Credit: Steven Miller, FlickrWalt Disney World isn’t just tweaking Animal Kingdom—it’s in the middle of a full transformation. If you’ve walked past the construction walls where DinoLand U.S.A. once stood, you already know something big is coming. But now, we’re finally getting a clearer picture of just how massive this project really is.
Disney has officially taken a major step forward on its upcoming Tropical Americas land, and it’s not small. Behind the scenes, Walt Disney Imagineering has filed nine new permits for locations across the expansion area, signaling that work is ramping up in a serious way.
This isn’t just one attraction or a simple re-theme. This is a full land overhaul—and if everything stays on track, it’s expected to open in late 2027.
A Full Land Replacement Is Underway
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a minor update. DinoLand U.S.A. is being completely replaced.
In its place, Disney is building Tropical Americas, a brand-new themed land inspired by the cultures, landscapes, and wildlife of Central and South America. It’s a shift that fits Animal Kingdom’s core identity much better, leaning into nature, storytelling, and immersive environments instead of roadside carnival vibes.
And now, thanks to these permits, we can actually map out what’s coming.
Breaking Down the 9 New Projects
The nine permits, first shared by Blog Mickey, filed by Imagineering point to nine specific locations across the land, each tied to a different experience, facility, or guest area.
Here’s what they reveal:
- Indiana Jones attraction (501 Restaurantosaurus Road)
The existing DINOSAUR ride is being reimagined into a brand-new Indiana Jones adventure. This will likely keep the same ride system but completely overhaul the story, sets, and effects. - Encanto attraction (504 & 610 DinoLand Drive)
This is shaping up to be one of the headliners of the land. A fully themed ride inspired by Encanto will bring guests into the world of the Madrigal family. - Backstage pump house (580 DinoLand Drive)
Not flashy, but essential. Infrastructure like this supports water features, effects, and overall land operations. - New meet-and-greet location (590 DinoLand Drive)
A former retail space is being transformed into a character experience area, likely tied to the new land’s themes. - Former character location update (594 DinoLand Drive)
Another meet-and-greet space is being refreshed, possibly expanding character offerings. - Restaurantosaurus transformation (601 Restaurantosaurus Road)
This quick-service location is being completely reimagined into a large hacienda-style restaurant, fitting the new land’s aesthetic. - Woodcarver Carousel (671 DinoLand Drive)
One of the most unique additions—a carousel featuring carved wooden animals inspired by Disney creatures. - Land entrance area (672 DinoLand Drive)
The gateway into Tropical Americas is getting its own dedicated development, which means a fully immersive entry experience.
Each of these projects points to active development across the land, not just early planning stages.
The Headline Attractions Guests Will Notice
While infrastructure and support buildings are part of the story, let’s talk about what guests will actually experience.
Indiana Jones Replaces DINOSAUR
This is one of the biggest changes. DINOSAUR has been a staple of Animal Kingdom for years, but its ride system is getting a second life.
The new Indiana Jones version is expected to follow a similar format to the Disneyland ride—fast-paced, chaotic, and packed with practical effects. It’s a smart reuse of an existing ride system that still delivers a thrilling experience.
Encanto Finally Gets a Ride
This attraction will likely lean into the magic of Casita, the Madrigal family’s enchanted home. While details are still limited, expectations are high that this will be a visually rich, story-driven ride.
A Carousel With Real Personality
It might sound simple, but the woodcarver carousel could end up being one of the most charming additions.
Instead of standard horses, guests will ride intricately carved Disney animals. It’s a small detail, but it fits perfectly with Animal Kingdom’s focus on nature and artistry.
Dining and Atmosphere Are Getting a Major Upgrade
One of the biggest quiet wins in this project is the overhaul of Restaurantosaurus.
The current version felt very tied to DinoLand’s theme. The new hacienda-style quick-service location will completely change the feel of the area, offering a more cohesive and immersive dining experience.
Add in updated pathways, a redesigned entrance, and new meet-and-greet locations, and this land isn’t just about rides—it’s about atmosphere.
This Is About Fixing Animal Kingdom’s Biggest Weak Spot
Let’s be honest—DinoLand U.S.A. has always felt like the odd section out in Animal Kingdom.
While the rest of the park focuses on nature, conservation, and immersive storytelling, DinoLand leaned heavily into roadside attractions and carnival games. It worked for a time, but it never fully matched the park’s identity.
Tropical Americas changes that.
This new land ties directly into Animal Kingdom’s strengths—lush environments, cultural storytelling, and meaningful theming. It’s not just a replacement; it’s a correction.
What This Means for 2027 and Beyond
If construction continues at its current pace, late 2027 is the target for opening.
And when it does open, this won’t just be another addition—it will completely reshape how guests experience Animal Kingdom.
Between:
- A major E-ticket Indiana Jones attraction
- A long-awaited Encanto ride
- A reimagined dining experience
- New character interactions
- And a fully immersive land design
…this project has the potential to change Animal Kingdom from a half-day park into something much more competitive.
The Big Picture
Nine permits might sound technical, but they tell a much bigger story.
Disney isn’t slowing down. Even with massive projects happening across Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom is getting one of the most meaningful upgrades on property.
And for longtime fans, this is the kind of change that’s been a long time coming.
By 2027, the park could feel completely different—and honestly, that might be exactly what it needs.