Disney World Demolition Plan Gets Update as Multiple Closures Now Just Two Months Away
At this year’s D23 Expo 2024, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro captured the spirit of Disney Imagineering, sharing that “Imagineers dream, create, design, and build these stories into real places.” D’Amaro also confirmed that every project announced was now in “active development.”
Disney fans are all too familiar with announcements that hint at big ideas, only to shift or go quiet later on. However, with the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom into the Tropical Americas—including the magic of Encanto and Indiana Jones—it’s clear this time Disney is committed. New permits even give a first glimpse at how the area’s transformation will unfold.
Back in 2022, D’Amaro, alongside Disney visionaries Jennifer Lee and Chris Beatty, floated an early Animal Kingdom concept. The possibility of Zootopia or Moana joining the park thrilled fans. Fast-forward to Destination D23 in 2023, and Disney switched gears, announcing the Tropical Americas area for DinoLand, which then only “considered” Encanto and Indiana Jones. In 2024, both franchises were locked in as confirmed plans, with the reimagined land set to be called Pueblo Esperanza.
The DINOSAUR attraction, a classic Animal Kingdom thrill, will be reimagined with an Indiana Jones theme, and a Disney Experiences-first Encanto attraction will feature the Casita Madrigal, the iconic home of the Madrigal family from Disney’s viral animated movie.
Disney will retire some favorite experiences to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, which it calls an area with “two signature attractions.” TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will permanently close on January 13, while the fates of locations such as DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus remain to be seen.
“Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history—plus, there’s a large hacienda that will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort,” Disney Parks Blog shares. “The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories.”
It’s clear Disney World guests will be drawn not only by Pueblo Esperanza’s Encanto and Indiana Jones adventures but also by its atmosphere, designed to immerse visitors in a detailed, storied world.
Disney is adding even more family-friendly magic to Pueblo Esperanza, with a local woodcarver crafting a one-of-a-kind carousel that features beloved Disney animals. Young families will find this attraction’s reimagined take on the classic carousel especially enchanting. To make room, Disney is clearing out the remnants of DinoLand U.S.A., U.S.A., and the new demolition permit reveals what’s in store.
“The permit’s site demolition plan reveals the first areas set for removal, focusing on Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, including its carnival-style Fossil Fun Games, the TriceraTop Spin ride, and the Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop,” reports WDWMagic. “The permit also addresses environmental impacts and measures to protect surrounding areas during the project, which aligns with Disney’s commitment to maintaining Animal Kingdom’s focus on conservation,” the outlet added.
Following the D23 Expo, Disney teased new details for its headlining attractions. The Indiana Jones-themed ride promises to be “different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world,” while the Encanto attraction will take guests on a journey through Antonio Madrigal’s rainforest bedroom.
The Tropical Americas expansion is set to welcome visitors in 2027, bringing a brand-new immersive experience to Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing a sweeping transformation, and Animal Kingdom is just the beginning–Disney is setting its sights on Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Soon, Cars franchise characters and the Disney Villains will make their debut there, adding a fresh twist to the park’s classic theme.
In addition to the changes at DinoLand and Frontierland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will welcome the first Monsters, Inc.-themed roller coaster in any Disney park, marking a thrilling new chapter for fans of the Pixar franchise.
At this year’s INBOUND festival, Josh D’Amaro remarked that while not all Disney projects land equally with fans, the company is always planning for the next generation of park-goers. So, will these bold changes leave a lasting impact?
What’s your take on the sweeping transformations at Walt Disney World Resort?
