Walt Disney World Resort is continuing its wave of updates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the announcement of another closure in 2025. On Tuesday, Disney announced the permanent shutdown of DinoLand U.S.A. on February 2, 2026, which includes the DINOSAUR attraction, Trilo-Bites, Restaurantosaurus, and several character meet-and-greets. Then, just hours later, Disney surprised fans with news of a third restaurant closure later in the year.
The phased closure of DinoLand U.S.A. began in January 2025, starting with the permanent shutdown of TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, including the Fossil Fun Games. Then, on September 1, The Boneyard welcomed guests for the final time. Now, Disney has confirmed that the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. will officially close on February 2, 2026.
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering revealed plans to replace DinoLand U.S.A., an opening-day land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, with a new Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. The upcoming area will feature two Encanto (2021) attractions and an Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR. On Tuesday, Walt Disney World Resort officially confirmed that Pueblo Esperanza is scheduled to debut in 2027.
In addition to the closures in DinoLand U.S.A., Disney revealed that another dining location will temporarily close in preparation for a new menu. According to Walt Disney World Resort’s website, Harambe Market, a Quick Service restaurant located in Africa, will close in winter 2025 for refurbishment. When it reopens in early 2026, the menu will focus on more familiar family-friendly offerings, such as hamburgers and chicken nuggets, to compensate for the loss of Restaurantosaurus.
With Restaurantosaurus closed as of Feb. 2, its menu items will move to Harambe Market in early 2026. To get ready for the new menu items, Harambe Market will close for refurbishment this winter. Specific dates will be shared later.
Currently, Harambe Market serves some of Disney’s more adventurous dining options, including “a Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, a Chicken Caesar Salad, a Beef and Lamb Kofta Pita, or a delicious Mango-Passion Fruit Cheesecake.” With the upcoming menu change, guests can expect a more classic lineup, appealing to younger visitors and families seeking traditional Quick Service options.
Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed exact closing or reopening dates for Harambe Market, but the Quick Service location is expected to reopen before DinoLand U.S.A. closes permanently on February 2, 2026.
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