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Walt Disney World Resort has filed new construction permits for the retheme of DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
At D23 Expo 2024, Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro announced that a Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza, would replace DinoLand U.S.A. The new area will include two attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and an Indiana Jones retheme of the DINOSAUR attraction.
Credit: Inside the Magic
Much of the 26-year-old theme park within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park closed in January, and crews have already bulldozed the following areas:
- Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (including the Fossil Fun Games)
- TriceraTop Spin
DINOSAUR, The BoneYard play area, and DinoLand U.S.A.’s Quick Service restaurants will remain open through 2025. In 2026, Walt Disney Imagineers will demolish all of DinoLand U.S.A., retheme DINOSAUR, and prepare Pueblo Esperanza for a planned opening in 2027.
Credit: Disney
Although the DINOSAUR retheme won’t begin until next year, Walt Disney Imagineers are already preparing for construction on the DinoLand U.S.A. attraction. This week, Walt Disney World Resort filed a Notice of Commencement for “general construction” at 501 Restaurantosaurus Rd–DINOSAUR’s address.
The permit reveals that Walt Disney World Resort has contracted Ferran Services & Contracting Inc. for the construction. The company offers heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical services.
Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Disney Tips
This Notice of Commencement expires on March 18, 2026, suggesting it only applies to basic work in and around DINOSAUR as Imagineers prepare to overhaul the attraction. Walt Disney World Resort will likely file more permits for demolition and more complicated work as the DINOSAUR closure gets closer.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced DINOSAUR’s exact closing date in 2026, nor has it confirmed Pueblo Esperanza’s exact grand opening date in 2027. Follow Disney Tips for updates on this and other construction projects around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Will you miss DINOSAUR? In the comments, share your favorite memories of the attraction with Disney Tips.
