Disney Legend Joe Rohde Shares his Thoughts on Closure of Dinoland USA

In a heartfelt reflection shared on Instagram, Disney Legend Joe Rohde took a walk down memory lane while visiting Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he reminisced about his work in DinoLand USA. Despite his excitement for the changes coming to the park, he wanted to capture some archival photos of the design, particularly a piece of art that holds personal significance. Rohde explained that this particular painting, which he completed before taking on more directorial responsibilities, was inspired by the dinosaur art of famed Paleo-illustrator Charles Knight.

Related: TriceraTop Spin and Other Areas of DinoLand U.S.A. to Close in January

Rohde noted the painting in DinoLand USA was designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, giving off the impression that it was created long before World War II. Though it wasn’t meant to be scientifically accurate, Rohde embraced its whimsical, colorful style. He fondly reflected on this work as one of the last projects he worked on personally before his leadership role in Imagineering took him away from hands-on artistry.

As much as Rohde is nostalgic about DinoLand USA, he expressed excitement for the new land set to replace it: Pueblo Esperanza, a vibrant space inspired by the Tropical Americas. This lush, sprawling area will feature a large central fountain where villagers can gather, tell stories, and enjoy the ambiance. A highlight will be a giant working carousel, hand-carved by a woodcarver featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. With its family-friendly attractions and immersive design, Pueblo Esperanza promises to bring new life to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In addition to the land’s design, fans can look forward to two major attractions. The first is a new Indiana Jones experience, unlike any other found around the world. In this thrilling adventure, guests will join Indy as he explores a perfectly preserved Maya temple in search of a mythical creature, with plenty of surprises along the way.

The second attraction will immerse guests in the world of Encanto. Visitors will step inside the magical Casita and explore Antonio’s rainforest-inspired room as he uses his gift to communicate with animals. Along the way, guests might encounter other members of the beloved Madrigal family from the hit Disney film.

Related: Marley the Crocodile Removed from DinoLand U.S.A. as Preparations Begin for New Animal Kingdom Land

Though construction for Pueblo Esperanza will begin this fall and the land is set to open in 2027, fans still have time to visit DinoLand USA and enjoy the classic Dinosaur attraction. Rohde’s post encapsulates the bittersweet transition from one beloved land to another, but his excitement for what’s to come is palpable. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is preparing to usher in a new chapter, blending the magic of storytelling with the wonder of exploration.

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