Phased Closure of Dinoland USA at Disney's Animal Kingdom Expected Before 2024 Holidays to Make Way for Encanto and Indiana Jones

Sep 27, 2024 in "Tropical Americas"

Posted: Friday September 27, 2024 10:45am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom is expected to begin a phased closure before the 2024 holiday season, making way for the park's upcoming Tropical Americas expansion.

 

According to sources, the first section to close will be Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, with its carnival-themed games and rides, including TriceraTop Spin. This area is slated to be transformed into a new Encanto-themed attraction, where guests will step inside the magical Casita from the popular film. The first-ever "Encanto"-themed attraction will bring casita to life as guests join the beloved Madrigal family on the day Antonio receives his special gift, the ability to communicate with animals. Guests will feel like part of the family Madrigal as they join the celebration and explore their magical home.

The phased-closure process will continue into 2025, with Dinosaur, the park's original thrill ride, closing to make way for a new Indiana Jones adventure. This attraction will differ from other Indiana Jones experiences worldwide, featuring a journey through a newly discovered Maya temple. Guests will join Indiana Jones on a quest to explore the temple and uncover the mysteries of a rumored mythical creature lurking deep inside.

Disney has not yet announced a precise timeline for the closures, but we expect more details, including specific closing dates, to be revealed soon. Construction on the new attractions is set to begin later this year, with the entire Tropical Americas land projected to open in 2027. Visitors who want to experience Dino-Rama or Dinosaur before they close should plan their trips accordingly as Disney prepares for these major changes to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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    ConVMagic2 minutes ago

    I'm definitely more excited for Encanto than Indiana Jones.

    Timothy_Q2 hours ago

    I see Encanto being the more popular of the two

    TheMaxRebo4 hours ago

    That would be my guess too - I don't think enough rides in any of the non-MK parks to have more than one LLSP and having these two added to MP would make it actually somewhat worth it (depending on price and crowd levels) Assuming there isn't some major overhaul by then and MP is dropped an only PP exists or something

    Disgruntled Walt4 hours ago

    No way Indy is going to be popular enough to warrant that.

    Jedi145 hours ago

    I think all the Tropical Americas rides will be Multi Pass with Encanto also being Virtual Queue.

    JohnD5 hours ago

    Indy: LLSP Encanto: LLMP

    mickEblu5 hours ago

    That would have been a lot of refunds to process.

    Purduevian5 hours ago

    So what's everyone's guess on LLSP/LLMP and tiering in AK once Encanto, Indy, and carousel all open. I was personally surprised Tiana's never hit LLSP, I wonder if it will stay with FOP.

    gerarar7 hours ago

    Another picture from over the walls.. Edit: seems old because of the billboards still up in the back.

    Haymarket200810 hours ago

    A glowing endorsement if I ever saw one! Love that the Mayan angle will be in full effect for the Indy section. So cool.

    CAlexander11 hours ago

    Would love to get your write up on this. My wife's family is Mayan and her parents speak Popti fluently (one of the languages on the slide). We will have to take them when the ride is finally ready

    lentesta14 hours ago

    I went to this conference. DID YOU KNOW THEY LET JUST ANYONE SIGN UP FOR THESE THINGS? Saw Joe's and Imagineering's presentations. Met lots of awesome people doing super-interesting work. WDI's presentation was 40 slides, I think. I'll write up a post on them shortly.

    Stripes1 day ago

    joanna719853 days ago

    So ready for Encanto