Disney Announces a New Boneyard Playground Closing Date

Hey Disney Vacationers! Disney just dropped an update that’s going to hit home for a lot of Animal Kingdom fans—especially if you’ve got little ones who love to run wild in DinoLand U.S.A. A new Boneyard Playground closing date has officially been announced, and it’s coming a bit earlier than expected.

So if digging for dino bones or climbing through rope bridges is a core memory for your family, here’s everything you need to know before it’s gone for good.

When Is the Boneyard Playground Closing?

Let’s cut right to it: The last day to experience The Boneyard Playground is September 1, 2025. Starting the very next day—September 2—the area will close permanently to begin construction on the brand-new Tropical Americas land.

Originally, Disney said the playground would remain open “throughout 2025,” but that timeline just got bumped up. According to Disney, progress on the new land is moving faster than planned, which means the space is needed sooner to stay on track for the larger transformation.

What’s Staying Open in DinoLand for Now?

If you’re wondering what else is still operating—don’t worry. The DINOSAUR attraction and Restaurantosaurus are both sticking around through the end of 2025. No closing dates have been announced yet for either one, so guests visiting later in the year can still get a burger or go time-traveling with Dr. Seeker.

That said, some parts of DinoLand have already been cleared out. Earlier in 2025, TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures closed permanently. Those closures kicked off the first wave of demolition and site prep for what’s coming next.

What’s Replacing the Boneyard?

The Boneyard isn’t just disappearing—it’s evolving. In its place, Disney is building a brand-new carousel, but not just any old carousel. This one is part of a fully immersive rainforest town called Pueblo Esperanza, which anchors the upcoming Tropical Americas land.

Here’s the story: a local woodcarver from the town of Esperanza has created a hand-carved carousel featuring animals inspired by Disney stories. It’s colorful, artistic, and full of charm—designed with families in mind. The ride will sit near the town’s central fountain, surrounded by tropical plants, mosaic tiles, and vibrant architecture.

This isn’t just a swap. It’s part of a much bigger shift that’s about to reshape an entire corner of Animal Kingdom.

So… What Exactly Is Tropical Americas?

Tropical Americas is Disney’s next major land expansion, and it’s going right where DinoLand U.S.A. sits today. Inspired by the lush regions of Central and South America, this new 11-acre space will feel like a real place with a deep backstory, much like Pandora or Harambe Village.

The land will include:

• An Encanto attraction based on the world of the Madrigal family
• A reimagined Indiana Jones ride, taking over the space currently used by DINOSAUR
• A large hacienda-style restaurant that’s expected to become one of the biggest quick-service locations at Walt Disney World
• Interactive meet-and-greet spaces, plus themed shops and food stalls

Disney has already filed site permits, started demolition work, and even set up a trailer village north of Expedition Everest to house the Imagineering team driving this project. Construction is planned through at least 2026, with the goal of a 2027 opening for the full land.

What This Means for You

If your 2025 vacation is already on the books—or you’ve been on the fence—now’s the time to lock in a trip if The Boneyard holds nostalgic value for your family. You’ve got until Labor Day 2025 to enjoy it before the bulldozers move in.

After that, the next time you walk through that part of Animal Kingdom, it’ll look completely different—filled with Colombian color, Mayan stonework, and Disney storytelling at its best.

Final Thoughts

The new Boneyard Playground closing date is officially set, and it signals the end of an era at Animal Kingdom. But what’s coming next has the potential to be one of the most richly themed, family-friendly expansions we’ve seen since Pandora.

This is the kind of evolution Disney does best—saying goodbye to something simple and beloved to make way for something bigger, bolder, and filled with magic.

Want to see where everything will go? Take a closer look at the layout and permits in our full breakdown here: First Look at the Layout of Tropical Americas and Construction Plans

If you’re planning your trip around the closing, I’d be happy to help make sure you don’t miss a thing. This is the last chapter for The Boneyard—and the first for something spectacular.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!