Disney Announces Permanent Closing Date For Beloved Animal Kingdom Area

in Disney Parks, Featured, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

The Boneyard playground in DinoLand USA at Animal Kingdom inside Disney World.

Credit: Disney

In August 2024, Disney confirmed that DinoLand U.S.A. would be closing at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park and replaced with a new area called Tropical Americas. The new land will have an area dedicated to the Indiana Jones franchise, and another area will be devoted to the 2021 hit animated film Encanto.

The announcement was met with mixed opinions. Some were excited to see new attractions and themes, while others were disappointed to see DinoLand—specifically the DINOSAUR attraction—permanently close. A large group of guests were also disappointed that Disney didn’t decide to dedicate an area to its 2000 animated film, The Emperor’s New Groove.

Concept art for the Encanto area in the Tropical Americas land at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Related: Confirmed: Animal Kingdom’s Most Iconic Landmark Will Be Changed Forever After 27 Years

So far, TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures have closed. DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Dino-Bite Snack, and Restaurantosaurus remain open. Disney has confirmed that the popular DINOSAUR attraction will remain open through 2026.

However, the company has announced that another area will be closing at the end of the summer.

According to reports, Disney has confirmed that The Boneyard’s last day of operation will be September 1, 2o25. The area’s closure will mark the second phase of construction on the Tropical Americas.

At the Boneyard Animal Kingdom, a large stone sign shaped like a dinosaur bone reads "The Boneyard Fossil Fun Site Est. 1947," welcoming guests to a fossil dig play area decorated with lights and excavation tools.
Credit: Disney

Related: Florida Govt. Approves New Disney Construction for Divisive Multi-Year Expansion

Many parents might be disappointed since the area was a great place for younger guests 10 and under to play. But Disney has confirmed that the new Tropical Americas will also contain a play area where adults can rest while their kids play and explore.

Disney has not given details on what the new play area will look like, but it is possible that it could be another archaeology-themed playground in the Indiana Jones area.

Disney has also confirmed that the DINOSAUR attraction will be rethemed into an Indiana Jones ride, so it appears that it may be similar to the attraction in Disneyland Park.

Inside the Magic will keep readers updated as more details about Tropical Americas are announced.

Encanto attraction Tropical Americas Animal Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney World Gets Green Light To Relocate Part of Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Tropical America’s is scheduled to open in 2027 and will feature Disney’s first Encanto-themed ride-through attraction, along with a carousel featuring various Disney animals. According to Disney, guests will travel inside the Madrigal family’s Casita and celebrate with the family, as Antonio has just received his special gift.

Are you sad that the Boneyard will be closing in just a few months? Do your kids enjoy playing in the area? Are you excited about the new Tropical Americas land and the Encanto and Indiana Jones rides? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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