Disney's Animal Kingdom Closes Dino-Rama: Walls Go Up for Tropical Americas Expansion

Jan 13, 2025 in "Tropical Americas"

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Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

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Posted: Monday January 13, 2025 8:10am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As of January 13, 2025, Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama at Disney's Animal Kingdom is officially closed, marking the end of its colorful, carnival-style attractions.

TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Dinosaur Treasures are now permanently closed as Disney begins work on the park's upcoming Tropical Americas expansion.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

Walls and Planters Installed

Construction walls and rolling planters have been installed, blocking off the former Dino-Rama area as preparations for the new land begin. The walkway through Dinoland U.S.A. has been rerouted to guide guests alongside Restaurantosaurus and toward the entrance of the DINOSAUR attraction. The Boneyard playground remains open.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

The End of an Era

Dino-Rama's closure signals the start of a new chapter for Animal Kingdom. This section of Dinoland U.S.A. was known for its whimsical dinosaur theme and carnival games. Guests could take a spin on TriceraTop Spin, try their luck at the carnival-style midway games, and browse for prehistoric souvenirs at Dinosaur Treasures.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

What's Next: Tropical Americas Expansion

The Tropical Americas expansion will transform Dinoland U.S.A. into a land inspired by the cultures and ecosystems of Central and South America. A standout attraction will be Disney's first-ever Encanto-themed experience, where guests can step into the Madrigal family's casita and celebrate Antonio's magical ability to communicate with animals. The land will also feature an Indiana Jones adventure, replacing DINOSAUR after it closes at the end of 2025.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Current Access and Attractions

Open: DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, and Dino-Bite Snacks
Closed: TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Dinosaur Treasures

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

A New Beginning

The closure of Dino-Rama marks the beginning of significant changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom. With construction walls now in place, the area will gradually evolve over the next few years, with the full Tropical Americas expansion expected to debut in 2027.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

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monothingie1 day ago

In just mere months we may have a functional temporary contractor parking lot. Take that Epic Universe!!!

wdwmagic1 day ago

Tropical Americas Progress: New Contractor Lot Approved at Disney's Animal Kingdom https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/tropical-americas/news/13may2025-tropical-americas-progress-new-contractor-lot-approved-at-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm

Disstevefan12 days ago

While I agree with most of this post, what Disney did to Future world, specifically trading the fountain of nations for that ugly planter with broken ground lighting and the stupid rust finish all over the place is the worst in my opinion.

Gremlin Gus2 days ago

Not really, there isn't too much space there to make it a mini-land of sorts. Though I can see Disney maybe considering the Northern Expansion plot as an Oceania land as there is the space to do it and there is three big IP's that do fit Oceania well enough (Moana, Lilo and Stitch, and Finding Nemo)

threvester2 days ago

you hear the songs on the attraction and then again in a show.......no thanks...1 encanto thing is more than enough

RosR92 days ago

I’m surprised they haven’t torn down Nemo and put the Moana ride there. One random ocean experience traded for another. Is there room behind Nemo for an expansion for the Moana ride and they could make a mini Oceana land?

Mr. Sullivan2 days ago

USF isn’t horrible not but I do think it’s comfortably last place of the 7 Disney/Uni parks. It’s a in a bad state at the moment. Not even the attractions only, the park itself is not in good shape.

eddie1042 days ago

Because there a lot of things to like about the park’s current design that don’t necessarily need a full overhaul but maybe a few touch ups here and there. I can go into extreme detail about what I do to “improve” the main campus but rather not. Anyways this is not the USO thread I won’t be replying further concerning that topic. I actually agree with you but we all know F&F is a horrible attraction. Fallon and Minion are popular and get good guest scores. Not saying they don’t need replacements but I don’t think they are leaving anytime soon.

UNCgolf2 days ago

The park was better then in reasons beyond just the attraction lineup (although the attraction lineup was significantly better, the current attraction lineup at USF is lackluster at best). It's easily the worst park out any of the Universal or Disney parks in Orlando, even though Diagon Alley is fantastic. Most of what's good about the park today (again, Diagon Alley aside) are the underlying bones from when it actually was a good park. You honestly might be the first person I've heard suggest that the current version of USF doesn't need a major overhaul. And no, it has nothing to do with nostalgia. That's a cop out argument -- basically boils down to "I don't want to accept that someone could think differently than I do for legitimate reasons, so I'll just dismiss their opinion out of hand".

Disney Analyst2 days ago

The parks bones are still good, but the lineup inside is pretty … lacklustre. If Fallon, F&F, Minions (both of them) all closed tomorrow, I don’t think any tears would be shed.

MrHappy2 days ago

Just got back from 2 days USF, 3 days IoA. Flew in from CT. We chose not to give Disney our money this year, rather, take advantage of pre-Epic deals. There are definitely some pros and cons comparing to Disney. But as an admitted pixie duster, I was impressed. USF’s front was a little wonky, but Minion “land” is a nice strip. Dreamwork land was nice too. Whatever they do to Rip Ride, I’m sure will further add cohesion and energy. Disney better stop with the silly summertime discounts and get a clue.

TheMaxRebo2 days ago

Probably never happen but maybe they could do a stage show of Raya and the Last Dragon. While in a fictional land it is inspired by Southeast Asia so could connect it to the Asia part of AK and then could finally have Dragons represented like on the park logo

Gremlin Gus2 days ago

I was talking about the Tokyo Disneyland rumor of the ride, not the Disneyland Paris one. Though I agree with what you said with it being a moving theatre ride.

Fox&Hound2 days ago

Yes but the Up ride is literally a swings ride from a local amusement park or state fair. It is nothing special. Up should have a moving theatre ride that makes you feel like you are lifting up in the air and moving back and forth. Edit- I do think parks need more rides and A/B tickets at that but it is disappointing that Up’s first ride is so basic. Maybe with a little more theming it would seem better but the theming in the concept art is pretty bare.