Disney Clarifies Closing Timeline for Dinoland, USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
As you likely know, a portion of Dinoland USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park closed earlier this year. Back in early January, the carnival area that was home to TriceraTop Spin, Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop, and Fossil Fun Games closed. Soon after, construction walls were put in place and Disney shared they had broken ground on the new Tropical Americas themed land set to replace it.
But what about the rest of Dinoland? As Disney announced late last Fall, the rest of Dinoland USA will remain open through 2025. While we don’t have an exact closing date on the rest of the land, Disney has shared another update, making it pretty clear that this area of the park will be extinct come 2026.
Below, we’ve shared a portion of the Disney Parks Blog press release regarding this matter. You’ll notice it reiterates that you have through 2025 to experience what remains in this area of the park.
Is DinoLand still open?
Yes! You don’t even need a Time Rover to visit DinoLand because parts of the area are still currently open through 2025. (But if you happen to have a Time Rover lying around, by all means, please feel free to use it on any upcoming authorized missions…)
What’s happening to DinoLand?
Announced during the Horizons showcase at D23, DinoLand is closing to make way for a new location in Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas. Within this location, a brand-new thrilling Indiana Jones experience will debut following Indy’s journey to find a mythical creature deep within the temple — and it’s unlike any Indy experience you’ve ever seen before. And, a very famous house is coming to life, literally, with the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
Dirt is moving on floors, drawers, and doors for what’s coming next. More to come!
When is DinoLand closing?
If you’re hoping to get in some prehistoric fun, 2025 is your last year to visit DinoLand before it goes extinct. Currently, many of DinoLand locations are still operating, including DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, and Restaurantosaurus. When construction ramps up throughout the year, we’ll bring you more info faster than a Time Rover can race out of the end of the Cretaceous period.
What’s already closed in DinoLand?
To accommodate construction, the first wave of closures happened earlier this year, with TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures running their last day of operations on January 12, 2025.
Where can I find Animal Kingdom merchandise if not in Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures??
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of locations to pick up trinkets throughout the park, like Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company, and the nearby Dino Institute Shop, which is still open.
When is DINOSAUR closing?
This is your year to go fast and visit the past with DINOSAUR. Even after it closes in 2026, the legacy, and asteroid impact, of the Dino Institute will live forever in our hearts.
When is Restaurantosaurus closing?
You’ve still got time in 2025 to rustle up some grub at Restaurantosaurus, and it’s the perfect place to refuel before your next wild adventure in the park. You might even catch a performance from the Dino Institute Intern — on a break from his internship duties — happy to entertain everyone and anyone who will listen to his original dino-themed tunes.
Be sure to stop by and pick up some of the tasty entrees and snacks currently available, like the fan favorite Foot-long Hot Dog with Chili and Cheese, an order of A-Maize-ing Magic Munch Fries, or the S’moresosaurus Shake!
The nearby Dino-Bites Snacks is also still open, where you can pick up an ice cream cookie sandwich or the Dig Dino ice cream sandwich — you can’t go wrong with either snack.
When is the Boneyard closing?
There’s still time for another excavation (or two) throughout 2025. The Boneyard is still open and welcoming little archeologists to play daily.
Does Dr. Seeker know?
Yes, Dr. Seeker knows that his tenure at the Dino Institute is coming to a close, and he’s hopeful he can find that dino before security does.
Ok, what else can you tell me about Tropical Americas?
Tropical Americas — better known as Pueblo Esperanza — will be a new 11-acre lush and sprawling area. Just like Harambe, this land will feel lived in, with a long, rich history. Not only will the land include a hacienda — which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World Resort — but also two signature attractions for Indiana Jones and Encanto.
Additionally, the area will feature a large fountain in the center and a local woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.
Construction on the land is currently ongoing and Tropical Americas will open in 2027.
You may also remember that It’s Tough to be a Bug! will permanently close on March 17, 2025. This attraction is closing to make room for a new attraction called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! It will be the first attraction at Walt Disney World based on Disney’s animated film Zootopia.
For more on what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2025, you might enjoy the following article:
9 Things to Look Forward to at Walt Disney World in 2025
Whether you’re new to the world of Disney or are a seasoned pro in search of a new adventure, their goal is to give you an experience like you’ve never had before. Check with our travel partner, Firefly Travels, to begin planning.
