Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to say goodbye to one of its original headliners. With the closure of The Boneyard on September 1, Dinoland USA has now entered its final countdown. That leaves just one attraction still standing in the land—Dinosaur, the massive dark ride that first opened in 1998 under its original name, Countdown to Extinction.
Disney has confirmed that guests have until February 1, 2026 to experience this prehistoric adventure one last time. After that, the ride will close for good, and construction walls will rise to clear the way for the land’s reimagining into Tropical Americas.
This expansion will bring two major additions to Animal Kingdom—an Indiana Jones-themed ride taking over Dinosaur’s footprint and an all-new Encanto area. While Disney has officially set a 2027 opening date for Tropical Americas, it wouldn’t be surprising if this turns into a phased debut, much like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge rolled out in waves at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
It’s bittersweet to see Dinosaur go. Love it or not, the ride’s scale, atmosphere, and intense thrills made it a standout in Animal Kingdom’s early years. But the promise of Indiana Jones and Encanto bringing fresh energy to the park is exciting, and it marks a huge step in the park’s evolution.
Tips for Fans
- Plan early: Try to ride first thing in the morning to avoid long waits, especially as the closing date approaches.
- Capture memories: Take photos outside the attraction—it’s the last chance to document this iconic ride.
So if you’re a fan of prehistoric time travel and Dr. Grant Seeker’s chaotic mission, make sure you plan a visit before February 1, 2026. After that, the dinos are officially extinct in Walt Disney World.
Fan Reaction
The last time I rode Dinosaur was way back in 2006, and I absolutely loved it. The mix of intensity, giant animatronic dinos, and that wild ride vehicle made it unforgettable. If I had another chance to hop on before it goes extinct, I’d do it in a heartbeat. It’s one of those Disney rides that sticks with you, and knowing it’s heading for extinction makes me a little nostalgic.