Disney Files Notice of Commencement for Triceratop Spin and Fossil Fun Games Demolition at Animal Kingdom

Jan 07, 2025 in "TriceraTop Spin"

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Posted: Tuesday January 7, 2025 12:45pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has filed a Notice of Commencement for the demolition of Triceratop Spin and the Fossil Fun Games area in Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This filing is part of the ongoing preparations for the park's Tropical Americas expansion. The contractor listed for the project is Whiting-Turner, a company frequently involved in Disney's large-scale construction projects.

TriceraTop Spin

Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama Fossil Fun Midway Games

Triceratop Sping and The Fossil Fun Games have long been a whimsical part of DinoLand U.S.A. and will be removed as part of the area's transformation into a more immersive experience inspired by the cultures and ecosystems of Central and South America.

TriceraTop Spin

The Future of DinoRama

The closure and demolition of Triceratops Sping and the midway games mark a significant step in reimagining DinoRama. This section of the park will be replaced by a new Encanto-themed attraction, allowing guests to step inside the magical casita and join the Madrigal family in a celebration tied to Antonio's gift of communicating with animals.

As previously announced, Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures are also set to close permanently, effective January 13, 2025. DINOSAUR and The Boneyard will remain open during the early stages of construction, though Disney has confirmed that DINOSAUR will close after 2025 to make way for a new Indiana Jones attraction.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Tropical Americas Expansion Timeline

The Tropical Americas expansion, expected to debut in 2027, will feature new attractions, dining, and themed experiences celebrating the region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The phased transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. begins with the demolition of Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, with further site work to follow as part of a multi-year project.

Find out more about the Tropical Americas expansion and the land's attractions.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

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michmousefan8 minutes ago

Pull the lever, Kronk!

bmr15911 hour ago

All y'all talking about Up when The Emperor's New Groove would be a perfect coaster.

rd8053 hours ago

I think the show is pretty terrible so I'm the wrong person to listen to, but in terms of WDW offerings - it's existence makes sense: Live show, actual singing, puppetry, broadway (okay maybe cruiseline level) entertainment. But i think it's corny and find the music annoying so I'm ready for the replacement (that is most definitely not on the table) lol.

Nickm202216 hours ago

1. Keep in mind that Eisner would have either spent too much or too little. He's also the same one who did DCA 1.0 and make AK opening it with no Asia, and no rides other then DINO and the Safari. Don't get me wrong I like the dude but if he did it (esp in the 90's) it wouldn't have gone well. 2. I really hope if Tropical Americas does well they take down the theater where Nemo is and do put in a UP ride/expand it. Plus the waterfall/mountain area would blend it well with Everest. I also just think that theater is a big waste of space, especially where it is.

rd80519 hours ago

An Up attraction not being used here is for sure ridiculous; tons of opportunities!

Brer Panther19 hours ago

That's true, but they're really just using it as an excuse to shoehorn two IPs that don't really fit Animal Kingdom in the parks. Imagine what Eisner's Disney could've done with a Tropical Americas/South America land in Animal Kingdom. We could've had some sort of Amazon River attraction, jaguars, capybaras, anacondas... even today, if you HAD to put an IP in there, UP would fit quite well. Instead, we get "WE DON'T TALK ABOUT BRUNO NO NO NO".

Bocabear22 hours ago

That alone is sad at this point.... The most creative theme parks company in the world is building a new land and we are all just hoping it will be better than a meet and greet...

ChewbaccaYourMum22 hours ago

Now people are sad Dino-Rama is gone?!? I'm sorry, I don't mean to pick on you, but these forums surprise me every day! No matter what Encanto ends up being- even if it's just a meet and greet (which it's not) - would be better than the carnival games haha! It doesn't even feel like that's subjective at this point.

rd80523 hours ago

While the themes of the IP themselves are somewhat questionable for the new land as a fit in AK, the undeniable fit is the theming/atmosphere/destination itself. Having a new continent (sort-of - TROPICS, I KNOW), with a jungly/outdoor setting absolutely fits AK, and the overall sense of adventure you feel when there. I would really love some cool animal exhibits though, and there are so many opportunities to bring some new wildlife to the park.

DisneyHead12323 hours ago

So, I do agree that the thematic arc for AK is already starting to change and evolve. Which is inevitable, sadly. That said, I think they could make Indy an ok-ish fit thematically. I think he’s either on some kind of mission (maybe paid, if you want to keep his character rough and cynical) to help the local people, or he gets a sort of comeuppance and there’s a “barely escapes, with a warning” situation. I don’t think either would be totally out of character for Indiana Jones. In some ways it would be a perfect sort of fable for our cocky relationship with nature, showing how seemingly harmless, slumbering ancient ruins contain a power far beyond us.

celluloid1 day ago

The difference is Animal Kingdom in tone of warning man and his boundries with something like the Yeti in nature. Indiana Jones is a celebrated raider.(killing snakes, rats etc.) You either compromise the integrity theme of the land, or compromise the theme of the character. If people are fine with it, but it is what is occuring. So while it may be "fine" it is not the same as Everest.

JD801 day ago

Can't wait for the new Lion King Land in AK in a decade.

ednamodedarling1 day ago

I would LOVE an Up show ... but something tells me that writing an original musical for the parks (like Nemo) is something of the past. If another show replaces nemo it will likely feature songs people already know.