When Is Dinosaur Closing in Disney World, and What New Ride Is Replacing It?

BIG changes are coming at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

At D23 this year, we got a better look at the Tropical Americas. This land will take over the existing Dinoland USA meaning that the beloved Dinosaur ride is coming to extinction. We’re here to tell you when it will close and take a closer look at what is coming in its place.

Work on the new Tropical Americas land, now called Pueblo Esperanza, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was announced to begin in the fall of 2024, so, likely, Disney has already begun behind-the-scenes preparations. In fact, we’ve seen permits filed for the area hinting at this.

@Disney

While Disney may have already started some work, the rides and attractions are currently still open as of writing (December 9th, 2024). But the attractions and restaurants in DinoLand will be closing in waves for construction to begin.

Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom

Disney did recently share that you can still ride Dinosaur and “get that dino” through 2025, hinting that this popular ride will be closing sometime in 2026. While we haven’t been given the exact date of its closure yet, we at least have a whole year to ride it before it’s gone.

Have You Seen the Movie?

We will miss this jerky (Did we ride Dinosaur or just go to the chiropractor?) beloved attraction that brought us so many catchphrases like “helllllooooooo there!” and “They’re not gonna make it!”. But, as always, Disney is giving us something to look forward to.

Definitely not our dino!

So, what’s taking up a new home in the attraction location? An Indiana Jones ride will be a new adventure ride, different from the one currently at Disneyland and other Disney parks around the world. It will feature a brand-new story following “the man with the hat” during a time when he has “recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it.”

©Disney

Indy has heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. We will be brought along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland

That’s not all that we can anticipate from Pueblo Esperanza. It will also include an Encanto ride and a new carousel. Disney has also begun focusing on incorporating more of its IP (Intellectual Property) into its parks, so this change to adding more attractions from several Disney movies makes sense to accomplish this goal.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We are excited about what is to come at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For the latest Disney news, be sure to follow us at DFB.

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