A new chapter is unfolding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s one that celebrates family, culture, and the magic of storytelling. The transformation of the former DinoLand U.S.A. into the vibrant Tropical Americas is now fully underway, and fans are witnessing history in the making.
Construction walls now wrap around much of the area once home to prehistoric fun, signaling the beginning of one of Disney’s most ambitious expansions in recent years. A large crane has appeared on-site, pathways are shifting, and crews are preparing the land for something entirely new. The Boneyard playground officially closed on September 1, 2025, marking a major milestone, while the beloved DINOSAUR attraction will close its doors on February 1, 2026, to make way for what’s next.
Disney has revealed that Tropical Americas will celebrate the landscapes, cultures, and stories of Central and South America. The area will feature two major attractions—an Encanto-themed ride and a new Indiana Jones adventure—along with lush pathways, a hand-carved animal carousel, a quick-service restaurant, and a central fountain inspired by the lively town square of Pueblo Esperanza.
Guests can already catch an early preview of this exciting transformation inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery, where Imagineering has unveiled a detailed model of three upcoming Disney projects: a Monsters, Inc. coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an expanded Cars-themed area for Magic Kingdom, and the breathtaking Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom.
The model gives fans their first glimpse of the new land’s design—from its lush greenery and meandering paths to the star attraction inspired by 2021’s Encanto. Nearby, guests will spot a beautifully crafted animal carousel honoring beloved Disney creatures. The placard at the display describes the new land perfectly.
“A vibrant new land is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transporting guests into the lush rainforests and exciting stories of the Tropical Americas. Extensive Imagineering research has produced a sprawling land, rich with detail and authenticity,” it reads. “It will feature a central fountain, a quick-service restaurant, a hand-carved carousel, and two signature attractions—the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through experience and a new Indiana Jones adventure unlike any other in the world.”
Beyond the construction walls, progress is accelerating. As reported by BlogMickey, new aerial images from bioreconstruct reveal that the project has entered its vertical construction phase. Steel framing, foundation work, and towering concrete walls are now visible, marking the rise of the main show building for the Encanto attraction.
Adding to the excitement, Encanto co-director and writer Jared Bush has joined Walt Disney Imagineering to help bring the world of the Madrigal family to life. Rather than simply adapting moments from the film, Bush is crafting entirely new dialogue for the attraction, ensuring a fresh and immersive experience that expands the story of Encanto in a way only Disney can.
The progress marks the close of one era and the dawn of another for Animal Kingdom. While many fans are nostalgic about saying farewell to DinoLand, the excitement for what’s coming next continues to grow. Projects like Pandora–The World of Avatar helped transform the park into a full-day destination, and Tropical Americas looks ready to continue that journey.
The cranes are up, the creative team is hard at work, and the promise of an all-new world inspired by family, heart, and adventure is taking shape right before our eyes.
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