Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom is permanently closing its DinoLand U.S.A. area on February 2. This closure marks the end of an era for the prehistoric-themed land, making way for a major new development. The park will transform the area into a Tropical Americas destination, featuring attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Disney's 'Encanto'.
Key Takeaways
- DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom closes permanently on February 2.
- The area will be replaced by a new Tropical Americas land.
- New attractions will feature Indiana Jones and 'Encanto' themes.
- Construction for the 11-acre expansion is underway, with a 2027 opening planned.
A New Era for Animal Kingdom
The decision to close DinoLand U.S.A. was confirmed by Disney Parks Blog. This move allows for the creation of Pueblo Esperanza, a vibrant new land designed to immerse guests in the rich cultures and landscapes of the Tropical Americas. The expansion represents a significant investment in enhancing the guest experience at Animal Kingdom.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, first announced the project during last year's D23 showcase. He stated that construction on the expansive 11-acre land is already in progress. The new Tropical Americas destination is projected to open its doors to visitors in 2027.
Fast Fact
The new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza, will cover 11 acres within Animal Kingdom, a substantial expansion for the park.
Attractions Say Goodbye
Several attractions within DinoLand U.S.A. have already ceased operations in preparation for the upcoming changes. These include the TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and the Boneyard play area. Dining options like Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks are also no longer available.
Guests looking for merchandise can still find Animal Kingdom themed items at other park locations. These include Island Mercantile, Discovery Trading Company, and the Dino Institute Shop. The closure impacts a significant portion of the park's eastern side.
"The Indiana Jones experience will be unlike any other attraction in the world," Disney Parks Blog stated, highlighting the unique nature of the upcoming adventure.
Background on DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand U.S.A. first opened with Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998. It was designed to resemble a quirky roadside attraction and a paleontological dig site. Its main attractions included DINOSAUR (formerly Countdown to Extinction), TriceraTop Spin, and The Boneyard.
Unveiling Pueblo Esperanza's Adventures
The new Tropical Americas destination, Pueblo Esperanza, promises two major new attractions. One will be an Indiana Jones experience, designed to take guests on a thrilling expedition. Visitors will explore a preserved Maya temple alongside Indiana Jones himself, searching for a mythical creature.
This Indiana Jones attraction is described as a unique experience, distinct from other existing Indiana Jones rides. It aims to offer a fresh narrative and new thrills for fans of the adventurous archaeologist.
An 'Encanto' Journey
The second flagship attraction will be a ride-through experience based on Walt Disney Animation Studios' hit movie, 'Encanto'. This will be the first attraction of its kind, immersing guests in the magical world of the Madrigal family.
Guests will join Antonio, the character who can communicate with animals, inside Casita, his enchanted home. Antonio's room will be transformed into a vibrant rainforest environment. Here, visitors will embark on an exploration alongside him.
- Rainforest Exploration: Antonio's room becomes a lush rainforest adventure.
- Magical Casita: Guests experience the magic of the Madrigal family home.
- Unique Carousel: A local woodcarver will craft a carousel featuring Antonio's favorite Disney animals.
The 'Encanto' area will also feature a large fountain and a unique carousel. This carousel will be built by a local woodcarver and will showcase Antonio's favorite Disney animals. Additionally, Pueblo Esperanza will include a themed play area for children, offering more interactive experiences for younger visitors.
The development of Pueblo Esperanza reflects Disney's strategy to continuously refresh its parks with new stories and advanced ride technology. The 2027 opening will bring a significant change to the Animal Kingdom landscape, offering new adventures for future guests.
