A Frozen Farewell: DinoLand U.S.A. Faces Final “Extinction” During Record-Breaking Florida Cold Snap. In a poetic, if not literal, arrival of the Ice Age, DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is operating its final day today, February 1, 2026. As the sun sets tonight, the prehistoric land—a staple of the park since its opening in 1998—will close permanently to make way for the new “Tropical Americas” expansion.
However, guests hoping for a final prehistoric party are being met with more than just nostalgia; they are facing one of the coldest days in Central Florida history.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open today from 8 am until 8 pm.
The Great Freeze Hits Animal Kingdom
A rare hard freeze warning has gripped the region, with temperatures at park opening plummeting to a staggering 25 degrees Fahrenheit. With a projected high of only 45 degrees, the weather has added a surreal atmosphere to the land’s final hours.
The extreme cold is expected to impact park operations throughout the day. The attraction DINOSAUR is indoors and climate-controlled. Disney officials are urging guests to utilize indoor locations like Restaurantosaurus to stay warm, though the iconic eatery is also serving its final meals today.
What is Going Extinct?
While the DINOSAUR attraction (originally Countdown to Extinction) is the headliner of the closure, the entire 1950s-kitsch roadside attraction-themed land is being shuttered tonight. This includes:
- Restaurantosaurus: The sprawling “student hangout” dining hall known for its deep-cut Imagineering puns and dinosaur fossils.
- The Boneyard is already closed
- Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama is already closed
- Dino-Bite Snacks & Trilo-Bites are already closed
The Future: From Fossils to Temples
Beginning tomorrow, February 2, the construction walls that are already around the perimeter of the land will close off the whole of the area. Disney is moving quickly to transform the area into Tropical Americas, a vibrant new land inspired by the biodiversity of the northern part of South America and Central America.
The transformation will replace the DINOSAUR ride with a brand-new Indiana Jones experience. While it will utilize the same Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) technology as the current ride, it will feature an entirely original story following Dr. Jones into a Maya temple in search of a mythical creature. The land will also include the highly anticipated Encanto attraction, the first of its kind at any Disney park.
Tips for Guests on the Ground Today
If you are brave enough to face the cold for one last ride through time, travel experts recommend the following:
- Prioritize Indoor Queues: The 12-seat Time Rovers of DINOSAUR offer a much-needed break from the biting Florida wind.
- Grab a Keepsake: Merchandise at The Dino-Store is expected to sell out quickly as collectors grab final “Dino Institute” branded items.
- Hot Refreshments: Expect long lines at any location serving hot coffee or cocoa, as guests look for any way to thaw out between attractions.
As the clock ticks down to park closing tonight, the era of the dinosaur at Walt Disney World officially ends. For the thousands of fans gathered in parkas and scarves, it is a bittersweet “extinction” for a land that served as a quirky, beloved heart of Animal Kingdom for nearly three decades.
