Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting a MAJOR makeover with Pueblo Esperanza — a Tropical Americas-themed land. However, before the new land fully takes shape, the park will need to say goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A.
Dinosaur
The removal of DinoLand sadly also means the end of the DINOSAUR attraction, which will ultimately give way to a brand-new Indiana Jones ride similar in ride mechanics to DINOSAUR and Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure, but with an original story. DINOSAUR is set to close permanently sometime in 2026, and when it does, its absence will create an unavoidable problem.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is already marred in a controversial debate of whether or not the park is worthy of a visit longer than a half day. While it functions as a zoo-theme park hybrid, if you’re more there for the rides aspect, you’ll notice the park lacks a bit when compared to the rest of the Disney World theme parks. Additionally, it doesn’t help that Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other three parks in order to accommodate its resident animals.
Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
With one of its major E-ticket attractions down and out for the count, Animal Kingdom will have a tough time justifying a full-day trip. You’ll be looking at Kilimanjaro Safaris, Na’vi River Journey, Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kali River Rapids as the ONLY rides open at the park. The ride diversity just doesn’t compare well to the other theme parks in the area, and that’s going to be a tough sell, especially for folks who aren’t making the animals the primary focus of the day.
Expedition Everest — WOO HOO!
While DINOSAUR itself has some haters, it’s still largely loved and a big draw for a lot of Disney World guests. Losing a major attraction like that only highlights Animal Kingdom’s ride quantity issue.
DINOSAUR
Fortunately, help is on the way. Animal Kingdom will be adding an Encanto ride and the previously mentioned Indiana Jones ride, in addition to a new carousel. With two major attractions on the way, Animal Kingdom’s ride offerings will get a healthy boost, and one that will hopefully appease fans looking for more themed attractions in this theme park experience.
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.
Unfortunately, we’re still a couple of years away from that becoming a reality. So, once DINOSAUR closes in 2026 and the construction on the other rides continues/begins, we’ll still have to deal with the sad reality that Animal Kingdom’s ride selection will be left wanting.
We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest Animal Kingdom and Disney World updates, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know!
Disney World’s NEW Tropical Americas Restaurant Will Be One of Its BIGGEST
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Do you feel Animal Kingdom is a half-day park, or is the label unjustified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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I think Animal Kingdom is great for families with children. They can run free more easily, learn about the animals and it can be cooler there because of all the vegetation. I’ve been many times and it’s worth the trip. Of course, some of this goes back to when tickets were cheaper and we added Park Hopping. So, in the evening, we would go to Epcot for fire works.
I hate it when people only visit AK for the rides.
There is so much more to this park with great shows and what I consider the main attraction -the animals.
I find AK relaxing as it is, but if the rides only visitors don’t come, even better.