Disney announced today that Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur will be closing on February 2nd. Along with that, several other changes will be made in the park to accommodate the Dinoland closure. These early 2026 closures will make way for the opening of Tropical Americas in 2027. In this post, we’ll share the details of Animal Kingdom’s closures before adding our own commentary. Let’s get to the latest news on the area!

Is DinoLand still open?

Yes! You don’t even need a Time Rover to visit DinoLand because parts of the area are still currently open through 2025. That said, a large portion of what existed here has closed and the main entrance to the land no longer exists. You can see that on the park map below.

What’s happening to DinoLand?

Announced at last year’s D23 Expo, DinoLand is closing to make way for a new location in Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas. Within this location, a brand-new thrilling Indiana Jones experience will debut following Indy’s journey to find a mythical creature deep within the temple — and it’s unlike any Indy experience you’ve ever seen before. And, a very famous house is coming to life, literally, with the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

Dirt is moving on floors, drawers, and doors for what’s coming next. More to come!

When is DinoLand closing?

If you’re hoping to get in some prehistoric fun, now is your last year to visit DinoLand before it goes extinct. DinoLand U.S.A. will permanently close on February 2, 2026. This means the final day to experience DINOSAUR, The Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Restaurantosaurus Lounge is February 1.

What’s already closed in DinoLand?

To accommodate construction, TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and The Boneyard are already closed.

When is DINOSAUR closing?

DINOSAUR closes February 2, 2026 so you still have time to go fast and visit the past. The last day of operation will be on February 1st.

Why February 2nd? Your guess is as good as mine. Animal Kingdom is opening Tropical Americas in 2027 so it’s not a surprise that DINOSAUR is closing in early 2026 to make way for the Indy attraction. But I have no idea why February 2nd was chosen instead of right after the holiday season ends. There’s been ample time for guests to go ride the attraction if it’s a favorite. Personally, I would have rather seen an earlier closing date (if only by a few weeks) so that Tropical Americas would come even sooner.

Does Dr. Seeker know?

Yes, Dr. Seeker knows that his tenure at the Dino Institute is coming to a close, and he’s hopeful he can find that dino before security does.

When is Restaurantosaurus closing?

Restaurantosaurus closes February 2, 2026 so there’s a little more time to enjoy the quick-service spot in DinoLand. You might even catch a performance from the Dino Institute Intern — on a break from his internship duties — happy to entertain everyone and anyone who will listen to his original dino-themed tunes.

This is one of the few spots in Animal Kingdom that offers the classic theme park food like the Foot-long Hot Dog with Chili and Cheese, an order of A-Maize-ing Magic Munch Fries, or the S’moresosaurus Shake! The nearby Dino-Bites Snacks is also still open, where you can pick up an ice cream cookie sandwich or the Dig Dino ice cream sandwich — you can’t go wrong with either snack.

Will there still be a burger and fries counter-service spot in Animal Kingdom post Restaurantosaurus closing?

Yes! Harambe Market will soon be offering fan favorites from the restaurant. In order to make that change, the counter-service spot in Africa will close down for a short period of time in late 2025. There is no information at this point on if Harambe Market will also keep some of its current options. We hope it does!

Will there be a kids play area in the new land?  

Yes! Tropical Americas will include a new themed play area for kids visiting Pueblo Esperanza. 

Ok, what else can you tell me about Tropical Americas?

Tropical Americas — better known as Pueblo Esperanza — will be a new 11-acre lush and sprawling area. Just like Harambe, this land will feel lived in, with a long, rich history. Not only will the land include a hacienda — which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World Resort — but also two signature attractions for Indiana Jones and Encanto.

Additionally, the area will feature a large fountain in the center and a local woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.

How does Kali River Rapids fit into this?

Animal Kingdom’s river raft ride has an annual refurbishment. That will continue this winter but will move up in timeframe so that the park won’t close both DINOSAUR and Kali River Rapids at the same time. If that had happened, the park would have been down to 4 physical rides, not counting the train, shows or walkthrough attractions. That’s just not enough.

Frankly, 5 is not enough either but it will at least ease some burden and give guests another thing to do. The Kali River Rapids refurb will begin on October 6th (2025) and end sometime before the new year.

Commentary

As I mentioned above, I would have rather seen DINOSAUR and the rest of the land close a little earlier. In reality, 3 weeks or so won’t make a huge difference but it’s something for an area that we hope to open earlier rather than later in 2027. DINOSAUR has defenders, and I like the ride pretty well, but a year long sendoff wasn’t completely necessary. I may be feeling some sour grapes there as Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom, a place I feel more fondly of, closed relatively abruptly.

I am encouraged that the news reiterates several times that Tropical Americas will open in 2027. Animal Kingdom desperately needs that expansion and getting it 2 years from now is good news. Hopefully the opening will be for the summer months but I wouldn’t hold my breath. No one can hold their breath until then, not even Tom Cruise! For those looking for analysis outside of that bad joke, I’m more just thinking that’s a quick turnaround from February 2026 to June or July of 2027. Cross your fingers though!

Elsewhere, I’m worried about the Harambe Market change. That spot has quietly become one of our favorite spots to eat in Walt Disney World. The Shrimp Bowl is especially good. On the other hand, that counter-service spot is not all that popular. Best case scenario is that there’s a mix of the Restaurantosaurus (I’m not going to miss having to double check my spelling of that place every time I type it) and current Harambe Market menu there. That would add popularity to the restaurant while keeping some of the quality options.

Overall, this is all good news as Animal Kingdom barrels along in a project that should make the park significantly more enjoyable. They’re being thoughtful with the closures, as seen by the Kali River Rapids refurbishment but still pushing things along. We’re eager to see Tropical Americas and will have more thoughts and analysis on the upcoming land as it nears opening.

What do you think of the DINOSAUR closing date and upcoming Tropical Americas? Let us know, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below! Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Check out our Disney World Trip Planning Guide to help you out. Looking for discount tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. All of those links are on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it