2 Disney World Restaurants Permanently CLOSED Today. Here’s Why — And What’s Replacing Them

Three Disney World restaurants have closed with two of them closed forever!

Disney World is making way for DinoLand U.S.A.’s transformation into Pueblo Esperanza and the Tropical Americas land and the evidence is clear. While Disney recently put out a model on display of what we’ll expect to find within the newly revamped land, there’s still so much work left to be done before it can take shape. Today, we bid a fond farewell to several of Animal Kingdom’s restaurants occupying the area, and temporarily said “see ya later” to another.

If you’ve walked by DinoLand U.S.A. over the past few months it’s certainly not what it used to be. Not only do we no longer have the towering Dino-Rama dinosaur looming above us over Chester and Hester’s midway games, but Dino Sue no longer guards the entrance to the now almost extinct land.

Walls and mounds of dirt have replaced what once was buildings like Chester and Hester’s, The Boneyard playground, and even a few character meet and greet locations. While we don’t have too much longer until the clock runs out on DinoLand U.S.A. forever, there were still a few things left to explore in the land, but that’s dwindled down significantly overnight!

Two snack spots in DinoLand U.S.A. are now permanently closed. Our beloved Trilo-Bites stand known for its DOLE Whip float concoctions, loaded buffalo chips, and crisp tangy margaritas…

…and Dino-Bite Snacks known for it’s creamy ice cream visions and warm cookies have officially closed forever.

Now, all that’s left to get your grub on around DinoLand U.S.A. is Restaurantosaurus and its lounge for a quick refreshing drink. These closures are the latest phase to the land in preparation for the expanded retheme into the Tropical Americas which will eventually feature The Madrigal Family Casa from Encanto, and an Indiana Jones themed ride. Oh, and we’ll see a new hacienda-style restaurant that will be one of the biggest quick service spots at Disney World!

But, that’s not the only closures to hit Disney’s Animal Kingdom overnight. We also knew that Harambe Market would be closing temporarily for a while.

The popular restaurant is only expected to be down for a few months and is anticipated to reopen in early 2026 (although we don’t have a firm date on its reopening just yet.) This restaurant typically serves up quick service meals like rice bowls, koftas, pita, and several delicious drinks while providing a nice respite of down time among the sounds of Africa.

While it’s certainly a sting to lose several restaurants at the same time in one park, the good news is there are plenty of other incredible restaurant options to choose to dine while visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In fact, some of our favorite and most unique meal choices are from popular restaurants that are still open around the park including Cheeseburger Pods from Satu’li Canteen, the Ribs and Chicken Platter from Flame Tree BBQ, and we’re quite fond of grabbing some Chicken Fried Rice and a Mini Mango Pie from Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe.

Also some of our favorites from these closed spots will be available elsewhere!

• The Buffalo Chicken Chips from Trilo-Bites will be available at Eight Spoon Cafe on Discover Island.
• A variety of DOLE Whip floats will be available at Warung Outpost in Asia.
• Kusafiri Bakery in Africa will be open for lunch and dinner! Head there to check out items like the Harambe Chicken Rice Bowl (one of our current favorites at Harambe Market).

We’ll continue to watch for further announcements from Disney about when we can anticipate Harambe Market reopening and if there will be any changes to its menu lineup. Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for the latest in Disney news, updates, changes, and more!

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Will these recent closures to Disney World restaurants affect your upcoming trip? Leave your thoughts for us in the comments below!

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