Joe Rohde, the former Imagineer who led the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, revealed on Instagram that prior to his retirement, he had spent 15 years trying to get a Tropical Americas land added to the park. And even some of his plans included replacing DinoLand. Joe Rohde Approves of Tropical Americas Since DinoLand’s permanent … Read more
In addition to an Annual Passholder-exclusive magnet and treat, Animal Kingdom is also offering a photo op with a Zootopia Magic Shot. Passholders must present their valid Annual Pass and government-issued photo ID. A “Wilde” Photo Opportunity A Passholder-exclusive photo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also available. Inspired by the Disney animated film Zootopia, this special … Read more
Two redesigned Kilimanjaro Safaris-inspired toy sets have arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. These are updated versions of old toy sets. We found them in Riverside Depot. Mickey Remote Control Safari Truck – $29.99 This set includes Mickey driving a safari truck and a circular remote control. In addition to new … Read more
The Affection Section in Animal Kingdom will temporarily close, and the current animals will be rehomed for the upcoming Bluey retheming. Animals native to Australia will move in. Affection Section Temporarily Closing The Affection Section in Animal Kingdom will temporarily close starting February 23, 2026. The current animals will be rehomed once the area closes … Read more
Walt Disney Imagineering shared a first look video featuring some wood samples for the new Tropical Americas under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The video stars Imagineers Kaitlyn and Lola, estimators with the Project Controls team who are in charge of budgeting. Tropical Americas Wood The largest sample in the video is a square light … Read more
A collection of acrylic Starbucks tumblers, each paired with a mystery pin pack, has been updated to reflect recent Disney World changes. We’ve previously reported on the updated tumblers for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pins – $54.99 This Magic Kingdom mystery pin tumbler has changed from the … Read more
Tusker House Restaurant guests who meet Donald Duck may notice that his safari jacket is already missing its Dino Institute patch. DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed after Animal Kingdom closed yesterday. Donald’s Jacket We noticed at Tusker House yesterday that Donald’s safari outfit had already been altered in preparation for the closure of DinoLand. The safari … Read more
An updated version of the Animal Kingdom Starbucks mystery pin tumbler has arrived without references to the now-defunct DinoLand U.S.A., which closed after operating hours yesterday. Starbucks Tumbler and Mystery Pins – $54.99 The acrylic Starbucks tumbler features sticker-inspired designs representing different areas of Animal Kingdom. On the front is a prominent image of The … Read more
Following the closure of DinoLand in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Donald, Daisy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale are meeting in different costumes and new locations. You can take one last look at the DinoLand meet and greets before seeing them as they are today. Donald & Daisy Back when Donald was in DinoLand, he posed in front … Read more
Previously, Wilderness Explorers were able to earn two dinosaur-themed badges in DinoLand. However, with its permanent closure, the program has been updated with a new nature badge instead. Wilderness Explorers Program This unique (and free) activity allows guests to complete challenges and earn adventure badges as they work their way around the park. There were … Read more
Following the permanent closure of DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus last night, DinoLand U.S.A. is completely inaccessible to guests. DinoLand Construction Walls This morning, the first day of the permanent closure of DinoLand, scrim covers the DinoLand bridge sign as guests enter from Discovery Island. The shape of the dinosaur is still faintly visible under the scrim. … Read more
After the permanent closure of DinoLand in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new guidemap has debuted in the park. Updated Guidemap The new map removes all DinoLand attractions that closed at the end of the day on February 1, 2026. This included the DINOSAUR attraction, The Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Cretaceous Trail. Other areas of … Read more
Following the permanent closure of all attractions in DinoLand, the land has been completely removed from the My Disney Experience app. Updated Map The first image above shows what remained of DinoLand: the DINOSAUR attraction, The Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Cretaceous Trail. Other areas of the land, including the Boneyard and Trilo Bites, closed … Read more
The last day to experience DinoLand is on February 1, 2026. The land is being rethemed to Tropical Americas. Take one final look at Donald’s Dino-Bash, Wilderness Explorers, and more as we say goodbye. Donald Duck Meet and Greet Donald posed in front of a green backdrop reading “Donald’s Dino-Bash!” The meet and greet was … Read more
As with the other areas of DinoLand U.S.A., Restaurantosaurus has its own history. The building was originally built as a fishing lodge in Diggs County. After the paleontologists arrived in 1947, the lodge became the very first Dino Institute headquarters before its new space (the attraction building for DINOSAUR) was opened in 1978. You could … Read more
After Sunday, February 1, DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will officially be extinct. The closure is the last phase of the permanent end of DinoLand U.S.A. Take a look back at the ride. DINOSAUR History DINOSAUR opened as Countdown to Extinction with Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22 (Earth Day), 1998. Though it was developed … Read more