Walt Disney World Resort has broken ground on a major transformation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the fourth Central Florida Disney park.
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort announced that DinoLand U.S.A. would be replaced with a brand-new land inspired by the Tropical Americas called Pueblo Esperanza. The overhaul will include two Encanto (2021)-themed rides and a reimagined Indiana Jones version of the current DINOSAUR attraction.
Since the announcement, significant changes have been underway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. In January, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (including the Fossil Fun Games) shut down, and construction walls went up. As the bulldozers moved in, much of the area was cleared, leaving a vast expanse of empty dirt.
While construction slowed for a few months, the latest aerial photos have confirmed that progress is picking up again. Disney Dining recently reported that permits were filed to build construction trailers near the Encanto site and an Imagineering base behind Expedition Everest, indicating that preparations for the new area are well underway.
Aerial shots shared by X (formerly Twitter) user @bioreconstruct show that the berm and retaining wall that once separated DinoLand U.S.A. from backstage areas have been demolished.
Aerial photos of where a berm and part of a retaining wall have been removed at the Encanto ride site in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
One photo reveals that a new retaining wall has been installed. This wall will likely serve as the dividing line between backstage and onstage areas in the future Pueblo Esperanza.
Aerial photo of the Encanto ride site in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In addition to the structural changes, Imagineers have also begun testing paint colors, layout designs, and other scenic elements for the new land. Reports from BlogMickey confirm that these design elements are currently being worked on in a backstage area near Expedition Everest. As these elements are finalized, they’ll eventually make their way into the actual park to complete the immersive experience that will define Pueblo Esperanza.
While the transformation is expected to wrap up by 2027, Walt Disney World Resort has not announced an exact grand opening date yet. The rest of DinoLand U.S.A. will close in stages. The Boneyard play area is slated to close permanently on September 2, 2025, while DINOSAUR and some of the remaining Quick Service dining spots will remain operational through early 2026.
Have you had a chance to say goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A.? In the comments, share your favorite memories of the land with Disney Dining!
