Disney Releases Confirmation of Original Attraction Hitting Florida Theme Park
Walt Disney World Resort is on the cusp of a dramatic evolution. While change is a constant at the Central Florida destination, the upcoming transformations represent one of its most significant overhauls in decades, introducing expansive new lands, attractions, and experiences across its parks.
One of the most anticipated changes is unfolding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where DinoLand U.S.A. is making way for a newly imagined Tropical Americas-themed land. The transition is well underway, with the removal of attractions like TriceraTop Spin and Fossil Fun Games, along with iconic elements such as the DinoRama sign and the Cementosaurus. However, the fan-favorite DINOSAUR ride is set to remain operational through the end of 2025.
Anchoring this large-scale reimagining will be experiences inspired by Disney’s Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises. Among the confirmed additions is an attraction themed around Antonio Madrigal’s bedroom, an Indiana Jones adventure, and a woodcarver’s carousel, promising to bring fresh storytelling and immersive environments to Animal Kingdom.
Further changes will extend to the park’s iconic Tree of Life Theater, as It’s Tough to be a Bug! closes in mid-March. In its place, Zootopia: Better Zoogether will debut, transporting guests into the vibrant world of the Academy Award-winning film, Zootopia (2016).
Details surrounding these new attractions have been scarce, but Disney finally shed light on its evolving vision at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. During a keynote presentation led by Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, the company framed its plans under the theme of “the future of world-building.”
Alongside updates on other Walt Disney World projects—including the Monsters, Inc. coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and major expansions at Magic Kingdom—Disney revealed fresh insights into the Indiana Jones attraction at Animal Kingdom.
“During the event, Chris Beatty from Walt Disney Imagineering surprised the audience with an unexpected glimpse into what the new Indiana Jones ride that is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be like,” wrote Kenny the Pirate. “The ride will be a completely new adventure with an original storyline that will play into the pillars of Animal Kingdom.” He also confirmed that the experience will not replicate Disneyland Resort’s Indiana Jones Adventure.
For context, the Anaheim-based Indiana Jones attraction leads guests into the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye. “Follow Indy’s footsteps into the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye past intricate booby traps,” describes the official Disneyland Resort website. “Inspect carvings and frescos that tell the story of Mara, a powerful deity who promises great treasures—and vengeance to those foolish enough to gaze into its all-seeing eyes.”
The promise of an entirely original Indiana Jones ride at Walt Disney World signals a deliberate effort by Disney to differentiate its theme park portfolio, a move that has often been met with enthusiasm from fans. The attraction will be a focal point of the Tropical Americas area, officially titled Pueblo Esparanza, which is expected to debut in 2027 ahead of another major Walt Disney World expansion—Magic Kingdom’s “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.”
Over at Frontierland, Imagineers are working on multiple new experiences, including a Pixar Cars-themed destination and an area inspired by Disney’s most infamous Villains. At SXSW, Disney unveiled the first look at its Cars expansion, though an official opening date remains undisclosed. However, recent construction permits show progress is underway. Despite initial skepticism from fans regarding the integration of Cars into the rugged American Frontier, Disney is leaning into authenticity.
“When we’re designing our attractions, our primary goal is to create an emotional experience for our guests, just like the filmmakers do on the screen,” Imagineer Michael Hudgen said at SXSW (via The Walt Disney Company). “For this Cars attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle to create that feeling.”
Hudgen further revealed that the creative team traveled to Arizona to study the terrain and test off-road vehicles that will serve as inspiration for the attraction’s ride system.
Meanwhile, as Disney prepares to unveil its latest slate of attractions, the competition is ramping up. Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe, a colossal new theme park set to debut on May 22, 2025.
With immersive lands based on iconic franchises such as Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal’s Classic Monsters, Universal Epic Universe is expected to redefine Central Florida’s theme park landscape, presenting a formidable challenge to Walt Disney World.
As the battle for theme park dominance intensifies, Disney is making clear its commitment to innovation and expansion. Whether fans embrace or resist these sweeping changes, one thing is certain—Walt Disney World’s next era is well underway.
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