A large transformation is underway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a newly released aerial construction video is giving fans a better understanding of how quickly the park is changing.
The former DinoLand U.S.A. section is steadily being redeveloped into a brand-new Tropical Americas land. This updated area will draw inspiration from Central and South American cultures, landscapes, and stories, replacing the long-standing dinosaur roadside theme with new environments and attractions. Guests passing through the area have already noticed extensive changes, including construction walls, altered walkways, and large equipment moving into place.
The transition has already included several key closures. The Boneyard playground officially closed on September 1, 2025, marking the end of a longtime play space for younger guests. DINOSAUR is still operating for now but is set to close on February 1, 2026. After it shuts down, the existing ride system will be reused for a completely different experience.
Walt Disney Imagineering recently shared a detailed preview of what’s ahead through a large-scale model now on display inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery. The model showcases three major upcoming additions across Walt Disney World Resort: the Tropical Americas project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc. coaster planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a Cars and Villains-themed expansion coming to Magic Kingdom.
The Tropical Americas model lays out the future land with winding paths, dense greenery, and a central hub known as Pueblo Esperanza, built around a fountain. It also features a carousel with hand-carved animal figures inspired by creatures from Disney films.
The display further confirms what will happen to the DINOSAUR attraction. Its track and ride layout will remain but will be rethemed into an Indiana Jones adventure. The land will also include a major Encanto attraction as a headlining experience, along with dining locations and other offerings Disney has not fully revealed yet.
A placard included with the model states: “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 also notes that Imagineering teams traveled for research to help shape the design and points to two signature attractions, a quick-service restaurant, the carousel, and the fountain as central features.
Overhead photos taken in October have also helped track progress. These images show that vertical construction has started on the Encanto attraction, with steel beams, concrete foundations, and early building framework now visible. Large excavation areas can also be seen, suggesting significant show elements or a large finale scene. Separate aerial images show ongoing work at the future carousel site as well.
Disney previously shared its first official construction update for the Encanto ride, confirming that the project reached a milestone when the first steel beams were installed. Walt Disney Imagineering announced on social media that the show building structure is now rising, which will house the main ride experience and serve as a centerpiece of the new land.
Story details are beginning to come into focus, too. Filmmaker Jared Bush is collaborating with Imagineering and writing original dialogue for the attraction. Rather than retelling the film’s storyline, the ride will feature new scenes and interactions with the Madrigal family created specifically for the theme park version. This follows Disney’s approach of expanding film worlds with original in-park storytelling.
As more of DinoLand U.S.A. disappears behind construction barriers, longtime visitors are remembering the land’s quirky roadside theme and distinct personality. At the same time, many are watching closely as concept art starts to become real structures across the site.
A new flyover clip from @Bioreconstruct highlights just how large the project area has become.
“Aerial video of current Animal Kingdom construction for Tropical Americas.
With a bonus look at Aladar at the Dinosaur attraction that closes in a few days.”
Aerial video of current Animal Kingdom construction for Tropical Americas.
With a bonus look at Aladar at the Dinosaur attraction that closes in a few days. pic.twitter.com/eTuDcflzM5
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 30, 2026
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has experienced major expansion before, especially with the arrival of Pandora–The World of Avatar, which helped establish the park as a full-day destination for many guests. The Tropical Americas land looks set to continue that evolution with new rides, themed spaces, and character-focused adventures tied to regional settings and nature.
Each new construction update brings the future land into clearer view. While the prehistoric theme is on its way out in this section of the park, a new chapter is steadily rising behind the walls.
How are you feeling about Animal Kingdom’s new land and its progress? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
