There is a lot changing in Disney’s Animal Kingdom right now.
Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A brand-new show will be coming to the Tree of Life, Zootopia: Better Zoogether. However, the biggest change has been the phased closure of DinoLand U.S.A. to make way for a brand new land, Pueblo Esperanza. Now we’ve recently gotten word of when the rest of DinoLand will close for construction in early 2026, leaving many guests booking one more trip before the extinction of the area.
Disney adults across the globe are adjusting their 2026 vacation plans after the announcement that the iconic Dinosaur attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close permanently on February 1st, 2026. First opened in 1998, Dinosaur has long been a fan-favorite, thrilling guests with its intense ride through prehistoric times and innovative animatronics. For many Disney enthusiasts, it’s more than just a ride, but a nostalgic journey that has been part of countless family trips.
DINOSAUR
The closure has created a sense of urgency among Disney fans, with many planning trips specifically to experience the ride one last time. Guests are not only seeking to relive their favorite memories but also to capture photos and enjoy the attraction while it still exists. This phenomenon is reminiscent of past attraction closures, where fans flocked to parks to make the most of a limited-time experience, proving how deeply Disney rides become part of personal and generational memories.
Dinosaur
The attraction’s closure comes as part of the construction of the new Tropical Americas area at Animal Kingdom. Also closing that day is The Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Restaurantosaurus Lounge. The expansion’s construction will open in 2027.
Construction Walls featuring Artwork for Tropical Americas
Dinosaur will be turning into an Indiana Jones attraction as part of the area’s transformation. Disney aficionados know how full circle appropriate this is, as Dinosaur’s ride system, track layout, and physical experience were clones of the original Indiana Jones Adventure, which opened at Disneyland in 1995.
©Disney
For anyone who has always loved Dinosaur, now is the time to plan your last ride. For more Disney World information, be sure to follow DFB!
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Will you be making a special trip to Animal Kingdom to ride Dinosaur one last time? Tell us in the comments below.
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I really don’t think many if at all will change plans because of this. If anything, they will cancel plans. The parks are getting less and less attendance and it’s because of all the price gauging and bad changes they are making. Then add on Universal taking away which Disney keeps denying.
I haven’t enjoyed the Dinosaur ride in ten years due to its very very jerky ride. Not enjoyable to be jerked around so much. If they don’t smooth it out for Indiana Jones, I won’t be riding that ride either. And Expedition Everest and the Safari aren’t smooth rides either, so I think we may never need to set foot in Animal Kingdom again. I love the safari, but honestly it doesn’t need to be so bumpy to be authentic. And we aren’t looking forward to the changes for AK either. Sigh. But we still love Epcot and MK, so will spend more time in those two parks.
Disney is loosing its following because of too many changes that are removing the nostalgia of returning to hallowed land. Too many coasters, too many dark rides, prices too high, crowds and newer attractions that do not inspire and attract new guests. They are just rides and Universal seems to be leading the pack of new guests.