Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida is preparing for its major transformation as the phased closure of one of its lands, Dinoland USA, begins to make way for the expansion of a new land themed to the Tropical Americas. The first phase of its closure began on January 12, 2025. It was the final day for people to experience Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama before construction began on January 13, 2025.
The closure included three attractions: TriceraTop Spin, a family-friendly ride that’s similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, another ride at Disney parks; Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, a gift shop with dinosaur-themed souvenirs and quirky decor; and Fossil Fun Games, a midway of carnival-style games where guests could win dinosaur-themed prizes. The first phase of closure gives way to the upcoming expansion, which would feature attractions inspired by the diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of South America.
It will be replaced by Disney’s first Encanto-themed attraction. This experience will take guests into the heart of the Madrigal family’s casita, where they’ll take part in a beautiful celebration of Antonio receiving his special gift: communicating with animals. As guests step into the casita, they'll join the Madrigals on an adventure filled with magic, exploring the mystical home and engaging with the animals in Antonio's world.
Although most of that area is closing, several attractions in Dinoland USA will remain open for now. They will include DINOSAUR, an opening-day thrill ride that will continue operating through 2025; The Boneyard, a play area that has a fossil dig and other dino-themed activities; and Restaurantosaurus along with Dino-Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites, dining locations. That means there’s still plenty of time to experience DINOSAUR before it counts its way to extinction.
DINOSAUR will eventually close in 2026 to make way for a new Indiana Jones ride, which will take guests through a newly uncovered Maya temple, with Indiana Jones leading the way as they search for a mysterious creature rumored to have inhabited the temple’s depths. The Boneyard will eventually turn into a carousel which, according to its backstory, was built by a woodcarver who crafted his favorite animals from different Disney stories. The Tropical Americas land will open in 2027 but although this land will not have an animal attraction as in their lands themed to Africa and Asia, it will still be really beautiful once it opens.
Note: I included this article because Disney's Animal Kingdom is also an AZA-accredited zoo. My website is not dedicated to theme parks.