Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in the middle of historic changes as the park prepares for DinoLand U.S.A. to permanently close on February 2, 2026 to make way for Tropical Americas in 2027. While guest can look forward to both an Encanto and Indiana Jones themed attractions in the new Tropical Americas section of the park, we’re also days away from the very last opportunity to ride DINOSAUR.
While much of DinoLand including Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama and the Bone Yard playground closed in 2025, the land is technically still open amongst a long maze of green construction walls and a towering crane. In fact, the crane can be seen from the parking lot and most areas within Animal Kingdom. You’ll also notice vertical construction has already begun on the Encanto attraction coming sometime next year.
There are two ways to access DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus (the only two remnants of DinoLand) – across the Discovery Island bridge to DinoLand or to the right of Finding Nemo. It’s wild to see the massive construction progress and the sad state of DinoLand.
In addition to DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus, you can also still meet Donald, Daisy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their DinoLand costumes one last time. Daisy and Chip ‘n’ Dale are in their usual spots but Donald is meeting just outside the Restaurantosaurus Lounge.
While the construction walls near the former Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama feature the Family Madrigal from Encanto and the home of its future attraction, the walls over near Dinosaur feature Indiana Jones quotes and bat-like creatures, some of which we might find in the new attraction.
Inside the Dino Institute Shop, there are a few Dinosaur merchandise items still available. These include the Carnotaurus and Iguanodon hand puppets, remote-controlled Time Rover, set of two small Carnotaurus figures, DINOSAUR figurine playlet, the farewell baseball cap, and farewell water bottle. The farewell merchandise was flying off the shelves, so don’t count on it being there on closing day – this Sunday, February 1st.
Like so many people, I’m sad to see DinoLand go and will relish the memories my family made over the past 20 years. The ride photos of both me and my sister as kids looking terrified on DINOSAUR, my first character breakfast at Donald’s Restaurantosaurus, countless hours spent with my son in the Bone Yard playground, and seeing him beam with happiness while riding TriceraTop Spin. Unfortunately, the future is no longer in the past. We can only look to the present and what Disney’s Animal Kingdom has planned for 2027.
