Credit: Inside the MagicOn February 1, 2026, the countdown clock in DinoLab finally hit zero. In a move that marks the end of an era for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the iconic thrill ride DINOSAUR has permanently closed its doors. The Time Rover has been retired, the Iguanodon has been rescued for the final time, and the Carnotaurus has roared its last warning to unsuspecting guests.
For fans of the park, the closure of DinoLand U.S.A. is bittersweet. While the land was often criticized for its roadside-carnival aesthetic, DINOSAUR remained a cult favorite—a terrifying, high-stakes journey through the Cretaceous period that offered one of the most intense ride experiences at Walt Disney World. But as the dust settles on this extinction event, a new world is rising from the fossils: the highly anticipated Tropical Americas.
The End of the Cretaceous: Why DINOSAUR is Extinct
Since opening in 1998 as Countdown to Extinction, DINOSAUR has been the anchor of DinoLand U.S.A. Utilizing the same sophisticated Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) technology as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, the ride took guests through a pitch-black primeval forest during the final minutes before the asteroid impact.
The decision to close the attraction is part of a massive, multi-year reimagining of the park’s back half. Disney Imagineering is shifting its focus from the prehistoric to the vibrant, biodiverse cultures of the Tropical Americas (specifically the northern parts of South America and Central America).
While the extinction of the dinosaurs is a thematic fit for the park’s closure, the reality is that it’s about modernizing the guest experience. DINOSAUR was aging, and its maintenance requirements were becoming increasingly complex. By clearing this land, Disney is making room for a world-class expansion that promises more “organic” integration with the park’s conservation mission.
What’s Coming Next: Indiana Jones and the Magic of Encanto
The closure of DINOSAUR isn’t just an end; it’s the beginning of the Tropical Americas expansion, a project that Imagineers have described as one of the most immersive in-park history.
1. Indiana Jones Adventure
The rumors have finally been confirmed: Indiana Jones is officially coming to Animal Kingdom. While DINOSAUR shared the same ride track and vehicle system as the Disneyland classic, the new Florida version will not be a direct carbon copy.
Instead of searching for the Forbidden Eye, Dr. Jones will be exploring a newly discovered Maya Temple deep within the rainforest. Guests can expect brand-new sets, updated animatronics, and a storyline that ties directly into the “Tropical Americas” theme. The move is a logical one—reusing the existing ride infrastructure allows for a faster construction turnaround while giving WDW fans a version of a ride they’ve envied for decades.
2. The Encanto Casita
The second major anchor of the new land is Disney’s Encanto. Imagineers are constructing a full-scale Casita (the Madrigal family’s magical house), which will serve as the home for a new family-friendly attraction. Unlike the high-speed thrills of Indiana Jones, the Encanto experience is expected to be a musical journey through the various “rooms” of the house, utilizing cutting-edge projection mapping and sensory effects to bring the “miracle” to life.
3. Pueblo Esperanza
The “hub” of the new land will be a bustling village called Pueblo Esperanza. This area will feature a massive outdoor hacienda-style restaurant, a wood-carved carousel featuring animals from the Disney canon, and live music that celebrates the spirit of the Amazon and beyond.
What’s Left? Exploring Animal Kingdom Post-DinoLand
With the permanent closure of DINOSAUR and the ongoing construction of the Tropical Americas, some guests might worry that there “isn’t enough to do” at Animal Kingdom. However, the park still boasts some of the world’s highest-rated attractions.
Here is a breakdown of what remains open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as we move into 2026:
The Heavy Hitters: Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Avatar Flight of Passage: Still the gold standard for 3D flight simulators. This remains the most popular ride in the park.
- Na’vi River Journey: A bio-luminescent boat ride that remains a visual masterpiece, perfect for all ages.
The Wild Encounters: Africa & Asia
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: The heart and soul of the park. Spanning 110 acres, this is still the closest thing to an actual African safari you can find in North America.
- Expedition Everest: The high-altitude coaster that remains the park’s most iconic silhouette. Watch out for the Yeti!
- Kali River Rapids: A drenching white-water adventure through a logging-ravaged Asian rainforest.
Shows and Discovery
- Festival of the Lion King: Widely considered the best stage show in any Disney park.
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!: A Broadway-caliber puppet show in the Theater in the Wild.
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether. Recently replaced It’s Tough to be a Bug, with mixed reviews.
- Feathered Friends in Flight: An educational and entertaining look at the park’s avian residents.
Animal Trails
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Maharajah Jungle Trek (featuring the tigers)
- Discovery Island Trails (around the Tree of Life)
The Verdict: Is it Worth Visiting in 2026?
While losing an icon like DINOSAUR is a blow to thrill-seekers, the “interim” period at Animal Kingdom is actually a great time to visit for those who want to see the park in transition. With DinoLand U.S.A. walled off, the park feels more intimate, and the focus shifts toward the incredible animal care and the lush, immersive atmosphere of the remaining lands.
Most people believe that Tropical Americas is set to open fully sometime in 2027 or 28. Still, construction progress alone is becoming a draw for “Disney nerds” looking to catch a glimpse of the new temple or the Casita’s rising spires.
As we say goodbye to the Iguanodon and the fossil-filled kitsch of Chester & Hester, we look forward to the “pueblo” and the world of Indy. The dinosaurs may be extinct, but the adventure is only just beginning.