Disney is wasting no time transforming DinoLand U.S.A. into the new Tropical Americas-themed Pueblo Esperanza land at Animal Kingdom.
Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom
While we’ve said goodbye to part of this land already, much of it is still open, including Restaurantosaurus and the DINOSAUR attraction. Imagineering recently filed new permits for Restaurantosaurus and a meet-and-greet location, and now, another new permit has been filed — this time, for DINOSAUR. As the resident DFB permit expert, things are seriously starting to ramp up over here!
DinoLand U.S.A. is being transformed into Pueblo Esperanza, which will be home to a new Indiana Jones ride — plus the first-ever Encanto ride and more at a Disney park. Construction has already started in the DinoRama area of the land, but parts of DinoLand remain open. As part of the transformation, Disney Imagineering has filed a new permit for the DINOSAUR ride.
DINOSAUR
A new permit has been filed to “Install Set Elements” at DINOSAUR. The contractor listed is Mecca Productions, Inc., which specializes in set designs and fabrication for theme parks and other venues. Since DINOSAUR is eventually closing, it’s likely that this is just a minor update to keep the ride running normally for now. We don’t expect Disney to be making any significant changes to the ride before it goes extinct.
DINOSAUR
Disney previously shared that 2025 would be your last year to visit DinoLand before it goes extinct — so we’re anticipating an early 2026 closure. Right now, DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, and Restaurontosaurus are all currently still open.
We know that DINOSAUR will be closing in 2026, but we don’t have an official date just yet.
The Boneyard!
You’ve still got time throughout 2025 to grab a bite to eat at Restaurantosaurus as well, but chances are this spot will close at the end of the year.
Make sure you stop by before it goes extinct!
When it opens, Pueblo Esperanza will become home to two signature attractions — an Encanto ride featuring the Madrigal family and a new Indiana Jones adventure ride! A Carousel will also provide another ride option.
The new land will feature classic Spanish-style architecture with a large hacienda that will also serve as one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World. The rich and lush color and biodiversity of the Tropical Rainforest will be on full display and at the center of Pueblo Esperanza will be a large fountain where stories will be told by gathering villagers.
@Disney
We’ll be on the lookout for more updates on DinoLand U.S.A. and Pueblo Esperanza at Animal Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates from Disney World and beyond!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What are you looking forward to most about the new Pueblo Esperanza land? Let us know in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Animal kingdom will be the first park i attend when i go in early November, what will be closed then?
Not looking forward to the change. The chances of me going to Encanto land is none. Chances of me going to Dimoland is 100%…. Get it Disney. You could have done so much better
@Sly M
Triceratops Spin and the best of the Dino-Rama area closed in January and has been behind construction walls all year. “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” ended in March, and is scheduled to reopen as “Zootopia: Better Zoo-gether” in November/December. The Boneyard is closing on Septermber 2 and will be rethemed to Mayan/Inca/Aztec ruins. Kali River Rapids normally closes in January for annual maintenance. And DINOSAUR will probably be open until Spring at the earliest
@Kenph
It’s the Tropical Americas. An Encanto dark ride is just one aspect of it.
DinoLand has long been the weakest themed land at WDW, maybe even out of all Disney parks. The post 9/11 tourism slump killed the planned expansion, and so it was just left to stagnate