The Day Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama Closed Its Doors

As the clouds rolled in and the temperature dropped, Disney's Animal Kingdom saw the closure of a long-time favorite, Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama. The day started off quiet, with fewer crowds than usual after the weekend's marathon. But the real shock came from seeing the beloved dinosaur-themed area blocked off with shrubs, soon to be replaced by walls. It felt like a part of childhood was being packed away. Meanwhile, over at the Magic Kingdom, more walls started popping up. A surprise wall appeared at the Train Station on Main Street U. S. A. , interrupting the usual rush of guests. Construction crews were spotted working on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's tracks, hinting at a bigger refurbishment coming up. The parks were filled with other surprises too. Pocahontas made an unexpected appearance at The Tree of Life, peering at the sleeping Abdim’s Storks. And on the other side of the park, the Liberty Belle River Boat witnessed a crane lifting parts of Big Thunder Mountain’s track, showing rapid progress. New merchandise was also rolling in. The Emporium showcased bedazzled character shirts and a sleek black Spirit Jersey. But not everything was shiny and new. The Emporium itself was undergoing some changes, with part of the shop blocked off for refurbishment. Even Tomorrowland wasn't spared from the construction trend. New walls went up near the PeopleMover and Buzz Lightyear Spaceranger Spin, giving a flashback to the New Fantasyland construction days. The day ended with a sense of change in the air. With all the resorts and parks in various states of refurbishment, it made one wonder if now was the best time to visit.