A new era is taking shape at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as work progresses on the Tropical Americas reimagining. While the transformation has been gradually unfolding, the latest developments make clear that the former DinoLand U.S.A. is now firmly stepping into its next chapter.
Guests walking through the park have witnessed the shift. Construction walls guide foot traffic, cranes rise above the treetops, and familiar paths continue to change. The Boneyard playground closed on September 1, 2025, concluding its long run, while DINOSAUR is scheduled to operate through February 1, 2026. After that date, the ride system will begin its transition into a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction.
Inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery, Walt Disney Imagineering has introduced a model previewing several projects at Walt Disney World Resort. Among them is the Tropical Americas land, which showcases winding paths, thick vegetation, a new Pueblo Esperanza plaza with a fountain, and a hand-carved carousel inspired by animals from classic Disney stories. Also featured in the display are the Monsters, Inc. coaster headed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a Cars-themed space for Magic Kingdom.
A placard near the model outlines the Tropical Americas vision, noting Imagineering research in Central and South America and listing two headline attractions, a quick-service location, the carousel, and the fountain as key components. The model also makes clear that DINOSAUR’s physical ride system will serve as the base for the Indiana Jones attraction, while the Encanto ride will anchor the new land.
Recent aerial photographs captured in October have offered even more detail. Vertical steel framing has appeared at the Encanto site, marking the early shaping of the show building. Concrete work, foundations, and deep excavation zones are also visible, prompting speculation about the ride’s finale or possible advanced ride elements. Additional aerial views show progress at the carousel site, where groundwork continues.
Walt Disney Imagineering then shared its first official look at the Encanto ride construction. Posted on social media, the update celebrated the project’s move into vertical development and highlighted the first steel placement. This structure will eventually form the centerpiece attraction for the land.
Creative momentum also continues behind the scenes. Filmmaker Jared Bush, who co-wrote 2021’s Encanto, is collaborating with Imagineering to craft original dialogue for the new attraction. The experience will not retell the film but will introduce new scenes and lines designed exclusively for the ride, following a similar approach to other attractions that expanded their stories rather than duplicating them.
As the Tropical Americas grows, fans reflect on the DinoLand U.S.A. era and its quirky personality. Yet many visitors are drawn to what lies ahead, especially as Animal Kingdom evolves in ways similar to the transformation sparked by Pandora–The World of Avatar. Little by little, the cranes, crews, and Imagineers are shaping a refreshed vision for the park.
