The once-beloved DinoLand, U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom has undergone a significant transformation, with the removal of iconic attractions and the emergence of a new, tropical-themed land. But here's where it gets controversial... The removal of Aladar, the beloved dinosaur greeter, and Dino-Sue, the towering T. rex replica, has left many fans feeling nostalgic and questioning the future of this beloved area. Is it a necessary change or a loss for Disney fans?
According to @bioreconstruct, both Aladar and Dino-Sue have been taken down from the former Dinosaur Courtyard, making way for the new Tropical Americas land. The courtyard, once a central gathering spot for dinosaur enthusiasts, has been demolished, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia for those who have visited over the years. Aladar, who greeted guests since 1998, and the reflection pools and planters that surrounded him, are now gone, along with the T. rex replica, Sue, which was once a focal point for dinosaur enthusiasts.
The Dinosaur marquee, featuring the Carnotaurus and meteors, is still intact for now, but it's likely to be removed as the building undergoes a retheme to resemble a Mayan Temple for the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction. The area near Restaurantosaurus remains relatively untouched, with the building structure expected to stay, possibly with additions and a reimagining into a large hacienda-style quick-service restaurant serving Colombian-inspired dishes. The walkway that once divided the two sections of construction is now gone, and an excavator sits atop the broken concrete that was once the path.
The future carousel, located to the right, will feature wood carvings of favorite Disney animal characters. In the middle, a smooth, layered circle marks where the base of the carousel will likely go, with utility conduits placed directly in the middle. Concrete forms nearby could end up as the queue area for the attraction. The Encanto Ride building, which began framing several weeks ago, is also taking shape, with interior framework starting shortly after. The ride will eventually have a Casita façade, set during the film but going beyond the original story.
While some may be sad to see Aladar and Dino-Sue go, others may see this as an opportunity for Disney to reinvent itself and create a new, exciting experience. What do you think? Are you sad to see Aladar go? Let us know in the comments!
