There are some BIG changes coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you’ve been following the Disney news, you know that DinoLand, U.S.A. is closing permanently to be transformed into a land inspired by the Tropical Americas. The new land will have rides themed to Indiana Jones and Encanto, as well as new shopping, dining, and activities. And soon, the construction is kicking off!

We found out a little while ago that the first wave of attraction closures for DinoLand, U.S.A. would begin in January 2024. The last day for TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and the Fossil Fun Games will be January 12th.

Dinoland U.S.A.

We’re still a little ways out from those closures, but Disney has now filed a permit to begin demolition in the area. This new permit includes a detailed site demolition plan, revealing that the Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama area will be the first part of the land to be demolished (no surprise, considering that’s where the three things that are closing are located).

©Disney

This first wave of demolition will be part of “phase one” in the transformation to Tropical Americas. Later on down the road, Disney will close and demolish the offerings in the other areas of the land — things like DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, The Boneyard, Trilo-Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks. A closure date has not been announced for those offerings.

The Boneyard!

The newly filed permit also addresses environmental impacts, which is important for keeping the message of conservation alive at Animal Kingdom. We’ll be interested to see how Disney includes that message in the new land — do you think we’ll get to see some new animal species in Pueblo Esperanza?

Pueblo Esperanza Market Concept Art ©Disney

So now we’ve got a better idea of what construction will look like going forward with this project. We’ll make sure to keep a close eye on the progress and let you know when Disney announces more closure dates for various parts of the land — lots of people are hoping for one last ride on DINOSAUR!

Stay tuned to DFB for the latest.

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Are you visiting DinoLand, U.S.A. before it changes? Tell us in the comments!