Disney’s Animal Kingdom Evolution: Saying Farewell to The Boneyard & Embracing Pueblo Esperanza

Grab your explorer hats and your sense of wonder—DinoLand U.S.A. is roaring into the sunset, and a brand-new world is on the horizon! On September 1, 2025, The Boneyard play area will close its gates for good, making way for Pueblo Esperanza: Tropical Americas, a vibrant, music-filled land bursting with Latin American flair. Ready to dig into all the details? Let’s embark on this Jurassic-to-tropical journey together!

🌅 A Fond Farewell: The Boneyard’s Final Roar

For years, little paleontologists have scrambled through The Boneyard’s tunnels, slides, and fossil dig sites. But as of September 1, 2025, this beloved play spot will close to begin its transformation. If you’ve got kiddos (or big-kid hearts) who haven’t unearthed every last ‘dinosaur bone,’ plan to visit before the end of summer 2025!

🚧 What’s Closing & What Sticks Around

As DinoLand evolves, expect to see these familiar stops say goodbye:

• Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama rides and games (already closed Jan 12, 2025)

• TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games & gift shops

• Restaurantosaurus, Trilo-Bites, and the snack cart roster

Meanwhile, DINOSAUR and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! will remain open into late 2025 and beyond—so you can still embark on prehistoric thrills and underwater adventures while the bulldozers work.

🎉 Welcome to Pueblo Esperanza: Tropical Americas

Spanning 11 lush acres, this new land invites you through an ornate arch and into a colorful village plaza. Expect colonial-style buildings draped in festive banners, a bubbling fountain big enough to gather guests, and swaying palm trees everywhere you look. It’s like stepping into an Encanto-inspired postcard!

✨ Key Attractions

• Encanto Adventure: Be the first to wander through Mirabel’s Casita and witness Antonio’s gift bloom into a living rainforest.

• Indiana Jones Expedition: Swap out the dark jungles of DINOSAUR for an ancient Maya temple quest—complete with thrilling twists and turns!

• Disney Animal Carousel: Spin atop hand-carved creatures plucked straight from your wildest Disney dreams.

Plus, whispers hint at a new interactive play area to delight budding explorers—so The Boneyard’s spirit lives on in tropical style.

🍴 Savor the Flavors

Leave those dino-nuggets behind and feast at a grand hacienda-style quick-service restaurant, set to become one of Walt Disney World’s largest. Local-inspired snacks and drinks will pop up in kiosks around the plaza—think fresh tropical fruit cups, empanadas, and bold coffee blends.

📆 Construction & Timeline

• Early 2025: Demolition kicks off behind the scenes.

• September 1, 2025: The Boneyard and remaining DinoLand closes for good.

• 2026–2027: Major build-out phases, ride installs, and landscaping flourish.

• Fall 2027: Grand opening celebrations begin—plan for fireworks, fanfare, and maybe a theme-park-sized piñata!

🌟 Tips for Guests

• Before Sept. 2025: Squeeze in one last dino-dig and spin on TriceraTop Spin.

• Late 2025–Mid 2027: Embrace the magic of progress—expect colorful construction walls and peek-through windows showcasing sneak peeks.

• Fall 2027 & Beyond: Book early! Pueblo Esperanza will be one of Animal Kingdom’s hottest tickets, complete with new attractions, eats, and immersive storytelling.

Get Ready to Roar No More—and Soar New Heights!

Whether you’re a die-hard dino enthusiast or a tropical daydreamer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is reinventing itself in spectacular style. Keep your FastPass fingers poised and your taste buds ready—Pueblo Esperanza is a fiesta of fun you won’t want to miss!

Stay tuned to The Jetset Journal for more insider updates, travel tips, and whimsical park previews