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FIRST LOOK: Construction Walls Divide DinoLand U.S.A. as Work on Tropical Americas Land Takes Over

FIRST LOOK: Construction Walls Divide DinoLand U.S.A. as Work on Tropical Americas Land Takes Over

The Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama area of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom closed permanently on January 12. Overnight, construction walls were erected around the area as demolition is set to soon begin.

Construction Walls Divide DinoLand U.S.A.

Nestled in the heart of Dinoland, a large green dinosaur structure towers majestically at an amusement park. With the "Dino Pond" sign gleaming nearby and surrounded by lush trees and bushes, a winding pathway invites visitors on an adventurous journey.
A person strolls in front of a colorful, round amusement park ride, reminiscent of Dinoland's whimsical charm. Wooden benches and neatly trimmed hedges frame the scene beneath a cloudy sky.

The Dino-Rama area of DinoLand was themed to a carnival-style roadside attraction and included Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and Fossil Fun Games. At one time, it also included a roller coaster called Primeval Whirl, but that was demolished in 2021.

An empty carnival game booth with colorful decor stands amid the turquoise structures and lush greenery, evoking the whimsical charm of Dinoland.
Glimpse through the lush greenery to a colorful, whimsical dinoland where a small building displays a sign that reads "Chester & Hester Say..." amidst vibrant structures and festive decorations.
Close-up of industrial equipment with metal pipes and gears near a green structure, reminiscent of a dinoland setting, surrounded by lush plants.

Now, walls divide the former Dino-Rama from the rest of the land. Some aspects will be demolished while others, like Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, are reportedly just being re-themed or repurposed.

Children stroll past amusement rides in Dinoland, a theme park with dinosaur and retro-themed decor.
Welcome to Dinoland, a carnival wonderland swathed in dinosaur-themed decorations and lush greenery, all set against an overcast sky that adds a touch of mystique to the atmosphere.

Tropical Americas Replacing DinoLand U.S.A.

The rest of DinoLand, with the exception of “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!”, will also close permanently in the future. The closures are happening in phases so work can begin on the new Tropical Americas land while still giving guests time to experience DINOSAUR and more for the last time. DINOSAUR itself has been confirmed to remain open for at least all of 2025.

Pueblo Esperanza

People walk through an archway with a clock tower and lush greenery in the background on a sunny day, reminiscent of the charming ambiance found in Pueblo Esperanza.

The 11-acre Tropical Americas land will take over the DinoLand footprint after its extinction. Themed to Latin America cultures, multiple concepts will come together. Most of the land will be shaped into a fictional town called Pueblo Esperanza. Here, guests will find a carousel featuring hand-carved Disney animal characters. A display at D23 2024 gave a first look at a carousel creature of Kevin the bird from “Up.”

Pueblo Esperanza will also have a hacienda said to be one of the largest quick-service restaurants on Walt Disney World property. With the closure of DinoLand, Animal Kingdom will lose Restaurantosaurus, DinoBite Snacks, and TriloBites. The latter two are snack carts, but the hacienda will fill the gap left behind by the main restaurant.

Indiana Jones

A person with a torch approaches an ancient, glowing artifact inside a cave. Nearby, people in a vehicle point flashlights towards the artifact. The scene is filled with mystery and ancient symbols, reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure through the hidden wonders of the animal kingdom.

Two IP-based major attractions are coming to the Tropical Americas land. One is an Indiana Jones-themed ride, which will replace DINOSAUR. Notably, DINOSAUR uses the same ride system as currently operating Indiana Jones attractions at other Disney Parks. This ride won’t be a copy of those, though. It will feature a brand new story that sees Indy exploring an ancient Mayan temple.

Encanto

People walk towards a vibrant, tropical house with colorful flowers and lush greenery in a picturesque setting, reminiscent of an enchanting attraction you might find at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The other main attraction will be themed to “Encanto,” which takes place in Colombia. It will be the first Encanto-themed attraction at a Disney Park worldwide (not counting the current character meet and greets or the sing-along show at EPCOT).

Guests will be carried through Casita, the magical Madrigal home, by enchanted furniture as the family celebrates Antonio’s birthday. While it will kick off from the day he received his gift of talking to animals, Disney has stated that the ride will “go beyond” the movie.

A model of Pueblo Esperanza (and Casita) were on display at D23 in 2024.

The Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently slated for a 2027 opening.

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The post FIRST LOOK: Construction Walls Divide DinoLand U.S.A. as Work on Tropical Americas Land Takes Over appeared first on WDW News Today.

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