Walt Disney World is closing one of its most distinctive quick-service eateries — but it’s already planning a major comfort food comeback.
As of October 20, 2025, Harambe Market, located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom, has officially shut down for refurbishment and will reopen in early 2026 as a hamburger and chicken nuggets restaurant, according to a DisneyByMark report.
For nearly a decade, Harambe Market was celebrated for its African-inspired street food, from grilled meats and rice bowls to plant-based dishes that reflected the details of a bustling East African marketplace.
The open-air food court — set against themed façades of realistic-looking market stalls — drew praise for its authenticity and atmosphere rather than typical theme park fare.
That era, however, appears to be coming to a close.
Handout/Getty Images
A major shift in flavors at Disney World Animal Kingdom
The updated Harambe Market will take over as the new home base for crowd-pleasing staples currently served at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A., which will close permanently in February 2026 as part of the land’s ongoing “Tropical Americas” transformation.
Once construction finishes, visitors to the Africa section will find an expanded grill lineup offering hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and similar family-friendly quick-service options.
This change is part of a park-wide dining reshuffle accompanying the permanent closure of Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks, two longtime snack counters in DinoLand U.S.A. Known for their ice cream, Dole Whip floats, and Buffalo Chicken Chips, both stands are now closed.
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The crowd-favorite chips will move to Eight Spoon Café on Discovery Island, while various floats will be served at Warung Outpost in Asia. Hand-scooped ice cream, meanwhile, is not expected to return to Animal Kingdom until early 2026.
During the interim construction period, Disney announced that Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in the same Harambe area will offer expanded lunch options. These include rice bowls, wraps, and plant-based meals to fill the gap while Harambe Market undergoes renovation.
The Animal Kingdom bigger picture: from DinoLand to Tropical Americas
The closure of Harambe Market also ties directly into the much larger overhaul of Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A., set to become a Tropical Americas land inspired by Central and South American landscapes and cultures.
The new land will reportedly introduce attractions themed to “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones,” marking one of the park’s most ambitious reimaginings since “Pandora: The World of Avatar” debuted in 2017. With Restaurantosaurus, Trilo-Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks disappearing, Disney appears to be consolidating its quick-service food infrastructure to serve especially busy park zones.
Work could conclude by late spring 2026. However, Disney insiders indicate that the popular dining area is expected to reopen months earlier — i.e., in time for President’s Day crowds in February and well ahead of spring break crowds.
TheStreet reached out to Disney for comment on the timeline but had not received a response at the time of publishing.
Disney walks the line between nostalgia and practicality
Some longtime visitors are sure to be disappointed by the loss of African street eats, but the decision seems to stem from on logistics and guest volume.
Burgers and nuggets remain some of Disney’s top-selling dishes across its parks, and moving Restaurantosaurus’ menu to Harambe Market ensures that Animal Kingdom retains a high-capacity quick-service dining option while construction reshapes DinoLand.
At a May media conference, Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro explained how updates like these reflect a larger strategy across Disney’s parks. D’Amaro’s comments, as reported by DisneyFoodBlog, point to the company’s dining refreshes, which aim to make menus approachable while aligning park zones with broader storytelling themes.
There is “literally nothing like it in the world. We’re always making sure that we’re delivering value to every one of our guests that comes into one of our experiences or theme parks,” D’Amaro said.
Harambe Market’s transition timeline:
- October 20, 2025: Harambe Market officially closed for refurbishment, marking the end of its African street food era.
- October 2025 – May 2026: Construction and kitchen updates are underway.
- Early 2026 (expected February): Harambe Market expected to reopen with a new menu featuring burgers and chicken nuggets.
- February 2, 2026: Restaurantosaurus, Trilo-Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks permanently close as the Tropical Americas construction ramps up.
As Animal Kingdom transitions toward the new “Tropical Americas” land, the changes at Harambe Market’s show how food service is an integral part of any Disney theme park transformation.
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