News Summary
Walt Disney World has announced the permanent closure of the DINOSAUR ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, set for February 1, as part of the upcoming Tropical Americas project. The phased shutdown of the DinoLand U.S.A. area has begun, with additional attractions closing in January. The new Tropical Americas area, which will open in 2027, aims to celebrate biodiversity inspired by Disney films such as Encanto and Indiana Jones, offering new immersive experiences for guests.
Orlando
Walt Disney World officials confirmed the permanent closure date for the DINOSAUR ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The popular attraction will close its doors on February 1, 2026, as part of a wider initiative to develop a new area called Tropical Americas, which is slated to open in 2027.
The phased shutdown of the DinoLand U.S.A. area has already begun, with two attractions—the TriceraTop Spin and Fossil Fun Games—scheduled to close in January 2025. Following these closures, the entire DinoLand U.S.A. area will be permanently closed to make way for the Tropical Americas project.
Tropical Americas Overview
The Tropical Americas area will encompass an expansive 11 acres that aims to showcase the rich biodiversity of regions located just north and south of the equator. The design of this new space is influenced by beloved Disney films, including Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Among the planned attractions is a large central fountain intended to serve as a communal gathering place for storytelling experiences. A majestic carousel designed by a talented woodcarver will feature various animals from popular Disney stories. Additionally, guests can look forward to a new ride based on Indiana Jones, which will feature a mythical creature and a recreation of a Maya temple.
Interactive Experiences
One of the highlights of the Tropical Americas area will be an interactive recreation of the Madrigal house from Encanto. Inside this immersive experience, guests will have the opportunity to explore Antonio’s transformed room, enhancing the connection to the movie’s storyline and characters.
Another significant addition will be one of Disney World’s largest quick-service dining establishments, which has been described as a grand hacienda. This dining space is expected to further enrich the guest experience, offering diverse culinary options.
Timeline and Additional Closures
As part of the ongoing transformations, The Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A. is set to permanently close on September 1, 2025. The work on the Tropical Americas area officially commenced on January 13, 2025, marking the beginning of the phased closures in DinoLand U.S.A.
History of DINOSAUR Attraction
The DINOSAUR ride has been a staple of Disney’s Animal Kingdom since its opening day in 1998. Originally known as Countdown to Extinction, the attraction was rebranded as DINOSAUR in 2000. Over the years, it has offered guests an exciting journey back to the age of dinosaurs.
As Walt Disney World continues to evolve its attractions and experiences, the closure of the DINOSAUR ride marks the end of an era while paving the way for immersive new experiences that reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to innovation and storytelling.
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Additional Resources
- People: Disney World Dinosaur Ride Closing Date
- Click Orlando: Attractions Closed Across Walt Disney World
- Fox 35 Orlando: Destination D23 Announcements
- Disney Parks Blog: New Color Palette for Cinderella Castle
- WDW Magazine: Disney World Refurbishment Schedule
- Wikipedia: Walt Disney World
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
