Disney World Permanently Closes Two Locations in Major Shakeup

Change at Disney World is nothing new. Over the decades, the parks have evolved numerous times, but lately, the pace has felt different. New lands, expanded attractions, and infrastructure updates seem to be hitting guests all at once. But amid all the excitement, some changes sting a little more than others. That’s especially true now that two longtime fan-favorite locations have quietly closed their doors for good.

The transformation happening across Disney’s parks is massive—but these particular closures feel personal for many guests who have fond memories in the area.

A Wave of Park-Wide Changes

Before we even get to those closures, it’s worth taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. Disney is in the middle of one of its most ambitious overhauls in recent memory. Beloved attractions are being refurbished, iconic lands are shifting, and entirely new spaces are coming to life.

One of the most talked-about updates involves Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. This classic attraction, which has delighted guests for decades, is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment. Disney has confirmed that work will be extensive, with the ride expected to return in 2026.

Over at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also set for a significant upgrade, aiming to give the attraction a fresh look and smoother experience. It too is set to reopen in 2026, giving guests plenty to look forward to.

These big projects are part of Disney’s strategy to freshen up what already exists while simultaneously building what’s next.

New Lands Are on the Way

Of course, updates to existing attractions aren’t the only thing happening. Entirely new lands are about to reshape the parks. Over at Magic Kingdom, Villains Land is in development, an expansion that many fans have dreamed about for years. Across the property, the new Monstropolis area is set to bring beloved Pixar characters to life in a way we haven’t seen before.

Piston Peak, inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue, will introduce a dynamic, outdoorsy aesthetic that feels right at home in a theme park setting. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the highly anticipated Tropical Americas land is stepping in to take the place of a land many longtime fans know well.

Each of these new additions represents a significant shift in how Disney approaches immersive storytelling. Rather than simply refreshing old attractions, the company is committed to creating fully realized environments that feel alive. However, to make way for the new, some things must be removed.

A Permanent Goodbye to Two Beloved Spots

While the new lands are exciting, there’s no denying that specific closures hit harder than others. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, two snack spots that have been part of many guests’ routines are officially gone forever.

The first is Trilo-Bites, a small but beloved stand known for its DOLE Whip floats, buffalo chicken chips, and crisp margaritas. Over the years, it became one of those spots people didn’t always plan for but loved stumbling upon.

The second is Dino-Bite Snacks, a fan favorite famous for its warm cookies and delicious ice cream combinations. Both locations officially closed their doors this week and won’t be returning.

For many Disney fans, these weren’t just places to grab a quick bite—they were traditions. A DOLE Whip float at Trilo-Bites was a simple joy, and Dino-Bite’s warm cookie ice cream sandwiches became a must-do on hot park days. Losing them is more than just losing food options; it’s losing a bit of the park’s personality.

A Piece of the Tropical Americas Overhaul

These closures aren’t happening in isolation. They’re part of the larger transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas, a massive new expansion designed to give guests a brand-new land with vibrant theming and immersive storytelling.

The overhaul is already visible to anyone walking through the area. Walls and dirt mounds have replaced iconic DinoLand structures, and the landscape looks very different from what longtime guests remember. It’s a clear signal that this isn’t just a light retheme—it’s a full-scale reimagining of one of the park’s original areas.

The closures of Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks are one of the final steps in thoroughly clearing the space, paving the way for new restaurants, attractions, and experiences.

Indiana Jones Takes Over

At the heart of Tropical Americas will be a brand-new Indiana Jones-themed attraction. This is one of the most talked-about aspects of the transformation, as it will replace the existing DINOSAUR attraction. Fans of Indiana Jones will likely recognize a couple of elements from Indiana Jones Adventure in California. However, Disney has teased that the ride will include unique features designed specifically for Animal Kingdom.

This shift from prehistoric creatures to Indy’s adventures marks a significant tonal change for the park, leaning more into cinematic storytelling while still tying in themes of exploration and discovery. It also helps the park balance out its lineup with another high-energy attraction that can stand alongside Expedition Everest and Avatar Flight of Passage.

A Magical Encanto Addition

But that’s not all. Encanto will also have a home in Tropical Americas. Disney has shared that the Madrigal family’s casita will be brought to life as part of the expansion, offering an immersive, musical, and family-friendly experience. While exact attraction details haven’t been fully revealed, this part of the land is expected to provide vibrant colors, lively music, and plenty of interactive magic.

Encanto’s addition fits perfectly with Disney’s current push toward creating lands based on modern animated hits. It gives families with younger children a new reason to visit Animal Kingdom and balances out some of the park’s more thrill-focused attractions.

Looking Toward the Future

The closure of Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks is bittersweet. On one hand, it signals the end of an era for guests who made those stops part of their tradition. On the other hand, it’s part of something bigger—a bold and ambitious reimagining that could breathe new life into a park that’s often been seen as needing a little more.

With major refurbishments at Magic Kingdom, new lands in development, and Tropical Americas reshaping the landscape of Animal Kingdom, Disney is clearly setting the stage for its next big chapter. And while saying goodbye is hard, what lies ahead promises to be truly transformative.

Disney has never been a company to stand still. These closures are just one more step in a sweeping evolution that’s only just beginning.