By now, it’s no secret that Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is due for some changes, but nobody is entirely sure what the new theme will be.
It was recently announced at a D23 Expo event that Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. would be demolished and replaced with an entirely new land. At the time, both a Moana (2016) and a Zootopia (2016) themed area were mentioned.
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However, there’s been little update on the proposed theme for a new Animal Kingdom area since then. As DinoLand U.S.A. is slowly demolished, Guests and fans wonder what’ll happen to the Park’s iconic, prehistoric land.
Many are expecting a new themed land in the Disney Park to follow the overall animal theme. Any new attractions and themes should be connected with the themes of conservation and appreciation for nature.
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As for Pandora The World of Avatar, while Guests may be unable to find a real animal in the themed land, the connection between the Avatar franchise and conservation efforts is easy.
However, Guests may have a more challenging time finding the connection between Animal Kingdom and Coco (2017). Except, that’s precisely what this Walt Disney Imagineer has proposed in his sketch:
While opposed to bringing in animated characters into Animal Kingdom, this sketch shows a how to divide Dino Land. Moana in a lush environment with a water ride, and a Coco redo of 'Dinosaur' with sort of Mexico/Central America vibe. #WDW #AnimalKingdom pic.twitter.com/5RN8vDloT6
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) May 11, 2023
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Just so you know, this is not an official announcement, nor is this concept associated with the Walt Disney Company. It’s just the personal ideas being expressed by Walt Disney Imagineer Jim Shull.
Shull proposes that DinoLand U.S.A. could be divided into two different areas, with a Moana attraction on one side and a Coco attraction on the other, with a South American theme. While a South American theme could quickly introduce new animals into the Disney Park, many fans are having a hard time finding a connection between Coco and the animal-themed Park.
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What do you think about this idea? How would you re-design Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A.?