It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to a Disney World staple.
The sun is setting on DinoLand U.S.A.
While we’ve known for some time that DinoLand, U.S.A. would be closing in favor of a rethemed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s still tough to say goodbye to the old land — which is exactly what we’ll have to do soon.
Back at the 2023 D23 expo, Disney announced that the DinoLand, U.S.A. area of Animal Kingdom would be transformed into a Tropical Americas land that could possibly have Encanto and Indiana Jones rides, entertainment, shopping, dining, and theming. Now, we officially know when the process to transition to that new land will begin.
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During the D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim, it was just announced during the Disney Experiences Showcase that DinoLand, U.S.A. is closing to make way for NEW things, and that the new land would be opening in 2027.
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While there’s been talk of retheming DinoLand, U.S.A. for a while now, we haven’t had a hard deadline for its “extinction” until now. But it’s some bittersweet news as we’re gaining a brand new land in its place — Pueblo Esperanza!
CONFIRMED: A NEW ‘Encanto’ Attraction Is Coming to Animal Kingdom!
Disney shared that construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027, adding, “but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).”
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The space is described as “lush and sprawling,” with a large fountain in the center, a giant working carousel, and two signature attractions! The town features classic Spanish-style architecture in the heart of the rainforest.
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This new land is set to span an 11-acre section of the park, with construction starting this fall to transform DinoLand, U.S.A. The construction is expected to happen in phases, though, so you’ll have a chance to experience Dinosaur one more time!
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That’s not all, though — a carousel, an Encanto ride, and a brand new Indiana Jones ride will debut alongside the whole land when it opens in 2027!
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We have the FULL details on Disney’s NEW Indiana Jones ride (which was promised to be DIFFERENT than the Disneyland Resort version). Click the kind below to learn more!
ALERT: A BRAND-NEW ‘Indiana Jones’ Ride Is Coming to Disney World!
So as of writing, Disney has only shared that construction on the new land will start in fall 2024 and that guests would have time to experience Dinosaur one more time. An official closing date/timeline for Dinosaur specifically hasn’t been shared just yet!
While we’ll miss DinoLand, U.S.A., we can’t wait for the new Tropical Americas and Pueblo Esperanza retheme! For updates on the new Animal Kingdom area, be sure to stay tuned right here at DFB!
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When is Dinosaur closing?
YES! We will truly miss DinoLand USA. Already miss Primeval Whirl. Both my kids grew up playing in that awesome playground and digging for bones. We’re on our way down to ride Dinosaur one more time – and hopefully snag a t-shirt!