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Credit: Michael Lehet, FlickrIt’s the end of the world, well, as we know it.
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A lot is changing inside Walt Disney World, with the resort’s four theme parks all undergoing extensive transformations, overhauls, and redesigns. Magic Kingdom’s iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for its extensive refurbishment in January. The classic coaster is set to receive new show elements and other goodies before it reopens next year.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also changing in significant ways, specifically with the park’s former Muppets Courtyard area. This section of the park closed permanently this summer to make way for Monstropolis, a new Monsters Inc.-themed land.
However, Disney’s Animal Kingdom also has a lot going on, with DinoLand U.S.A. inching closer and closer toward total extinction.
Disney World Closes The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom
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Guests said their final goodbyes to The Boneyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Monday, September 1. The interactive playground area had been a popular spot for children for many years, featuring dinosaur-sized areas to explore and enjoy.
The Boneyard was located on the other side of DinoLand U.S.A. and, despite simply being a playground, was heavily detailed and immersive, something that shouldn’t surprise Disney park fans.
Disney is moving quickly on the project, erasing mentions of The Boneyard from park maps and other signage. The main entrance to DinoLand is now also blocked by construction walls, per new photos from WDWNT.
Construction walls now line the main entrance to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Construction walls now line the main entrance to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom pic.twitter.com/ln1RrrlpM5
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) September 2, 2025
“Attention paleontologists and fellow dinosaur lovers, the time has come for you to hang up your shovels, as our excavations have ended for the day,” said a Disney cast member ahead of The Boneyard’s closure. “We hope you have enjoyed exploring The Boneyard and that you enjoyed your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”
“From April 22, 1998, to September 1, 2025, paleontologists of all ages have explored The Boneyard and excavated the dig site,” the leader said. “DinoLand operations would like to thank all of our guests and cast members who have played a part in making this area so special. In Diggs County, we like to say, extinction is forever, but so are the memories.”
Disney first discussed its plans to overhaul DinoLand during a D23 conference in 2022, teasing a new land for its Animal Kingdom park. This new vision for DinoLand would have been anchored by major film franchises like Zootopia and Moana.
Fan reaction to this announcement was mixed. Some were excited to see Disney finally do something with its somewhat divisive and lackluster prehistoric land. Others were skeptical of the project’s connection to Zootopia and Moana, two IPs that didn’t seem to mesh well with Animal Kingdom’s ethos.
However, plans would change over the next few years. In 2024, Disney once again took center stage during its D23 conference to talk about DinoLand, but Moana and Zootopia were nowhere to be seen.
Instead, Disney Parks and Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced that the DinoLand project had taken a new direction. Animal Kingdom’s dinosaur-filled land would be turned into Tropical Americas, a new land inspired by South America.
Instead of Nick Wilde and Maui, Disney confirmed characters from Indiana Jones and Encanto will serve as the anchors of this new land.
Are you excited about Disney’s DinoLand U.S.A. project?