area where younger guests can explore a fossil dig site, complete with tunnels, slides, and bridges. For those seeking something a little more whimsical, TriceraTop Spin offers a gentle ride on flying triceratops, perfect for families and younger children.

The land once had a broader carnival feel, seen in the Fossil Fun Games and the now-closed Primeval Whirl—a spinning coaster that was part of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, a fictional roadside attraction that served as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the roadside dino-themed attractions of the mid-20th century.

One of the more beloved aspects of DinoLand U.S.A. is its blend of fun and learning, with exhibits and details scattered throughout the area that share insights about paleontology and the age of the dinosaurs. This mix of thrills and education has made the land a favorite for both kids and adults who appreciate Disney’s storytelling approach.

dinoland revmap d23

Credit: Disney Fanatic

However, DinoLand U.S.A. is set for significant changes, as part of a larger redevelopment project transforming it into a new “Tropical Americas” land, expected to open in 2027. While some of the classic features like DINOSAUR will remain for now, other areas will close to make way for the new immersive experience. Fans of DinoLand U.S.A. will want to visit soon before these nostalgic elements are replaced by what’s next for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Final Closure of DinoLand U.S.A.

Last Day for Key Attractions

Disney has officially confirmed the closure of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The last chance to enjoy TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be January 12, 2025. Construction walls for the upcoming Tropical Americas land will be erected on January 13. Although these attractions will close, DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will still be operational for now, enabling guests to continue experiencing parts of DinoLand U.S.A. during this transition period.

Impact on Visitor Experience

The closure is expected to significantly influence the visitor experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. DinoLand U.S.A. has been a cornerstone of the park since its inception in 1998, offering family-friendly attractions centered around dinosaurs. With its closure, guests will need to seek alternative attractions within the park, which may alter their typical visit routines.

Timeline for Transition

The transition from DinoLand U.S.A. to the new Tropical Americas area is planned in phases. After the final day of operations, immediate demolition will commence to prepare for the new attractions, which are designed to enhance the overall park experience. The demolition is set to begin promptly after the closures, keeping the momentum toward the thematic transformation.

Introduction of Tropical Americas

Josh D'Amaro DinoLand retheme

Credit: Disney/Josh D’Amaro

Overview of the New Land

Tropical Americas will take the place of the much-loved DinoLand U.S.A. as part of a major redevelopment initiative at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

This new area aims to highlight the rich cultures and environments of Central and South America, incorporating a more immersive experience than its predecessor. Disney has described the project as a vibrant and lush environment that will draw visitors into unique narratives reflective of the region’s heritage.

Key Attractions to Expect

Among the exciting features of Tropical Americas will be the first-ever ride based on Disney’s Encanto. This new attraction promises to offer guests a chance to interact with the Madrigal family and experience the magic of Antonio’s gift of communicating with animals.
Additionally, the area will introduce a unique Indiana Jones-themed adventure, which aims to captivate guests with thrilling archaeological quests within an ancient Maya temple.

Immersive Theming and Design

The immersive theming of Tropical Americas is designed to create a lived-in atmosphere. A highlight of the new area will be a expansive hacienda, which will serve as one of the largest quick-service dining venues in the resort. The centerpiece will feature a striking fountain that serves as a gathering place for storytelling, enhancing the cultural richness of the experience.

Upcoming Attractions and Experiences

casa madrigal, encanto

Credit: Disney

First-Ever Encanto Ride

The Encanto-themed ride-through attraction is one of the most anticipated features of the Tropical Americas project. Inside the magical Casita, guests will follow Antonio as he explores his enchanting room, setting the stage for interactions with the Madrigal family and their unique talents. This attraction aims to offer a characterization of familial bonds and cultural heritage, engaging visitors in a delightful narrative.

Unique Indiana Jones Adventure

A man wearing a brown fedora and leather jacket cautiously reaches towards a golden idol resting on a stone pedestal. The scene is set in a dimly lit, ancient-looking temple surrounded by vines and moss.

Credit: Lucasfilm

In a significant departure from the existing offerings, a new Indiana Jones experience will guide guests on a thrilling adventure. The ride will take them into a well-preserved Maya temple, where they will join Indiana Jones on a quest filled with mythical creatures and archaeological wonders. This adventure is expected to differ significantly from other Indiana Jones attractions found in Disney parks worldwide, providing a fresh experience for guests.

Special Features like the Carousel

Adding to the charm of Tropical Americas will be a carousel that features beloved Disney animal characters, crafted by a skilled woodcarver. This innovative approach to a classic theme park staple will cater to young families, ensuring a diverse range of attractions suitable for all ages. The incorporation of familiar characters aims to deepen the connection between visitors and the new land.

Construction Timeline and Phases

When Construction Begins

Construction for the Tropical Americas project is set to commence shortly after the final closures of DinoLand U.S.A. With official announcements indicating a start date in the fall of 2024, the project will move ahead to ensure timely preparation for the new attractions.

Phased Approach Explained

Disney will employ a phased approach to the construction of Tropical Americas. This strategy will allow for manageable progress while adhering to safety and design standards. The phased construction will enable Disney to maintain portions of the existing theme park operational while simultaneously developing new attractions.

Expected Opening Date for New Area

The anticipated opening date for the Tropical Americas area is set for 2027. This timeline reflects Disney’s commitment to delivering a thoroughly planned and executed area that adheres to its high standards of quality and guest experience.

As the transition from DinoLand U.S.A. to Tropical Americas unfolds, Disney aims to enhance visitor experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, blending storytelling, culture, and innovative attractions into a cohesive and immersive environment.

Do you think Disney is making the right choice, shutting down DinoLand U.S.A.?

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

One comment

  1. OMG just what the doctor ordered, this upgrade and i do mean extensive improvement incorporating Indiana jones, Encanto and more makes Animal kingdom the future “go to ” park instead of the 1/2 to 3/4 day park hop. Great job Disney finally got a change done right.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.