Disney's Animal Kingdom Closes Dino-Rama: Walls Go Up for Tropical Americas Expansion

Jan 13, 2025 in "Tropical Americas"

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Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

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Posted: Monday January 13, 2025 8:10am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As of January 13, 2025, Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama at Disney's Animal Kingdom is officially closed, marking the end of its colorful, carnival-style attractions.

TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Dinosaur Treasures are now permanently closed as Disney begins work on the park's upcoming Tropical Americas expansion.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

Walls and Planters Installed

Construction walls and rolling planters have been installed, blocking off the former Dino-Rama area as preparations for the new land begin. The walkway through Dinoland U.S.A. has been rerouted to guide guests alongside Restaurantosaurus and toward the entrance of the DINOSAUR attraction. The Boneyard playground remains open.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

The End of an Era

Dino-Rama's closure signals the start of a new chapter for Animal Kingdom. This section of Dinoland U.S.A. was known for its whimsical dinosaur theme and carnival games. Guests could take a spin on TriceraTop Spin, try their luck at the carnival-style midway games, and browse for prehistoric souvenirs at Dinosaur Treasures.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

What's Next: Tropical Americas Expansion

The Tropical Americas expansion will transform Dinoland U.S.A. into a land inspired by the cultures and ecosystems of Central and South America. A standout attraction will be Disney's first-ever Encanto-themed experience, where guests can step into the Madrigal family's casita and celebrate Antonio's magical ability to communicate with animals. The land will also feature an Indiana Jones adventure, replacing DINOSAUR after it closes at the end of 2025.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Current Access and Attractions

Open: DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, and Dino-Bite Snacks
Closed: TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Dinosaur Treasures

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

A New Beginning

The closure of Dino-Rama marks the beginning of significant changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom. With construction walls now in place, the area will gradually evolve over the next few years, with the full Tropical Americas expansion expected to debut in 2027.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

Discuss on the Forums

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Sorcerer Mickey55 minutes ago

Good, because Encanto is the one that will actually happen.

meggo8192 hours ago

Except for “and” instead of “an” (an easy typo or autocorrect), it was fine. I followed 🤷‍♀️

Agent H5 hours ago

Thank you for clarifying I think there may have been a bit of a word jumble in your original post no offense of course I wasn’t trying to say Indiana Jones will be bad merely that I’m looking forward to the encanto ride more

TheCoasterNerd5 hours ago

I will give Indy credit in that it's a new story. Sure, it's based on the exsting DLR ride, but it's an original story not seen in any other rides/movies/tv shows/games

TheMaxRebo5 hours ago

I can try :) The ride system for Dinosaur will be reused for Indy and is the same as the Indy ride at Disneyland - which I found superior to Dinosaur and I am optimistic the Indy ride version at AK will be at least as good as the Disneyland version - meaning this will be an upgrade and a very good attraction ... but something that has been done before and similar to another existing ride Encanto will/should/could be something very unique and cool and of a very large scale and really stand out ... plus just the "unknown" of what it will actually be brings some more excitement to it. Guess the unknown is more exciting to me than a known quantity but both will be positive additions to the park

Agent H6 hours ago

I’m a little confused about what you’re saying mind clarifying?

TheMaxRebo6 hours ago

I am too - though I do think the existing Indy is a better version that what Dinosaur was so do view that as (potentially) and upgrade as well. But the Encanto ride could be really unique and "special" vs just a very good attraction

EagleScout6106 hours ago

New photos. More of the queue for Triceratop Spin has been demolished -

JackCH8 hours ago

I am too mainly because we really already know what the basic experience of Indy will be, Encanto will be completely new and therefore has a lot more "potential."

Agent H11 hours ago

I’m more excited for the encanto ride than the Indiana jones one

Stripes11 hours ago

Based on the plans, I estimated that the Encanto show building will be about 74,000 square feet. For context, the Haunted Mansion show building, another omnimover ride, is about 45,000 square feet. I’m sure Encanto will have a larger indoor queue than Haunted Mansion, but even with that in mind, this will be a fantastic addition to DAK.