Disney fans are bidding a bittersweet farewell to DinoLand U.S.A. as the iconic land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares to close its doors for good. Set to be replaced by the vibrant (and, we’re sure, great in its own way) Tropical Americas and rides based on Encanto (2021) and Indiana Jones, DinoLand U.S.A.’s impending closure marks the end of an era for a land that has been a quirky staple of the park for decades.
And yet, ironically, as the countdown begins, DinoLand U.S.A. looks better than it has in years—a fact that feels more bittersweet than satisfying.
Recent Updates to DinoLand U.S.A.
For now, we only know the closing date for one small portion of Animal Kingdom’s most divisive land. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will all close permanently on January 13, 2025. Meanwhile, DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, and both Dino-Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites will all remain open, with DINOSAUR confirmed to survive until at least the end of 2025.
With that in mind, Disney’s doing its best to give DinoLand U.S.A. the best send-off possible.
DINOSAUR has received extensive TLC in the latter half of 2024. An Alioramus that previously appeared to be eating a smaller dinosaur on the ride was restored to its former glory in December, with full range of motion for the first time since at least pre-pandemic. In general, guests have noticed smaller effects back to full operation throughout the ride.
Meanwhile, Restaurantosaurus has welcomed back the Dino Institute interns (atmospheric character performers who once roamed the quick-service restaurant in years past) as well as going all in on its Christmas decor for 2024.
At this point, all we need is the return of the DJ Dino-Mite Dance Party and we’re officially back in peak DinoLand U.S.A.
It’s Too Little, Too Late
While it’s great to see Disney giving DinoLand U.S.A. some long-overdue attention, it’s hard not to feel frustrated by the timing. These latest updates and additions prove that Disney was always capable of providing the land with the care it needed. They also show that Disney knew exactly what would delight guests—especially the most devoted DinoLand fans—but chose not to make those changes until the land was on the chopping block.
DinoLand U.S.A. has long been dismissed as irrelevant, partially because it lacked major IP ties (and let’s be honest, DINOSAUR (2000) doesn’t exactly count, given its underwhelming reception). However, dinosaurs have always been a key part of Animal Kingdom’s broader conservation message—one that now seems increasingly distant from Disney’s current vision. Sure, DinoLand U.S.A. needed a refresh.
It was kitschy, outdated, and limited in capacity. Yet, the notion that the only way to modernize it was to completely demolish it feels unconvincing.
The fact that Disney’s latest efforts prove it had the ability to elevate DinoLand U.S.A. all along only deepens the sting. This wasn’t about impossibility—it was a choice. And that makes losing the land even harder to accept.
How do you feel about the end of DinoLand U.S.A.?
