Concrete Walls Rise at Animal Kingdom: New Structures Emerge as 2027 Opening Draws Near
Walt Disney World guests have spent the last several years watching construction walls spread across nearly every corner of the resort. Magic Kingdom is reshaping Frontierland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues adding new experiences, and EPCOT has already undergone major changes of its own. But now, one of the biggest projects currently underway is becoming impossible to ignore.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is transforming rapidly as work continues on the future Tropical Americas land, and recent aerial imagery is finally giving fans a better sense of the project’s scale. For a long time, most of the activity remained hidden behind walls and trees. Now, visible structures are beginning to rise across the former DinoLand U.S.A. footprint.
With Disney still targeting a 2027 opening, the project suddenly feels much further along than many expected.
DinoLand U.S.A. Is Almost Unrecognizable
For many longtime Disney fans, DinoLand U.S.A. always felt like one of the strangest areas in Animal Kingdom. The carnival-style atmosphere, colorful midway games, and aging roadside aesthetic gave the land a personality completely different from the rest of the park.
Now, most of it is disappearing.
Disney officially closed the land to begin work on Tropical Americas, which will bring both Encanto and Indiana Jones into Animal Kingdom. Since then, demolition crews have moved quickly through the area.
Overhead imagery shows just how much has already been removed. Large sections of pathways and themed structures have vanished entirely, leaving behind open construction zones filled with dirt piles, equipment, and exposed ground.
Restaurantosaurus remains one of the more recognizable surviving structures, though even that area now sits surrounded by major demolition activity. Compared to earlier this year, the land already looks dramatically different.
And that is only the beginning.
Aerial photo of the former Restaurantosaurus. To be rethemed for Tropical Americas. pic.twitter.com/Ka42iArQuR
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 30, 2026
Indiana Jones Is Starting To Take Shape
One of the most anticipated additions coming to Tropical Americas is the new Indiana Jones attraction, replacing DINOSAUR.
Disney previously confirmed that the attraction would reuse the existing ride system and building layout from DINOSAUR. Still, the experience itself will feature an entirely original storyline built specifically for Animal Kingdom. Instead of recreating Disneyland’s attraction, Disney plans to send guests into a newly discovered Maya temple hidden deep in the rainforest.
Now, construction tied to that storyline is becoming visible.
Aerial photos of steel frame for the Mayan Pyramid that will be in front of the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/iG64tGRACF
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 30, 2026
Recent aerial images appear to show a steel framework rising within the future attraction area, giving fans an early look at how large the project may become. Disney has not revealed every detail about the attraction yet, but the visible structural work is enough to show that major progress is underway.
The former DINOSAUR area already felt different after Disney removed the signs and thematic elements associated with the attraction. But seeing new construction physically rise above the site makes it feel much more permanent.
For fans who grew up riding DINOSAUR, the change may still feel bittersweet. Still, Disney appears fully committed to reshaping this entire section of Animal Kingdom around Tropical Americas.
Aerial photos of work for the carousel in Tropical Americas. pic.twitter.com/5XHCx9UsYj
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 30, 2026
Encanto Construction Is Moving Fast Too
While Indiana Jones may grab most of the attention, Disney is also making noticeable progress on the future Encanto attraction.
Disney previously announced that guests would enter the world of the Madrigal family and experience Antonio’s rainforest-themed room filled with magical animals. The attraction is expected to become one of the visual centerpieces of Tropical Americas.
Now, construction for that area is becoming much easier to spot.
Overhead images appear to show concrete walls rising for the future Casita structure, with the layout of La Casa Madrigal slowly becoming easier to identify. Even though construction remains in relatively early stages, the project is clearly moving beyond basic demolition and land clearing.
Fans have responded positively to the idea of bringing Encanto into Animal Kingdom because the film naturally fits the park’s atmosphere. The tropical setting, colorful environments, and strong connection to animals all feel like a natural match for Disney’s most immersive park.
Based on the latest construction progress, Disney appears to be moving aggressively toward bringing that vision to life.
Aerial photo of concrete walls recently cast for Casita (La Casa Madrigal). In front of the Encanto ride in Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/4v1rN1V3kK
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 30, 2026
Tropical Americas Continues Expanding
Disney has already confirmed that Tropical Americas will include far more than just two rides.
The new land is expected to feature themed shopping, dining, interactive play areas, and a carousel inspired by Disney animals. Recent aerial images even appear to show an early framework in place for the future carousel area.
That larger approach could become one of the land’s biggest strengths once it opens. Disney is not simply dropping attractions into the former DinoLand footprint. The company appears focused on creating a fully themed environment that feels alive from every angle.
For a while, Tropical Americas mostly existed as concept art and announcements shown during Disney presentations. Now, though, the construction progress feels much more tangible.
With steel structures rising, concrete walls appearing, and demolition continuing across the site, Disney’s planned 2027 opening no longer feels far away.
Instead, Tropical Americas is beginning to look like the future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
