Disney's Animal Kingdom Announces First Dinoland U.S.A. Closures for Tropical Americas Project

Oct 14, 2024 in "Tropical Americas"

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Posted: Monday October 14, 2024 3:13pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney's Animal Kingdom is preparing for a major transformation as the phased closure of Dinoland U.S.A. begins to make way for the much-anticipated Tropical Americas expansion.

The first wave of closures will take place in January 2025, with the final day for guests to experience TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and the charming shop Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures set for January 12, 2025.

While much of the Dino-Rama area will be closing, several DinoLand attractions will remain open, at least for now. DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will still be available to visitors until later in 2025.

TriceraTop Spin closes January 12, 2025

Dinoland U.S.A.'s Phased Closure

The closure of Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama is the first significant step in the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. into Tropical Americas, a land inspired by the cultures, wildlife, and environments of Central and South America. Central to this reimagining will be the introduction of Disney's first Encanto-themed attraction. This magical experience will invite guests into the heart of the Madrigal family's casita, where they'll take part in a joyous celebration of Antonio receiving his special gift: the ability to communicate with animals.

As visitors step inside the casita, they'll join the Madrigals on an adventure filled with magic and wonder, exploring the mystical home and engaging with the animals in Antonio's enchanted world.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

What's Next for DINOSAUR and Other Attractions?

As the phased closures continue into 2025, another major change looms for Dinoland. DINOSAUR, one of Animal Kingdom's original thrill rides, will remain operational for the time being but will eventually close to make way for an entirely new Indiana Jones adventure. This new attraction will take guests on an archaeological journey through a recently uncovered Maya temple, with Indiana Jones leading the way as they search for a mysterious creature rumored to inhabit the temple's depths.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

Preparing for Tropical Americas

Construction on the new attractions will begin shortly after the initial closures, with the entire Tropical Americas land slated to open in 2027.

For visitors hoping to experience the final days of Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, this is their last chance to do so before the land begins its transformation. Disney will provide further updates on additional closures as 2025 progresses.

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Nickm20222 days ago

I find the mayan playground area so interesting because 1. That sounds so cool and well positioned I don't know why Disney hasn't released concept art for it and 2. It could be food carts or something else like show. Personally I've been saying move the UP bird show here

Disstevefan12 days ago

Oh good. You had me worried.

lentesta3 days ago

It is. But Disney drew it differently in the two separate SFWMD filings, so I think it's going to be fully covered.

lentesta3 days ago

Upper left corner. :P

Trueblood3 days ago

I'm a little disappointed that there are no featured animals, and "Tropical Americas" ecology will likely only be represented in the attraction queues, if at all. At least you could squint really hard and see the conservation message in Pandora, this... they have some work to do.

Disstevefan13 days ago

Its about time since Primeval Whirl has been closed since 2019....

Gusey3 days ago

I think that the part labelled "New Indy Covered/Indoor Queue" is the Dinosaur extended queue? It just hasn't been used much in the past

MisterPenguin3 days ago

Where's the DVC kiosk?

lentesta3 days ago

I did a blog post that looked at the SFWMD filings for Tropical Americas, and then made some educated guesses about where and what everything is. Here's the end result map:

Starship8243 days ago

They aren't wasting any time with this project I guess.

Fox&Hound3 days ago

Yay!! Let’s get this thing started :)

sedati3 days ago

Exciting, though the sample more resembles the rock-work at Everest than anything we're expecting at Tropical Americas. In fact, the only new rock-work shown so far is some lush mountain backdrops on top of the Encanto show-building. Could this just be for training, or something else entirely? The mock ups done previously were never so large but did accurately reflect what was coming.

gerarar3 days ago

Trailers/offices now on site and a theme test wall in progress. Source and more:

GoofGoof10 days ago

I feel the same. I was at DLR shortly after Galaxy’s Edge opened (without Rise). I was still happy to see the new land and ride MF but it was disappointing that the headliner wasn’t open. I do think that if part of the land is ready by the start of the Summer and the rest won’t be done until Fall it will probably open in phases. If it’s a few months difference in off times maybe all at once. Disney also probably wouldn’t want people delaying a trip to wait for the land to open. That happened some with Star Wars and was a bigger deal for Universal in the year before each Harry Potter land opened. Maybe this is too minor an addition to move the needle. The Potter lands and SW were much more anticipated.