Disney Clarifies DinoLand 2026 Closing Timeframe to Become Tropical Americas

Shannen Ace

A dinosaur statue stands in front of a building with a "Dinosaur" sign above the entrance, surrounded by greenery and under a cloudy sky, reminiscent of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Disney Clarifies DinoLand 2026 Closing Timeframe to Become Tropical Americas

Disney Parks Blog shared an article clarifying the closing timeline of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

DinoLand Closing Timeframe

A dinosaur statue stands in front of a building with a "Dinosaur" sign above the entrance, surrounded by greenery and under a cloudy sky, reminiscent of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The post stated, “If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers,” but the answers were slim. In response to the FAQ, “Is DinoLand still open?” Disney Parks Blog wrote, “Yes! You don’t even need a Time Rover to visit DinoLand because parts of the area are still currently open through 2025.”

In response to, “When is DinoLand closing?” they say, “If you’re hoping to get in some prehistoric fun, 2025 is your last year to visit DinoLand before it goes extinct.”

These responses seem to confirm the rumor that the rest of DinoLand will remain open through the end of the year. But Disney Parks Blog remains coy about the exact closing timeframe.

We already know that DINOSAUR will not close until 2026 and Disney Parks Blog reiterates that, stating, “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.”

The exterior of Restaurantosaurus at Disney World boasts a rustic design with a sign proclaiming it as the "Home of the Impossible Burger." Several recycling bins are out front, emphasizing sustainability, while hacking menus for allergen content ensures a delightful dining experience for everyone.

Addressing Restaurantosaurus (and Dino-Bite Snacks), however, Disney Parks Blog says, “You’ve still got time in 2025 to rustle up some grub at Restaurantosaurus,” and with regards to The Boneyard, they say, “There’s still time for another excavation (or two) throughout 2025.”

Disney Parks Blog did successfully clarify one point: “Construction on the land is currently ongoing and Tropical Americas will open in 2027.” Previously, they had said the new land’s Indiana Jones and “Encanto” rides would open in 2027. This new phrasing confirms the entire land will open that year.

Colorful amusement ride featuring triceratop seats, encircled by a blue fence under a cloudy sky, freshly spruced up during its recent refurbishment.

DinoLand’s Primeval Whirl closed in 2020. The rest of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, including TriceraTop Spin, closed this January. The land’s iconic Cementosaurus has also been demolished.

DinoLand U.S.A. is closing in the backward order of its opening. DINOSAUR (originally Countdown to Extinction) and The Boneyard were the first parts of DinoLand to open with Disney’s Animal Kingdom on opening day — April 22, 1998. The rest of DinoLand would open over the course of a few years. TriceraTop Spin opened in 2001 and Primeval Whirl in 2002.

The only part of DinoLand not closing is “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” in the Theater in the Wild.

Tropical Americas

An illustration depicts a wooden carousel adorned with colorful lights, reminiscent of Dinoland USA. It is surrounded by trees and plants with string lights hanging above. People are seen walking around, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Tropical Americas will feature the fictional village of Pueblo Esperanza. The 11-acre land will “feel lived in, with a long, rich history,” just like Harambe in the park’s Africa section. Restaurantosaurus will become a hacienda, one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. The village will also include a large fountain and a giant wood-carved carousel featuring animals from Disney stories.

An animated group of characters, surrounded by animals and glowing lights, stands on a forest stage in Disney's Animal Kingdom while an audience watches.

An “Encanto” ride will take over part of the Dino-Rama footprint. Guests will travel into Casita on vehicles made of moving furniture. They arrive for Antonio’s birthday, when he receives his gift of talking to animals. The ride will go beyond the film’s story and feature characters including Mirabel and Bruno.

A person with a torch approaches an ancient, glowing artifact inside a cave. Nearby, people in a vehicle point flashlights towards the artifact. The scene is filled with mystery and ancient symbols, reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure through the hidden wonders of the animal kingdom.

DINOSAUR will become an Indiana Jones ride. The attraction already uses the same ride system as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, but the Animal Kingdom version will have a new story. It takes place in an ancient Mayan temple. Indy has heard stories of a mythical creature and goes into the temple to get to the bottom of the legend.

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