Disney has confirmed that DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close permanently on February 2, 2026, as the final phase of the park’s DinoLand U.S.A. transformation gets underway. Guests will have until February 1, 2026 to ride DINOSAUR and grab one last meal at Restaurantosaurus before the curtain falls on this classic corner of the park.
A Farewell to a Prehistoric Adventure
Opening in 1998, DINOSAUR has long been a staple of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, taking guests on a dark, fast-paced journey through the Cretaceous period in search of the Iguanodon. Known for its intense ride system, massive audio-animatronic dinosaurs, and the fan-favorite character Dr. Seeker, the attraction has remained a nostalgic thrill for many despite its sometimes divisive reputation. Its closure marks the end of an era for the park’s original “DinoLand U.S.A.” concept.
Saying Goodbye to Restaurantosaurus
Alongside DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus will also close its doors. The quirky, dinosaur-themed eatery has been a go-to quick-service location since the park’s opening, loved for its over-the-top theming and backstory that tied into the land’s paleontological narrative. Disney has announced that select menu items will find a new home at Harambe Market beginning in 2026, though Harambe Market itself will temporarily close for refurbishment this winter to prepare for the transition.
Final Character Meet-and-Greets in DinoLand
February 1 will also be the last day to see Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their popular DinoLand costumes. These meet-and-greets have become a guest-favorite over the years, and while the characters will return to Animal Kingdom in new locations, their DinoLand looks will soon be extinct.
What’s Next: Tropical Americas
All of these closures are paving the way for the park’s next big addition: Tropical Americas, a new 11-acre land inspired by the wildlife, landscapes, and cultures of Central and South America. Announced at D23, the land will feature:
-
A ride-through attraction based on Encanto
-
A thrilling Indiana Jones-themed adventure
-
A new carousel inspired by animals from Disney films
-
One of Walt Disney World’s largest quick-service dining locations
Tropical Americas is scheduled to open in 2027, marking a major reimagining of the park’s footprint and storytelling focus.
The End of an Era, the Start of a New Chapter
This final phase of closures follows previous steps in the project: the removal of TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures in January 2025, and the closure of The Boneyard on September 2, 2025. Together, they represent the full transformation of DinoLand into a land rooted in vibrant storytelling and modern Disney IP.
For fans of DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus, the next few months will be the last chance to savor a piece of Disney’s prehistoric past before the area evolves into something entirely new.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.