The Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama area of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom closed permanently on January 12. Overnight, construction walls were erected around the area as demolition is set to soon begin.
Construction Walls Divide DinoLand U.S.A.
The Dino-Rama area of DinoLand was themed to a carnival-style roadside attraction and included Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and Fossil Fun Games. At one time, it also included a roller coaster called Primeval Whirl, but that was demolished in 2021.
Now, walls divide the former Dino-Rama from the rest of the land. Some aspects will be demolished while others, like Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, are reportedly just being re-themed or repurposed. A row of rolling planters is in front of the Cementosaurus at the back entrance of DinoLand. An apt sign pointing to “Rides of Extinction” remains on a nearby fence.
Through the dino’s legs, we saw the carnival games still standing, although their prizes are all gone. Some steel, possibly for scaffolding, sits on the ground next to the dinosaur’s foot.
A tall brown fence runs behind the Cementosaurus, toward the theater for “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” There are some snack carts on this side of the land.
Construction walls and planters surround TriceraTop Spin.
PPG Paints-branded signs are on the walls. One features Rafiki and the quote, “Change is good.” Another features Dug from “Up” and his most famous quote — “SQUIRREL!”
TriceraTop Spin was a Dumbo the Flying Elephant-style attraction. Guests rode in teal-colored triceratops that moved up and down.
Several crew members with trucks were outside Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures.
The rolling planters leave space around the “Welcome Center” and a snack cart. It seems the Donald’s Dino-Bash meet-and-greets are unaffected and remain in the same locations. Donald meets guests at the “Welcome Center” across from the Dino-Rama entrance.
Behind the planters, we could see the “World’s Largest Pin Truck” still in place. The truck displayed old pins but didn’t sell them.
The kitschy rock dinosaur is still on display next to a snack kiosk. Disney has opted not to completely block it from view with walls or planters yet.
The walkway behind Chester & Hester’s is blocked by a green construction wall.
DINOSAUR remains unchained. The E-ticket attraction and The Boneyard play area remain open.
These kiosks near The Boneyard also remain. The Disney Vacation Club kiosk was removed a couple of weeks ago.
The signs at the former stork and tortoise enclosures were removed. The two Abdim’s Storks were relocated to the Tree of Life. We don’t yet know the status of the Asian Brown Tortoise.
Marley the American Crocodile was moved out of DinoLand in October, reportedly to a zoo.
Tropical Americas Replacing DinoLand U.S.A.
The rest of DinoLand, with the exception of “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!”, will also close permanently in the future. The closures are happening in phases so work can begin on the new Tropical Americas land while still giving guests time to experience DINOSAUR and more for the last time. DINOSAUR itself has been confirmed to remain open for at least all of 2025.
Pueblo Esperanza
The 11-acre Tropical Americas land will take over the DinoLand footprint after its extinction. Themed to Latin America cultures, multiple concepts will come together. Most of the land will be shaped into a fictional town called Pueblo Esperanza. Here, guests will find a carousel featuring hand-carved Disney animal characters. A display at D23 2024 gave a first look at a carousel creature of Kevin the bird from “Up.”
Pueblo Esperanza will also have a hacienda said to be one of the largest quick-service restaurants on Walt Disney World property. With the closure of DinoLand, Animal Kingdom will lose Restaurantosaurus, DinoBite Snacks, and TriloBites. The latter two are snack carts, but the hacienda will fill the gap left behind by the main restaurant.
Indiana Jones
Two IP-based major attractions are coming to the Tropical Americas land. One is an Indiana Jones-themed ride, which will replace DINOSAUR. Notably, DINOSAUR uses the same ride system as currently operating Indiana Jones attractions at other Disney Parks. This ride won’t be a copy of those, though. It will feature a brand new story that sees Indy exploring an ancient Mayan temple.
Encanto
The other main attraction will be themed to “Encanto,” which takes place in Colombia. It will be the first Encanto-themed attraction at a Disney Park worldwide (not counting the current character meet and greets or the sing-along show at EPCOT).
Guests will be carried through Casita, the magical Madrigal home, by enchanted furniture as the family celebrates Antonio’s birthday. While it will kick off from the day he received his gift of talking to animals, Disney has stated that the ride will “go beyond” the movie.
A model of Pueblo Esperanza (and Casita) were on display at D23 in 2024.
The Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently slated for a 2027 opening.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.