NEED TO KNOW
Disney World’s DinoLand USA is officially closing today after 28 yearsThe prehistoric dinosaur-filled land has been part of Animal Kingdom since it opened in 1998Disney previously announced plans to replace it with a Tropical Americas-themed land area that will include attractions themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones
Disney World’s DinoLand USA has officially gone, well, the way of the dinosaurs.
The beloved attraction that has been part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla. since it opened in 1998, closes its doors forever today. Feb. 1 will be the last day of operation.
The prehistoric park will be replaced by a new land themed to the Tropical Americas, which will include rides and attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, among others.
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The land’s closing date was first announced in September. At that point, attractions including the TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, The Boneyard, Trilo-Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks had already closed as construction began on the new features.
The last day to experience the ride DINOSAUR, Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Restaurantosaurus Lounge is Feb. 1.
Disney
DINOSAUR, one of the original rides at Animal Kingdom, was previously known as Countdown to Extinction when it opened in 1998 but was renamed in 2000.
The thrill ride took guests on a wild adventure through time to bring a 3.5-ton Iguanodon back to the present day in minutes as an asteroid hurdled toward earth. Riding in a Time Rover, passengers would “careen through unpredictable hairpin turns” and “dart around a fearsome Velociraptor hunting for prey,” according to Disney‘s description.
By Eliedion (Own work) (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
It was the only remaining ride in the land after the earlier closure of the carnival-style rides targeted at younger park-goers.
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Disney has already revealed its big plans for the former DinoLand space.
The new 11-acre Tropical Americas land will focus on the most biodiverse areas on the planet in the regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere, Disney first revealed in August 2024. The area is supposed to feel lived-in, with rich history, similar to Harambe in the park’s Africa-themed area.
According to Disney Park Blogsthe land will be home to two signature attractions. The first, an all-new Indy ride “different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.” Guests will join Jones as he explores a perfectly preserved Maya temple — rumored to house a mythical creature.
Guests can also step into a real-life recreation of the magical Madrigal house featured in the animated film Encanto. The ride will follow Antonio as he explores his room which transformed into a rainforest.
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The central plaza, Pueblo Esperanza, will also house one of Disney World’s biggest quick-service restaurants — a larger than life hacienda.
Disney has yet to announce an official opening date for the land, but has revealed Tropical Americas will open in 2027.
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