Credit: Anna Fox (HarshLight), FlickrRemnants of the DINOSAUR attraction have made a surprise return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park over the last few weeks, and they don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. This update comes just a few weeks after DINOSAUR and the remaining parts of DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed to make way for a Tropical Americas-themed land.
DinoLand U.S.A.’s Upcoming Transformation
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort revealed that it was bringing to life a formerly blue-sky idea at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. The land, which replaces DinoLand U.S.A., will feature two Encanto (2021)-inspired attractions, including an animal-themed carousel and a family-friendly experience inspired by Casita, the family’s lively home. As part of the new area, DINOSAUR will be reskinned into an Indiana Jones-inspired attraction–distinct from Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park.
The first closures in DinoLand U.S.A. began in January 2025, including Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (including the Fossil Fun Games). The Boneyard playground followed in September 2025. DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. welcomed their final Disney Park guests on February 1, 2026.
Construction crews have already rolled into Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, with the main Encanto attraction’s foundational structure already rising above the construction walls. Several props related to DINOSAUR have already been removed, including the cast skeleton of SUE, an iconic T. rex whose real skeleton is on display at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois.
DINOSAUR Remains at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Soon after the permanent closure of DINOSAUR, some merchandise from its shuttered gift shop trickled into Island Mercantile, a gift shop on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. On February 19, X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Mattlegostar2 shared these photos of DINOSAUR-themed hand puppets, plastic figures, and even an RC car shaped like the ride vehicle:
DINOSAUR MERCH HAS RETURNED TO ANIMAL KINGDOM.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Found at Island merchantile!!!
DINOSAUR MERCH HAS RETURNED TO ANIMAL KINGDOM.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Found at Island merchantile!!! pic.twitter.com/RAFQ42iLla
— Mattlegostar (@Mattlegostar2) February 20, 2026
As of February 25, Island Mercantile was stocking the same items, along with additional DINOSAUR clothing and toys. X user @AliciaStella shared these images:
Dinosaur-related merch still available at Island Mercantile in Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur-related merch still available at Island Mercantile in Animal Kingdom pic.twitter.com/lKvnNmXs8k
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) February 25, 2026
Walt Disney World Resort has not said how long it plans to keep DINOSAUR merchandise in stock at Island Mercantile on Discovery Island. The items will likely be available until they sell out or until Disney decides to move them to a discount store, such as the cast member-exclusive Cast Connections or the Disney Character Warehouse outlet stores.
Have you spotted other DINOSAUR merchandise at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!