Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicDisney World has been on a serious streak of changes lately. Beloved attractions are disappearing, fan favorites are getting new identities, and entire lands are being wiped off the map to make room for something fresh. Some of these updates have been huge wins. Others? Well, let’s just say not everyone is thrilled.
Animal Kingdom is now stepping into the spotlight for one of the most significant overhauls in park history. One major land is vanishing completely, a massive new themed area is on the way, and rumors are swirling about another ride that could be next to go.
DinoLand U.S.A. Is on the Way Out
If you’ve walked through Animal Kingdom in the past few months, you’ve probably noticed the walls going up around DinoLand U.S.A. The land has been a quirky staple since the park opened, but it’s always felt a little disconnected from the rest of Animal Kingdom’s vibe.
Disney has decided it’s time for a change—not just a minor one. DinoLand U.S.A. is getting completely replaced by a brand-new land called Tropical Americas. The idea is to capture the beauty, culture, and wildlife of Central and northern South America in a way that fits the park’s theme much better.
What Tropical Americas Could Offer
While Disney hasn’t released every detail yet, here’s what’s been confirmed: the land will feature two big new attractions—one based on Encanto and another inspired by Indiana Jones. The Encanto experience is expected to bring guests into the magical Madrigal home, while the Indy ride will take visitors deep into an ancient temple filled with mystery and danger.
Speculation is running wild about what else could pop up here. Rumors suggest a Latin American-inspired quick-service restaurant, a colorful carousel featuring animals from the region, and snack kiosks serving things like empanadas, arepas, and tropical fruit. If Disney leans into the cultural and culinary side of the theme, this area could become a go-to dining spot in the park.
Tropical Americas is planned to be ready by 2027, and if the concept art is any indication, it will be one of the most immersive lands Disney has ever built.
It’s Not the Only Thing Disappearing
DinoLand’s demolition may be the headline, but it’s not the only change coming to Animal Kingdom. Other attractions have already been quietly phased out, and with so much construction underway, it’s clear Disney is rethinking the park’s entire layout.
That brings us to the next big rumor—one with longtime guests wondering if another piece of Animal Kingdom history is about to vanish.
This Ride Could Be Next
When Kali River Rapids opened in 1999, it was a big deal. The ride gave Animal Kingdom a thrilling water attraction, with twisting rapids, jungle scenery, and a dramatic drop that drenched riders. The theme centered around illegal logging and deforestation, using the ride to highlight real-world environmental issues.
It’s a solid ride on paper, but it’s been a mixed bag in practice. The story is hard to follow, the experience is short, and you can walk away soaked to the bone—not ideal for most guests. Add that it closes every winter for seasonal maintenance, and you start to see why people think its days could be numbered.
Why Disney Might Let It Go
Kali River Rapids takes up a considerable chunk of real estate in the Asia section of the park. With so much demand for new attractions—and a proven willingness from Disney to replace underperformers—it wouldn’t be shocking to see this space repurposed.
Another factor? It’s getting harder for the ride to stand out. Animal Kingdom already has its big thrill ride in Expedition Everest, its jaw-dropping immersive land in Pandora, and soon, Tropical Americas will bring two more headliners. That leaves Kali feeling like a filler attraction rather than a must-do.
What Could Replace It
If Disney does pull the plug on Kali River Rapids, they could go in a few directions. One option is to retheme the ride instead of tearing it down completely. The existing river rapids system could easily be transformed into a tropical adventure that ties into the new land—think Amazon rainforest, mythical water creatures, or even a cinematic tie-in that fits Animal Kingdom’s mission.
Another option is to replace it with something totally different. Imagine a dark ride weaving through lush rainforest scenes, an interactive boat attraction with animatronic wildlife, or even a high-capacity family coaster with a South American theme. With that much land to work with, the possibilities are wide open.
Change Is the New Normal
Animal Kingdom has always been a unique park, but Disney is working to make it more cohesive and competitive with the other three parks. DinoLand U.S.A.’s replacement with Tropical Americas is a massive step in that direction, but it probably won’t be the last.
If the rumors are true, Kali River Rapids could be the next casualty—a ride that once made a splash but now feels out of place. Whether Disney decides to give it a fresh theme or replace it entirely, the park’s future is shaping up to be very different from its past.
One thing’s for sure: if you love Kali River Rapids, you might want to ride it sooner rather than later. In a park where change is now the norm, nothing feels untouchable.