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Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World Resort has just confirmed a few major closures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Imagineer Bruce Vaughn unveiled exciting new details about the Tropical Americas project, set to replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and will take place in phases, with the land expected to open in 2027.
During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, D’Amaro shared that work on the new 11-acre section of the park will start later this year.
Similar to the immersive feel of Harambe, the new area will have a lived-in atmosphere with a deep, rich history. At its heart will be a large hacienda, which is set to become one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.
The land will be lush and vibrant, with a sprawling layout that includes a grand fountain at the center where locals gather to share stories. One of the highlights will be a unique carousel crafted by a woodcarver, featuring animals from beloved Disney stories, offering a fresh twist on the classic attraction that’s sure to be a hit with families.
Fans of Encanto have even more to look forward to, as Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction. This experience will transport guests into the magical world of the Madrigal family.
Inside the Casita, visitors will join Antonio as he explores his rainforest-inspired room after receiving the gift of communicating with animals. As guests embark on the adventure, they may encounter other members of the Madrigal family along the way.
In addition, a new Indiana Jones experience will debut at Animal Kingdom, offering something entirely different from other Indiana Jones attractions around the world.
In this adventure, Indy has discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and guests will join him on his quest to explore its depths. There are rumors of a mythical creature lurking inside—but whether or not snakes will be involved remains to be seen.
In order to open these new rides and lands, other areas at Disney must close.
Reporter Scott Gustin shared today when guests should prep to say goodbye to some attractions, and DinoLand as a whole.
“NEW: Last day for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Animal Kingdom is Jan. 12, 2025. Tropical Americas construction walls go up Jan. 13. DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites stay open for now.”
NEW: Last day for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Animal Kingdom is Jan. 12, 2025. Tropical Americas construction walls go up Jan. 13. DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites stay open for now. pic.twitter.com/1F6kqtRiOd
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 14, 2024
While all of these closures are confirmed, opening dates for the replacements have not been confirmed.
What else is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Josh D’Amaro announced at the D23 Expo that the highly anticipated Zootopia 3D show, titled “Zootopia Better Zoogether,” will debut inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s iconic Tree of Life in the winter of 2025.
This new attraction will replace It’s Tough to Be a Bug, which has been a staple at the park since 1998.
According to official concept art, Zootopia Better Zoogether will feature beloved characters from the hit 2016 film, including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Gazelle, Chief Bogo, and Flash. An animatronic Officer Clawhauser, similar to the one at Shanghai Disney Resort, will also make an appearance in the show.
D’Amaro shared that the show will transport guests to the familiar biomes of Zootopia while also introducing new animated areas never before seen. However, he kept details about the storyline under wraps, leaving fans to speculate on what the 3D film will entail.
In preparation for the new attraction, a permit was filed on September 5, 2024, by Buena Vista Construction Company on behalf of Walt Disney World Resort.
The permit outlines plans to provide labor, materials, and electrical work for the construction. The address on the filing indicates that work will be done on the Tree of Life itself, further solidifying the arrival of Zootopia Better Zoogether.
Disney has not yet set an official closing date for It’s Tough to Be a Bug. Now that we have DinoLand’s closure, however, it is likely that it will take place afterward or else there will be a lot closed down in one theme park at the same time, which may deter guests.
Are you sad to say goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A.?