I’ve been visiting Animal Kingdom since it first opened back in 1998 (yes, I was there when everyone still thought “Beastly Kingdom” was totally happening). But I can’t remember a time the park has looked this different. Pandora was huge, sure — but the new Pueblo Esperanza land with three new rides and the Casita Madrigal? It’s changing the entire vibe of Animal Kingdom. And depending on how nostalgic you are for DinoLand, it might sting a little.

Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney World is currently hard at work on the brand-new Tropical Americas land, and there’s a brand-new show opening. But  that means some familiar favorites are going extinct — literally. Let’s talk about what’s closed in Animal Kingdom right now.

TriceraTop Spin

The dino spinner, TriceraTop Spin, took its final flight in January 2025, and Disney has already started clearing the area for something new — a carousel inspired by the colorful cultures of Central and South America.

TriceraTop Spin

Think bright patterns, tropical animals, and music that makes you want to dance in line (which, knowing Disney, you probably will). The new carousel will anchor the Tropical Americas section — an area that celebrates both the natural beauty and the legends of the region. No word yet on when it’ll open, but the concept art looks gorgeous.

Pueblo Esperanza Carousel Concept Art ©Disney

If your kiddos are missing that spinning fun, you can still get your fix over at Magic Kingdom on Dumbo, Astro Orbiter, or Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Meanwhile, Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safaris still deliver plenty of family-friendly adventure right here at Animal Kingdom.

A giraffe on Kilimanjaro Safaris

It’s Tough to Be a Bug

After more than 25 years, It’s Tough to Be a Bug officially crawled out of the Tree of Life for good. (We’ll miss you, Flik — kind of. That “stinger” moment was never for the faint of heart.)

Bye, Flik!

But Disney isn’t leaving that theater empty for long. Coming November 7th, the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show will debut, bringing Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and all your favorite residents of Zootopia to the park in an all-new 3D experience. Expect cutting-edge visuals, a message about teamwork, and probably some sly humor for the grown-ups.

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” ©Disney

If you need more family-friendly entertainment at Animal Kingdom, go catch Festival of the Lion King — it’s high energy, it’s indoors (bless that air conditioning), and it’s one of the best live shows in all of Disney World.

Festival of the Lion King

More Ride Closures

Kali River Rapids is taking its annual fall break for maintenance until December 2025, so if you’re hoping to get soaked, you’ll have to wait a bit. In the meantime, Expedition Everest will still give you your adrenaline fix — minus the poncho. And if you need a splash elsewhere, you can find it at  Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom.

Kali River Rapids

And yes, DINOSAUR is still running… for now. It’s scheduled to close on February 2, 2026, to make way for an Indiana Jones–themed adventure. So if you want to shout “We’re not gonna make it!” one last time, make that ride a priority before it’s gone.

Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom

You may be familiar with the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction in Disneyland, but the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom will feature a brand-new story. As described by Disney, the attraction will follow “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. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.”

©Disney

Animal Kingdom is in full transformation mode, and it’s wild to see. We’re saying goodbye to some old favorites, but what’s coming next looks incredible. Stay tuned — we’ll keep you posted on every update as it happens.

The Disney World Changes We’re DREADING in 2026

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Which of these rides are you missing on your next trip? Let us know in the comments below.