Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing a significant transformation, and fresh aerial photos have surfaced, offering a sneak peek into the park’s exciting future. Recently, Disney announced the closure of several attractions in the DinoLand, U.S.A. section of the park, paving the way for an all-new expansion themed around the Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises.
This announcement isn’t exactly new, as Disney hinted at changes two years ago when Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, alongside Walt Disney Imagineering’s Chris Beatty and Animation Studios’ Jennifer Lee, revealed that they were considering new areas for Animal Kingdom. Initial discussions teased both the Moana and Zootopia franchises.
However, in a more recent update, Disney confirmed that the new area will be inspired by the Tropical Americas, bringing Encanto and Indiana Jones to life in a vibrant new land named Pueblo Esperanza.
The upcoming land will feature, among other things, the Casita Madrigal from the 2021 animated hit Encanto.
As construction progresses, aerial photos taken by theme park photographer Bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) reveal where Disney plans to develop the Tropical Americas. The images show early site preparations, including a staging area and offices that will support the project’s progression.
According to Bioreconstruct:
At the top of this aerial photo is site preparation for a staging area and offices. This area will support the redo of DinoLand USA into Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
At top of this aerial photo is site preparation for a staging area and offices. This area will support the redo of Dinoland USA into Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
1 Maharajah Jungle Trek
2 Kali River Rapids
3 Road that is part of the WDW Marathon course pic.twitter.com/azf1key1h4— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 14, 2024
At the same time as these photos dropped, Disney announced the closure of several attractions in DinoLand, U.S.A. on January 12, 2025. Among the closures are TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. However, some experiences, such as DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites, will remain open for the time being.
Alongside these Animal Kingdom changes, Magic Kingdom Park will also see its own major transformation. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a beloved Frontierland attraction, will close for an extended period beginning January 6, 2025, with a reopening slated for sometime in 2026.
The concept for Tropical Americas is grand in scale, and Disney is pulling out all the stops to make it feel both immersive and authentic. According to the Disney Parks Blog, “Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.”
The land will feature a lush environment, complete with a large fountain in the center, providing a gathering spot for villagers to share stories. One of the highlights will be a new take on a classic attraction: a giant working carousel crafted by a woodcarver, featuring animals from Disney’s rich storytelling tradition.
Related: Universe of ‘Encanto’ Coming to Disney World With Bob Iger’s $30 Billion
As for the rides, Disney has confirmed two signature attractions in the Tropical Americas land. One will be themed around the legendary Indiana Jones franchise, while the other will take guests on a ride-through experience inspired by Antonio’s bedroom from Encanto, where visitors will enter a world where animals speak.
Though the land won’t open until 2027, anticipation is already building for this exciting new chapter in Animal Kingdom’s history.
How do you feel about the transformation of DinoLand, U.S.A. into Pueblo Esperanza? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!