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 after Disney OFFICIALLY announced the closing date.
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.
A new attraction themed after the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Encanto” follows Antonio the day after he received his magical gift – the ability to communicate with animals and is situated in the new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
©Disney
We’re here at this year’s D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim and it was just announced during the Disney Experiences Showcase that DinoLand, U.S.A. is closing to make way for NEW things in 2027.
A carousel featuring the resident wood carver’s favorite animals.
©Disney
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).”
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.
©Disney
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.
The new town Esperanza will be situated in Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The town features classic Spanish-style architecture in the heart of the rainforest.
©Disney
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!
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.
©Disney
That’s not all, though — TWO signature attractions will be coming to the new land, and a brand new Indiana Jones ride will debut alongside the whole land when it opens in 2027!
@Disney
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!
While we’ll miss DinoLand, U.S.A., we can’t wait for the new Tropical Americas retheme! For updates on the new Animal Kingdom area, be sure to stay tuned right here at DFB!
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So when is it closing? The article doesn’t actually say.
Hi Amy! Disney hasn’t given a closing date, but we’re keeping an eye on it.
This is exciting but I just need to be sure to ride Dinosaur one more time before it closes!
Seems fairly obvious that the current Dinosaur attraction will be repurposed to become the all new Indiana Jones attraction. Then we will have Indy action at both the studios and the kingdom. Hmmmm
Jeez! Encanto. I can’t think of anything I want to see less.
The only reason we are looking forward to the new land is because I am hoping that Disney brings in some animals from Central and South America, such as jaguars. We are not fans of Encanto, and we have no interest in the Indiana Jones attraction. It doesn’t fit the theming for Animal Kingdom, plus the dinosaur ride is too herky jerky for our taste. Universal is going to be the go-to park for kids who loves dinosaurs (and I have never known a kid who doesn’t love dinosaurs).
I hope it doesn’t close until after March. because my daughter has never rode it.