Credit: Inside the MagicA significant milestone has been reached at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Excitement continues to build around the evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the transformation of the former DinoLand U.S.A. moves forward with visible progress and newly shared creative insights. What was once a land centered on prehistoric themes is steadily transitioning toward Tropical Americas, a space that celebrates the landscapes and stories of Central and South America.
Guests passing through the park have already noticed major changes. Construction walls, pathway detours, and cranes now shape much of the area, signaling an active phase in development. The Boneyard playground concluded its run on September 1, 2025, marking a key milestone, while DINOSAUR is set to welcome visitors through February 1, 2026, before its ride system takes on a new role.
Walt Disney Imagineering offered its first public showcase of what’s to come inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery. A detailed model highlights three projects across Walt Disney World Resort: the Tropical Americas reimagining at Animal Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc. coaster for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a Cars-themed area for Magic Kingdom.
For Tropical Americas, the model includes winding walkways, dense greenery, a Pueblo Esperanza plaza with a fountain, and a hand-carved carousel inspired by animals from classic Disney films.
The display confirms that DINOSAUR’s physical ride system will continue on as the foundation for a new Indiana Jones-themed experience. The Encanto attraction will serve as the land’s signature ride, complemented by dining offerings and additional features still under wraps.
A placard near the model reads: “A vibrant new land is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transporting guests into the lush rainforests and exciting stories of the Tropical Americas.” It further notes that Imagineering’s research shaped the design and identifies two headline attractions, a quick-service location, the carousel, and the fountain as core elements.
Recent aerial photography has provided another layer of insight. Images taken in October show vertical construction underway for the Encanto ride, with steel framing, concrete sections, and foundation work forming the early structure of what is expected to be the show building. Deep excavation areas can be seen as well, raising speculation about ride features, possibly related to the finale or an advanced ride system. Additional aerial views spotlight the future carousel site, where groundwork continues to progress.
Now, Disney has shared its first official look at the Encanto ride construction, as the location meets a major milestone. Sharing on social media, Walt Disney Imagineering shared that the attraction has gone vertical with its first steel placement. The area will eventually become the show building for the signature Animal Kingdom experience.
Hard hats on! We’re taking you behind the construction wall of the Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as we celebrate our project going vertical
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A meaningful creative development previously came from filmmaker Jared Bush, who is collaborating with Imagineering to craft original dialogue for the Encanto attraction. Rather than retelling the film, the experience is expected to introduce new scenes and lines written exclusively for the ride, following a design philosophy similar to previous attraction updates that expanded on familiar stories.
As construction moves forward, some guests reflect fondly on the era of DinoLand U.S.A., remembering its eccentric style and unexpected charm. Even so, anticipation grows as concept art becomes physical structures and Disney prepares the park for a new chapter.
Animal Kingdom has evolved significantly since the debut of Pandora–The World of Avatar, a turning point that shifted the park’s reputation among many visitors. Tropical Americas aims to continue that momentum, offering fresh experiences shaped by culture, nature, and imagination.
With each update, the future of the park becomes clearer. Dinosaurs may be stepping aside, but new stories are rising in their place, carried by cranes, construction crews, and the steady creativity of Imagineers.
How are you feeling about Animal Kingdom’s next era? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments below!