The 2023 Destination D23 event brought about much enthusiasm, but just as much backlash from Disney fans.
Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro
From replacing It’s Tough to Be A Bug with a Zootopia show to debuting an all-new (and reportedly funny-looking) Figment character at EPCOT, there were a few announcements that Disney fans didn’t really… appreciate. To say the least. Among these unappreciated changes is one coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Disney announced at D23 that DinoLand, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom will be CLOSING to make way for a new land that will highlight the Tropical Americas region of the globe. Two intellectual properties are being considered for the land — Encanto and Indiana Jones.
DinoLand U.S.A.
While a lot of folks are excited about the potential of adding the Indiana Jones and Encanto–themed attractions to the area, many fans just aren’t ready to say goodbye to DinoLand!
DinoLand, U.S.A.
While a lot of folks agree that DinoLand needed an upgrade, a lot of OG Disney fans recognize that DinoLand is meant to take on the run-down sort of atmosphere that surrounds a parking lot carnival from way back in the day. Sure, it could have used a fresh coat of paint in a few areas and maybe a few renovations, but fans are pretty sad to part with a nostalgic part of their Disney World vacation.
DinoLand
Also, WHERE WILL CHIP AND DALE GO? Will Dino Chip and Dale be removed along with the land?
Chip and Dale
While we’re excited about the new addition to Animal Kingdom, we’re also pretty sad to say goodbye to Dinoland, U.S.A.. Perhaps the new stuff will be cool enough to make it all worth it! We personally feel that Animal Kingdom is due for another coaster. We will have to wait and see!
DinoLand
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What do you think about Dinoland, U.S.A. closing? Let us know in the comments!
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I absolutely love the removal of Dinoland. I’m 100% onboard for a Tropical America land.
We discovered Restaurantosaurus WAY to late and we love it so much! And we’ve never seen Chip and Dale in those Dino costumes – ADORABLE! I wasn’t a fan of the rides or the midway games, but I thought the area was so cute, and a great place to let the kiddos let of some steam while you relax! One of the few places in AK with plenty of places to sit! And I wish Disney would stop devoting multiple areas to the same stories and characters, while giving some of their most popular characters nothing. I know not many people liked Stitch’s Great Escape (and it wasn’t anything special), but Stitch is one of the most popular characters, and he has what? A character breakfast? Maybe an occasional character greeting somewhere random? I wouldn’t mind if this turned into an Indiana Jones area, because anyone with a brain knows that the days are numbered for the show at HS (and then we’ll have nothing at all for Indy).
Encanto is one and done, what could they possible leverage from that IP when kids love dinosaurs, not mountain people for a movie that likely, at $256M globally, did not make back is production and marketing costs.
As for Indiana Jones, It came out in 1981 and the latest version, starred an 81 year old actor, and a fourth installment that make $382M (not a strong number, when adjusted for inflation of the first two movies).
This is yet another Josh decision that it terrible for parks. I can’t get that guy, he makes horrible decisions from Genie +, Park Reservations, Immersive Hotels, cancelling Magic Bus, Increased and tier price structure, and reduce benefits for APHs, yet no one ever blames him. People attack the CEO, park presidents, etc, but not Josh. This guy is the chairman for DPEP that pulls the trigger on these things. If ever there is someone Bob should show the door, its this guy. His middle name must be Teflon.
I am a huge dinosaur “nut” having grown up with Yale’s Peabody Museum & its renowned Dinosaur Hall , a short drive from my home. That said I’m glad that Dinoland is getting a much needed re-theming. I hope they can repurpose their life sized models.
I cannot think of a land within a Disney park that looks as cheap as Dinoland. Imagineers developed a storyline to justify it, but in reality I think we all know that budget dollars got tight with the construction Animal Kindgom. Disney can do so much better. Dinoland won’t be missed and it will quickly be forgotten. For a park as stunning as Animal Kingdom, Dinoland sticks out as a cheap mistake that has survived far too long.
Goodbye Dinoland!!! Bring on Indy as it is at DL!!!! Love that ride!!! Bugs needs to stay, I can’t imagine Zootopia would be that big a draw, but that’s just me.
I have always LOVED DINOLAND!! I miss the Coaster a great deal!!!! And love the Dinosaur ride!!!
I am sure that the ride will just be converted tooth version of Indiana Jones that the track and design was copied for. Although I am excited about adding South America to the park, ( hopefully that will include new wildlife areas as well). I will miss DINOLAND
I’m sure that Dino Chip & Dale will be gone, but just as sure that they will get new outfits to fit the themes. Sure do hope they add another Coaster of some sort. And also a couple of kiddie rides for the little ones.
If you ever want to visit Dinoland, just go to your local fair. Bring on something better themed.
Dinoland was over for us when they removed Primeval Whirl.
Since this is the Animal Kingdom Park- why not have a ride much like The Great Movie Ride based on the animal friends of Disney: Jungle Book, 101 Dalmations, Aristocrats, Bambi, Oliver & Company, Rescue Rangers, The Goofy Movie, Zootopia, Tarzan, Fox and the Hound, Robin Hood, Finding Nemo, Dumbo,Winnie the Pooh, etc..ºoº
I love Dinoland! Unfortunate Disney imagineers can’t come up with something better with the same theme rather than replacing it. It’s Animal Kingdom, not Hollywood Studios.
I’m not particularly fond of Dinoland, so the change won’t bother me. But the ride Dinosaur better remain. Also, about Tough to be a Bug – I love that one!! Please don’t take that away!!
Indiana Jones would be good, Encanto – I have no interest.
We absolutely loved the dinosaur attraction and will be sorry to see it go even if they make it into Indiana Jones ride. Why Encanto?
I think losing dinosaurs in Animal Kingdom is a mistake. Now, I’m not saying keep the carnival theme, because that was also a mistake, but rather lean in to what the narrative should’ve been from the beginning. Instead of a dig turn corporate cash grab (a very short and rush summary for the story of Dinoland), it should’ve been an active paleontological dig where they learn that dinosaurs are still alive (to give it a little magic). It would’ve made the land more interesting, a little more Disney in my opinion, and would add to the cool back story that spans between the Haunted Mansion in Japan I believe, and the Jungle Cruise.
Disney continues to confuse me. Instead of renovating an area why not build the new one? It would help disperse crowds and leave beloved areas alone. And it wouldn’t shut down an entire area which only causes more crowding in other areas
Dinoland has always reminded me of a county fair. It looks cheap and corny. I wish they were going to more with Zootopia but Indiana Jones and Encanto sound better than worn out Dinosaurs.