Theme parks are constantly changing, but some updates still hit a little harder than others.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Several major attractions and even an entire park have now confirmed permanent closures in 2026, and some of them are absolute icons. Whether you are planning one last farewell visit or just trying to stay ahead of the changes, here is what you need to know before these experiences are gone for good.
DINOSAUR Permanently Closes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
DINOSAUR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom officially closes on February 2nd, 2026, which means February 1st, 2026, will be your final chance to ride. This is a big one for longtime Disney fans who grew up braving the dark, chaotic journey back to the age of dinosaurs.
Dinosaur
This closure is part of Disney’s massive transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into a brand new area themed to Tropical Americas, also known as Pueblo Esperanza. Several parts of DinoLand are already gone, including TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, The Boneyard, and the area’s snack stands. DINOSAUR has been the final holdout, and once it closes, DinoLand as we know it will officially be history.
DINOSAUR
If you want one last encounter with an asteroid and a very angry Carnotaurus, now is the time to plan that ride.
Read all about the new Tropical Americas: Pueblo Esperanza land here!
Restaurantosaurus Also Closes in 2026
Restaurantosaurus will also permanently close on February 2nd, 2026, with its final day of operation landing on February 1st, 2026. This quirky quick-service restaurant has been a go-to for families looking for air conditioning, burgers, and dinosaur themed jokes hidden throughout the space.
Restaurantosaurus
Much like DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus is closing to make way for the Tropical Americas expansion. While it may not be the most talked-about restaurant at Disney World, it has been a reliable stop for refueling in Animal Kingdom for years. If this has been one of your regular lunch spots, you may want to rustle up one final meal before construction fully takes over the area.
Restaurantosaurus
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Closes for Retheme
Disney has also confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will permanently close on March 2nd, 2026. The final day to ride will be March 1st, 2026.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The good news is that this attraction is not disappearing forever. Instead, Disney is transforming it into a brand new Muppets-themed roller coaster that is set to open in summer 2026. The storyline will center on the Electric Mayhem band headlining their biggest concert ever, with riders helping them make it to the show on time.
©Disney
The retheme will include updates to G Force Records, a revamped exterior featuring Electric Mayhem inspired details, and a brand new Muppet animatronic that Disney says will be a first of its kind. While it is still sad to say goodbye to the Aerosmith version, we are very curious to see how the Muppets shake things up.
Looking for details on the new Muppets ride? We have them all here!
Wild Waves Theme and Water Park Announces Final Season
Outside of Disney, Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Washington has announced that its 2026 season will be its last. The park, which has been operating since 1977, will open for the season on May 23rd, 2026, and close permanently on November 1st, 2026.
@wildwavespark on Instagram
According to park leadership, financial challenges following the pandemic made it impossible to continue operations long-term. Guests who visit in 2026 will still get the full experience, including summer water attractions, thrill rides, and Fright Fest in October. The park also plans to celebrate its final year with special events and promotions focused on nostalgia and family memories.
@wildwavespark on Instagram
While plans for the land are still in early stages, the owners have shared that future development aims to benefit the surrounding community while respecting the emotional connection many locals have with the park.
@wildwavespark on Instagram
Change is part of what keeps theme parks evolving, but that doesn’t mean saying goodbye is ever easy. These confirmed closures in 2026 mark the end of some truly memorable experiences, whether that means one last race through the past with DINOSAUR, a final rock out on Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, or a farewell season at a hometown park that’s meant so much to local families. If any of these spots are on your must-do list, now’s the time to start planning those final visits and soaking up every last moment before the gates close for good.
As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more!
REMINDER: A Huge Change Is Coming to Magic Kingdom SOON
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Which of these closures hits you the hardest, and are you planning a final visit before any of them are gone? Let us know in the comments!
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For me it is the closing no one is talking about much – Rafiki’s planet watch. No more animal treatments to watch, nutrition information, and no more Affection Station. I am fairly attached to a few of the Animals there and will miss being Kissed on the ear by goats (sick, I know). I loved to sit and watch children fall in love with animals and the lovely animal demonstrations twice a day with really entering species. Hope the Bluey promise to have Australian animals is true.
“Which of these closures hits you the hardest, and are you planning a final visit before any of them are gone? ”
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Frankly, none of the above. Though we do WDW 2-3 times a year, and AK is always on our itinerary, we haven’t been in Dinoland in over a decade.
I have to wonder with the falling birth rate in the U.S. if Disney is loosing its younger audience. Big mistake by eliminating Dino Land because most youth under 8 love Dino’s. Granted, Dinosaur the ride and Triceratops spin were much to violent for the young, they could have improved the land with more educational attractions. Bad move for Disney. If the new update to an Indy ride, if it stays as violent, I will not be riding it and I am 70 years old. Who is making these park decisions…Josh…?