Pueblo Esperanza: A New Dawn Rises Over Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A sweeping new vision is coming to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the vibrant cultures and landscapes of the Tropical Americas will soon take center stage in a newly imagined land called Pueblo Esperanza. This transformation marks the park’s next chapter as it bids farewell to the long-standing DinoLand U.S.A. area.
The reimagining was first teased nearly three years ago when Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, took the stage alongside Chris Beatty from Walt Disney Imagineering and Jennifer Lee of Walt Disney Animation Studios. At the time, early concept explorations included possible adventures themed to Moana and Zootopia. Since then, Disney has confirmed a bold, definitive path forward, with updates revealed at Destination D23 and the D23 Expo.
Among the standout attractions coming to Pueblo Esperanza is a magical experience set within the world of Encanto. Guests will step into the captivating Casa Madrigal, brought to life with rich storytelling and stunning visuals celebrating the culture and spirit of the region. Not far from there, an exhilarating Indiana Jones-themed ride will invite adventurers to embark on a quest worthy of the silver screen icon.
But there’s more than thrilling rides on the horizon. As Disney Parks Blog detailed in August, Pueblo Esperanza “feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.” Anchored by a central fountain, the setting will offer guests a relaxing, lush gathering space. A beautifully carved carousel, crafted by a skilled woodworker and featuring beloved animals from Disney’s stories, will be one of the land’s signature elements.
As work continues behind the scenes, aerial photos shared by Bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) last year show the active transition taking place on the site. The first major closures were announced for January 13, 2025, with TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures all set to permanently shut their doors. The popular DINOSAUR attraction will remain in operation through 2025, with a final closure likely in 2026 to make way for the Indiana Jones adventure ride.
The transformation has also meant shifts for character appearances. In January, the Goofy and Pluto meet-and-greet known for its Bird-Watching and Bone-Digging theme moved to a new home outside Restaurantosaurus. More recently, Pluto’s solo greeting spot in DinoLand was also closed, with the beloved pup now greeting guests at the Oasis. Meanwhile, reports suggest that The Lion King’s Timon and Rafiki haven’t appeared in the park since May 10.
Another update is happening near the Tree of Life, where It’s Tough to Be a Bug! has closed permanently. The attraction will be replaced by Zootopia: Better Together, expected to debut in Winter 2025. Permits filed in March 2025 reveal infrastructure work underway to support this exciting addition.
The evolution of Animal Kingdom aligns with Disney’s larger plan to refresh and reimagine experiences across the resort. Josh D’Amaro reflected on this effort during last year’s INBOUND conference, acknowledging that Disney may not always get it right, but emphasized Disney’s commitment to creating magical moments for the next generation of fans.
Though Pueblo Esperanza is set to open in 2027, its vision is already inspiring anticipation. With cultural depth, immersive design, and thrilling adventures ahead, this new land promises to become a treasured part of the park’s future.
What do you think about DinoLand U.S.A.’s transformation and the road ahead for Animal Kingdom? Share your thoughts with us below!
