Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World Resort has officially destroyed one of the original icons of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, which opened nearly 27 years ago. The demolition comes as Walt Disney Imagineers transform DinoLand U.S.A., the kitschy theme park within a theme park, into a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza.
DinoLand U.S.A. opened alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on April 22, 1998. While the rest of the Disney park centered on living creatures, the prehistoric-themed land paid tribute to some of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth.
It combined the prestigious Dino Institute with a roadside carnival-themed area, with Chester and Hester hoping to make a quick buck off tourists stopping by the scientific institution.
In August 2024, Walt Disney World Resort confirmed it was moving forward with previous “blue sky” plans for a Tropical Americas area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The new land–Pueblo Esperanza–will replace DinoLand U.S.A., featuring two attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and an Indiana Jones reskin of DINOSAUR.
Much of DinoLand U.S.A. closed for good in January, including Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (featuring the Fossil Fun Games), Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and TriceraTop Spin. Construction walls appeared immediately, and crews began demolishing the area.
In the months since, crews have demolished TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and much of the land’s oversized theming, including its iconic green Cementosaurus. But even as roadside billboards disappeared from the roof of Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, one remained: a colorful mural advertising the Dino Institute and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama.
“When visiting Diggs County, see The Dino Institute,” the billboard read. “But if you want some real fun, visit Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! Rides! Games! Laffs!”
According to a report from WDWNT, crews demolished the last remaining DinoLand U.S.A. billboard after Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park closed on Sunday, April 6. On Monday, April 7, guests peering over the construction walls spotted the mural crumpled on the ground near other demolition materials and dirt piles.
Follow Inside the Magic for updates as construction continues on Pueblo Esperanza at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, The Boneyard, and other Quick Service dining locations in DinoLand U.S.A. will remain open through the end of 2025. They will close sometime in early 2026, and Pueblo Esperanza is scheduled to open sometime in 2027. The exact dates have not been announced.
What part of Pueblo Esperanza are you most looking forward to? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!