Walt Disney World Resort is making significant strides in transforming Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, with several major changes planned for the coming years. The park, which has undergone numerous updates since its opening on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, is getting ready for its biggest overhaul yet. As part of this transformation, one area in particular is saying goodbye: DinoLand U.S.A.
On Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park’s 27th birthday, let’s look ahead toward the fourth Central Florida Disney park’s future.
DinoLand U.S.A. Closure
DinoLand U.S.A. has been a part of Animal Kingdom from the beginning. Much of the prehistoric-themed land closed in January, including the Fossil Fun Games and TriceraTop Spin. Only DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, and the land’s Quick Service dining locations remain.
Extinction nears. Today, the 27th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is anticipated to be the park’s last anniversary before the reimagining of DINOSAUR. 🫡
Extinction nears. Today, the 27th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is anticipated to be the park’s last anniversary before the reimagining of DINOSAUR. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/DS1hOJdes2
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) April 22, 2025
But the remaining attractions, including the DINOSAUR ride, have begun their final journey into extinction. Guests will only have a few more months to experience the area before it closes in early 2026. The beloved area is set to make way for a new land called Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land with two attractions inspired by Disney’s hit animated film Encanto (2021).
Pueblo Esperanza is set to debut in 2027, though Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce an exact opening date. Concept art for the land suggests that it will feature two Encanto rides, including a carousel and a “Casita” attraction. The renovation will also see the DINOSAUR ride reimagined as an Indiana Jones-themed attraction.
Animal Kingdom Theme Park Icon Changes
Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is also preparing for changes inside the iconic Tree of Life Theater. In March 2025, the 3D It’s Tough to Be a Bug! show closed permanently. Based on the Pixar movie A Bug’s Life (1998), the show was a key part of the park’s opening-day lineup.
Walt Disney Imagineers are already hard at work on transforming the Tree of Life Theater for a new Zootopia (2016) themed show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!. The new show will feature a brand-new song by Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice of Judy Hopps in Zootopia, and is rumored to include an advanced Clawhauser audio-animatronic.
Looking Ahead at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Although fans will need to wait until 2027 for the debut of Pueblo Esperanza, they can expect a new and exciting experience at Animal Kingdom in the interim with Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, set to open alongside the release of Zootopia 2 (2025) in November.
As Animal Kingdom celebrates its 27th birthday, Walt Disney World Resort is continuing its commitment to evolving with the times, introducing new attractions and areas to keep the magic alive. Guests can look forward to both nostalgia and innovation as the conservation-focused theme park reshapes its landscape for a new generation.
What is your favorite land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
