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Disney’s Big Animal Kingdom Expansion: What You Haven’t Seen Yet!

Entrance to DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom
Credit: Becky Burkett

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set for an exciting transformation, as aerial photos recently unveiled the groundwork for the park’s latest expansion. With the closing dates of several DinoLand, U.S.A. attractions now confirmed, the stage is set for a brand-new area themed around Disney’s Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises.

Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life

Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

This expansion has been in the works for a few years. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, first hinted at changes during a presentation with Walt Disney Imagineering’s Chris Beatty and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Jennifer Lee.

During the early talks, fans were teased with the possibility of Moana or Zootopia making their way into the park. However, Disney confirmed over the last year that the Tropical Americas would be the inspiration for a new land featuring both Encanto and Indiana Jones.

The news of these franchises taking over DinoLand, U.S.A. was initially teased during last year’s Destination D23. But this year’s D23 Expo brought a firm confirmation from D’Amaro that the new area, titled Pueblo Esperanza, would be home to Encanto’s Casita Madrigal, among other exciting features.

Concept art of Encanto's Casita Madrigal at Disney World

Credit: Disney

In the meantime, theme park photographer Bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) captured a series of aerial shots that provide a first look at the project’s development. The photos show site preparations for offices and staging areas that will support the overhaul of DinoLand, U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas.

As described by Bioreconstruct:

 At the top of this aerial photo is site preparation for a staging area and offices. This area will support the redo of DinoLand USA into Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In conjunction with these visuals, Disney announced that several DinoLand, U.S.A. attractions will officially close on January 12, 2025. Attractions set to close include TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. Some favorites, such as DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, and Restaurantosaurus, will remain open temporarily. As Scott Gustin noted, “DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites stay open for now.”

Additionally, Magic Kingdom’s iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will also close for an extended period starting January 6, 2025, with a reopening expected sometime in 2026. These closures signal Disney’s commitment to revamping its beloved attractions while introducing new, immersive experiences for visitors.

DINOSAUR attraction

Credit: Inside the Magic

Pueblo Esperanza promises to be a vibrant, immersive land, with Disney creating a space that feels deeply rooted in storytelling and culture.

As Disney Parks Blog describes it, “Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.”

The lush area will feature a large fountain at its center, where villagers gather to share stories. Additionally, there will be a giant working carousel carved by a woodworker who incorporated his favorite Disney animals into the design—a fresh spin on a classic ride for families.

Entrance to DinoLand, U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom

Credit: Becky Burkett

Fans are also eagerly anticipating the two signature attractions confirmed for the Tropical Americas land. The first will be a thrilling Indiana Jones adventure, while the second promises an enchanting ride-through experience set in Antonio’s bedroom from Encanto, where guests will enter a magical world of talking animals.

Although the Tropical Americas land isn’t slated to open until 2027, excitement is already building as Disney continues to expand and reimagine its parks. As the transformation from DinoLand, U.S.A. to Pueblo Esperanza unfolds, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Animal Kingdom’s evolution.

What are your thoughts on this bold new direction for Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

About Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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