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Disney World Retires Mickey and Minnie Mouse Souvenirs

As of Saturday, January 11, Walt Disney World Resort has officially retired a beloved set of exclusive merchandise. Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park over the weekend flocked to DinoLand U.S.A. for their final chance to win exclusive Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and dinosaur plush prizes at the Fossil Fun Games.

The closure marks the end of an era for DinoLand U.S.A., a carnival-themed land that has entertained guests since Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened on April 22, 1998. Known for its classic American roadside attraction vibe, the land’s rides and unique merchandise made it a nostalgic favorite among Disney Parks fans.

The End of DinoLand U.S.A.

Guests in DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Credit: Andrew Dupont, Flickr

DinoLand U.S.A. is often described as a theme park within a theme park, offering family-friendly attractions, themed games, and merchandise. But change is coming. On Sunday, January 12, three areas of DinoLand U.S.A. will close permanently to make way for a brand-new land inspired by the Tropical Americas. The attractions saying goodbye include TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s DinoRama (including the Fossil Fun Games), and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures.

The Primeval Whirl roller coaster, once a highlight of the land, was dismantled after closing in 2020. Construction walls now cover its former site, leaving Disney Parks fans to speculate about the future of the space. Those speculations ended when Walt Disney World Resort officially announced that Pueblo Esperanza, a vibrant new land celebrating Central and South American culture, would replace DinoLand U.S.A. The new land will feature attractions based on Disney’s Encanto (2021) and reimagine the DINOSAUR ride as an Indiana Jones-themed experience.

One Last Chance to Win

A carnival game booth at DinoLand U.S.A., showcasing the Mickey and Minnie Mouse and dinosaur prizes.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

Over the weekend, guests flocked to the Fossil Fun Games for their final shot at collecting the exclusive Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and dinosaur plush prizes. The highly sought-after souvenirs feature the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park logo on their feet. Prizes come in three sizes (small, medium, and large), but supplies dwindled in the weeks leading up to the closure.

According to multiple guests, the Fossil Fun Games ran out of small and medium prizes first, leaving only large dinosaur-themed plush toys for the final weekend. By Saturday, January 11, even those had sold out. For the final day of DinoLand U.S.A., guests could only win generic Disney plush toys, including Pride Mickey Mouse, Pride Stitch, and nuiMOs.

A dinosaur plush prize from DinoLand U.S.A.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

X (formerly Twitter) user @bioreconstruct shared this photo from the days before the large dinosaurs ran out:

There are Dinoland plush available as top tier prizes in skill games at Animal Kingdom.

Another guest, @vincentprologo, won Mei Lee and Moana nuiMOs from the Fossil Fun Games:

why are these being given away as prizes in dinoland? the world may never know…

What’s Next for DinoLand U.S.A.?

Aerial concept view of the Tropical Americas coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom
Credit: Disney

While Chester & Hester’s DinoRama and other areas of DinoLand U.S.A. will close at the end of the day on January 12, Disney Parks fans still have time to enjoy some of the land’s offerings. DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, Trilo-Bites, and the Boneyard will remain open through 2025, giving guests plenty of opportunities to relive their favorite memories before the transformation begins.

Have you won a prize from the Fossil Fun Games? Share your memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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