Credit: Steven Miller, FlickrIf there is one truth Disney fans can universally agree on, it’s that Walt Disney World is entering one of the most transformative eras in its history. Over the next few years, the resort will introduce entirely new lands, massive expansions, and reimagined attractions across multiple parks.
From the long-teased Villains Land to a fully immersive Monsters, Inc. Land, and the richly detailed Tropical Americas expansion, Disney has made it clear that the next chapter of the parks will be bold, ambitious, and packed with new storytelling.
That excitement, however, comes with a strange side effect—one park, beloved by many (myself included), is likely to become the least crowded and possibly the least time-consuming to visit in 2026.
And unfortunately, that park is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Now, before anyone jumps in to defend the park (I’ll be the first to say Animal Kingdom deserves far more credit than it gets), there are some unavoidable realities on the horizon.
With major closures scheduled, construction walls about to dominate a huge section of the park, and no confirmed opening dates for the exciting new offerings currently in development, 2026 is shaping up to be a very strange—and potentially very quiet—year for the park.
So let’s talk about what’s happening, why it matters, and how Animal Kingdom’s ride lineup may end up making it feel like a true half-day park for many guests.
A New Era Is Coming — But Not in 2026
Disney has already confirmed that the Tropical Americas Land—featuring Encanto, Indiana Jones, and an entire reimagining of the former Dinoland, U.S.A.—is officially in development. Pueblo Esperanza, the Encanto-inspired area, is one of the most anticipated new additions coming to Walt Disney World.
But here’s the catch:
There is absolutely no opening timeline. None.
Nothing coming in 2025. Nothing confirmed for 2026. And based on Disney’s modern construction speeds—often influenced by permitting, supply chains, and the enormous scale of new themed lands—many fans (myself included) believe that we are years away from stepping foot inside the Tropical Americas.
That leaves us with one immediate question:
So what will Animal Kingdom actually have in 2026?
Dinoland, U.S.A. Will Be Completely Closed by February 1st, 2026
This is the moment that changes everything.
Starting February 1st, 2026, Dinoland, U.S.A.—which already feels like a shadow of its former self—will go extinct:
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DINOSAUR — CLOSED
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TriceraTop Spin — CLOSED
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The Boneyard — CLOSED
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Restaurantosaurus — CLOSED
That’s an entire land, four attractions, and a major dining location wiped off the map instantly.
And what will guests see instead?
Likely massive construction walls, heavy machinery, and a long road of development stretching into 2027 or later.
Animal Kingdom’s 2026 Ride Lineup Shrinks—A Lot
With Dinoland shuttered, here’s what remains:
The “Big Five” Attractions
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Expedition Everest
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Avatar Flight of Passage
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Na’vi River Journey
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Kali River Rapids
That’s it. Just five rides in an entire Disney theme park.
To be fair, these are excellent attractions, and some—like Flight of Passage and Everest—are among the best at Walt Disney World. But quantity matters, especially when you consider the distribution of guests. Fewer things to do = more people crowding into the same spaces.
And ironically, that means guests might see:
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Lower overall park attendance
but also -
Higher wait times at the few rides that remain
Animal Kingdom Will Look Like a “Half-Day Park” for Many Guests
This is where personal experience comes in. As much as I love the trails, the entertainment, and the atmosphere at Animal Kingdom, a lot of guests approach parks with a mindset of ride count.
When you take away the entire Dinoland section—especially DINOSAUR, which anchored the land—it leaves a very noticeable gap in the park’s offerings.
Sure, there is still:
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Pandora – The World of Avatar
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Zootopia: Better Zoogether
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Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond
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Rafiki’s Planet Watch
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Maharajah Jungle Trek
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Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
But not every family values walkthrough experiences or animal exhibits the same way they value attractions. With so much closed at once, guest behavior will shift.
Disney may not say it directly, but the reality is unavoidable:
Animal Kingdom will feel like a half-day park in 2026—and many guests will plan their itineraries accordingly.
Could 2026 Be the Best Year Ever for Avoiding Crowds?
Possibly, yes.
With so many guests aiming for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT (with its many new offerings), and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom might experience a dramatic dip in attendance—at least until new construction finishes.
For Disney fans who appreciate:
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wide-open pathways
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quiet trails
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walk-on animal exhibits
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low crowds in Pandora
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peaceful mornings at the Safaris
…it might actually be a dream year.
But the flip side is worth noting:
Five attractions plus heavy construction is a tough sell for the average vacationer.
The Long Game: 2026 Pain for 2027+ Gain
While 2026 may be a rough patch for the park’s daily offerings, it will ultimately lead to a massive revitalization:
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New attractions
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New themed dining
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A multi-land expansion
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IP integration (Encanto + Indy)
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A refreshed identity for the park
So yes, 2026 may feel empty—but it’s the kind of empty that signals the calm before a storm of exciting new additions.
Enjoy the Quiet While It Lasts
As a fan, I’ll miss Dinoland more than I expected. But I also recognize that Animal Kingdom desperately needed investment, and the Tropical Americas expansion might be the most exciting thing to happen to the park since Pandora opened in 2017.
In the meantime, though?
2026 is going to be weird. Quiet. Half-built. Maybe a little sad. But also strangely peaceful.
Animal Kingdom may be the emptiest park at Walt Disney World next year—but sometimes emptiness brings opportunity.
And if that opportunity means riding Flight of Passage with a 25-minute wait?
I won’t complain.