Animal Kingdom is in the midst of a pretty big refurbishment, and while we’re looking forward to what’s on the way, it does mean that things are a little hectic right now.
Animal Kingdom construction
There are already some pretty limited attractions in this park to begin with, and as it currently stands, TWO of them are closed! While one should be reopened with its new inhabitant later this year (or early 2026), we’ve still gotta wait a while on the other project, and before it opens, we’ll likely see TWO more closures. So, what’s going on?
Dinoland USA officially began its closure to become Tropical Americas and Pueblo Esperanza in January 2025. Chester & Hester’s DinoRama and Triceratop Spin closed on January 13th, making January 12th the final day Dinoland was in tact as a whole. Once this first closure took place, walls went up, and construction began on the new land.
We know that the new land, which will feature attractions and theming from Encanto and Indiana Jones, will have three attractions — one that’s located close to where Chester & Hester’s DinoRama was and will be inspired by the Casita from Encanto, a new carousel seemingly where The Boneyard is currently (or around that area), and Dinosaur will become a new Indiana Jones attraction.
©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom
So with this first closure, it appears Disney may be working on creating space for this new land, more specifically, the Encanto section, if they stick to their concept art. As it currently stands, we know that Dinosaur and The Boneyard will be open through 2025 (with a closure then very likely in early 2026), but what does that mean for Restaurantosaurus and Dino-Bite Snacks?
Pueblo Esperanza Market Concept Art ©Disney
Right now, no official closing date or timeline has been announced for these attractions, but we feel they’ll hit either in late 2025 or right around the same time the rest of the land closes in 2026. When we hear about this timeline for sure, we’ll let you know ASAP!
Pueblo Esperanza Carousel Concept Art ©Disney
Not to mention, this isn’t the only construction going on in the park. It’s Tough To Be A Bug recently closed in the Tree of Life Theater to make way for a new 4D show currently on track to arrive in the park in late 2025 or early 2026. Zootopia: Better Zoogether will feature some of your favorite characters from the film franchise, and we wouldn’t be shocked if its opening is timed around the new film landing in theaters on November 26th, 2025.
©Disney
We’ll be here keeping up with all the latest Disney World news and updates to help you plan your trip, so stay tuned to DFB!
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How do you feel about this new addition to the park? Tell us in the comments!
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Not at all excited about these new additions! Now more reason than ever to skip Animal Kingdom.
I’m just hoping some of the new attractions will be wheelchair accessible. Disney is pretty good at making their rides wheelchair friendly, but sometimes the most surprising rides aren’t wheelchair accessible, looking at you Navi River Journey.