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

Discuss on the Forums

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meggo8194 hours ago

Connections Eatery too.

Agent H4 hours ago

And that’s a fair assessment but I don’t see how it would take up a significant amount of time and money.

James Alucobond4 hours ago

I am not sure what sort of budget goes to these things, but I do think stating it outright feels contrived, especially if there will ultimately be no evidence of it within the park. Ideally, if this were still a thing but not so awkwardly framed for marketing consumption, it would just be something you could infer from the built environment. Like, have a woodworking shop or stall in the town with a half-finished carousel figure in the back.

Timothy_Q5 hours ago

The carousel having a backstory that it was built by a local woodcarver from Pueblo Esperanza is a pretty similar line of thinking to the Harambe Theater being a retelling of the Lion King by the locals of Port Harambe Feels pretty organic to the concept of DAK's lands representing "real communities"

Agent H5 hours ago

Legitimate question. How much time and money could this have taken? Surely not much. I think having a backstory enriches the experience and it better. I do think that these should be normal South American animals (maybe with Kevin thrown in there for fun)

lazyboy97o5 hours ago

And for something that didn’t even happen and fix something nobody was asking. Sometimes it’s better to not push the issue. But in the case of this land, just having a carousel in a town park wouldn’t be something weird. Spending time and money coming up with an unnecessary justification is burning of the budget that could be used elsewhere.

DisneyHead1235 hours ago

I wonder if the post Covid labor shortage has changed their thinking on what to offer at the parks. Rides with a few attendants vs. services like DME which were probably more labor intensive. Especially as they need more and more cast members as the cruise lines expand, they’re competing with Universal for people, etc. It’s not that they’ve stopped spending on the parks - they’re spending quite a bit, but the spending is much more centered on new builds.

Marc Davis Fan6 hours ago

He visited Disney's Animal Kingdom as a child.

Animaniac93-986 hours ago

Every merry-go-round in WDW must have a backstory Prince Charming Regal Carrousel set that standard (side note, please bring back the name Cinderella's Golden Carrousel)

Ayla6 hours ago

Great commercial for WDW...other than using DLR's teacups. 😂

peter1143515 hours ago

Perks were never provided because they “cared about guests” Everything was offered because it benefited Disney.

BrianLo16 hours ago

I think the fantasy is a bit more that it’s nice and hand crafted. An actual off model carousel would seat 5 and be made of some sort of hard plastic. I think I like it more than the coco carousel at least.