Disney's Animal Kingdom is preparing for its upcoming Tropical Americas expansion with several significant operational changes, including the temporary closure of a major dining location and the permanent closure of two kiosks. These adjustments, scheduled to begin in October 2025, will impact food and beverage availability as the park transitions away from DinoLand U.S.A.
Key Takeaways
- Harambe Market will temporarily close on October 20, 2025, and is expected to reopen in early 2026.
- Upon reopening, Harambe Market will serve quick-service staples like burgers and chicken strips, absorbing the menu from the future closure of Restaurantosaurus.
- Two food and beverage kiosks in DinoLand U.S.A. will permanently close on October 20, 2025.
- These changes are part of the multi-year project to replace DinoLand U.S.A. with a new land inspired by the Tropical Americas, set to open in 2027.
Harambe Market to Undergo Temporary Transformation
One of the most significant changes will affect Harambe Market, a popular quick-service dining area in the Africa section of the park. The location is scheduled for a temporary closure starting October 20, 2025. Park officials anticipate the market will remain closed through the end of the year and reopen to guests in early 2026.
This closure is a preparatory step for the eventual shutdown of Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A. When Harambe Market reopens, its menu will be refreshed to include many of the American-style quick-service staples that were previously offered at Restaurantosaurus, such as burgers and chicken strips. This strategic menu shift ensures these popular options remain available to guests elsewhere in the park.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop to Expand Menu
During Harambe Market's closure, the nearby Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery will expand its hours and menu to accommodate guests. The location will serve lunch and offer a selection of items usually found at Harambe Market, providing an alternative dining option within the Africa section.
Context: A Phased Transition
The operational adjustments at Animal Kingdom are not isolated events. They represent a carefully planned, phased approach to transforming a large section of the park. By relocating popular food items and adjusting dining capacity in advance, Disney aims to minimize disruption for guests during the large-scale construction of the Tropical Americas land.
Permanent Closures in DinoLand U.S.A.
As the park begins to phase out DinoLand U.S.A., two food and beverage kiosks in the area will cease operations permanently. Both locations will have their final day of service on October 19, 2025, and will not reopen from October 20 onward.
While the physical kiosks are closing, Disney has confirmed that some of their popular menu items will be relocated to other venues across the park. This move allows guests to continue enjoying these offerings even after the locations themselves are gone.
Where to Find Relocated Menu Items
To ensure guest favorites remain available, select menu items from the closing DinoLand U.S.A. kiosks will be moved to new homes. The specific items and their new locations have been announced, allowing visitors to plan accordingly.
- Churros: Will be available at snack carts located throughout the park.
- Mickey-shaped Pretzels: Will also be moved to various snack carts.
- Specialty Beverages: A selection of unique drinks will be integrated into the menus of other quick-service locations.
Timeline of Changes
- October 19, 2025: Final day of operation for the two DinoLand U.S.A. kiosks.
- October 20, 2025: Harambe Market closes for refurbishment; DinoLand kiosks are permanently closed.
- Early 2026: Harambe Market is scheduled to reopen with a new menu.
- 2027: The new Tropical Americas land is projected to open.
Paving the Way for the Tropical Americas
All of these closures and operational shifts are directly linked to the development of the Tropical Americas, the new themed land set to replace DinoLand U.S.A. The project, announced as a reimagining of the area, will introduce new attractions and experiences based on popular Disney franchises.
The new land is confirmed to feature attractions inspired by the animated film Encanto and the adventure series Indiana Jones. The gradual removal of DinoLand U.S.A.'s infrastructure, including these dining locations, is a necessary step to clear the area for major construction to begin.
The transformation is one of the largest projects undertaken at Animal Kingdom in recent years, following the opening of Pandora ā The World of Avatar in 2017. The scheduled debut of the Tropical Americas land in 2027 will mark a significant evolution for the park, introducing new stories and environments for guests to explore.
