Beloved Animal Kingdom restaurant closes to prepare for Disney World’s Tropical Americas debut: ‘Biggest mistake’
By Brooke Steinberg
Published on April 3, 2026.
Disney's Animal Kingdom, one of the original restaurants at the park, DinoLand U.S.A., is closing to make way for the anticipated Tropical Americas land, officially named Pueblo Esperanza, set to debut in 2027. The closure of the restaurant, Restaurantosaurus, has been announced as part of the transformation of the new land. The Airstream trailer used as a centerpiece for the restaurant's theme of paleontology students has been completely demolished. The main building of Restaurantosaurus is still standing, but a new demolition permit indicates it is also about to go. The new land will be 11-acre and will be completely remodeled into a large hacienda-style quick-service spot, which Disney estimates will be one of its largest dining spots in Walt Disney World. With the DinoLand food hall gone, where to dine at Animal Kingdom has changed, with Harambe Market recently reopened with an updated American-inspired menu.
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