Two very different adventures are on the way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the land that will house them is starting to look the part.
Tropical Americas, which is replacing DinoLand U.S.A., came into sharper focus at the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase during D23 Expo 2026, where Disney confirmed names and story details for all three attractions. Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will share headliner status, joined by El Carrusel de los Animalitos.
Into the Underworld With Indy
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent is being built on the former DINOSAUR footprint. Its story finds Indy uncovering a hidden temple passage thought to lead into the Mayan underworld, a realm guarded by a mythological creature named Tsukán. Riders are pulled through a portal into a frantic escape involving bats, scorpions, fire, and snakes, all leading to a showdown with the creature itself.
Anyone already uneasy around reptiles has been warned. According to Disney Parks Blog, the finale “will probably solidify your fear of snakes for the rest of time.” The attraction’s Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic will also be the first sculpted in Harrison Ford’s likeness.
A Celebration Inside Casita
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto invites guests into Casita to celebrate Antonio Madrigal’s gift, and the film’s voice cast is returning for the ride. “When you enter the house, you’ll board a ride vehicle meant to represent the different pieces of furniture assembled by the power of Casita to carry you through the rooms,” Disney Parks Blog wrote.
Guests will eventually arrive in Antonio’s room. “The space has been transformed into a verdant rainforest, overflowing with animal species of many shapes and sizes,” Disney Parks Blog added. “In total, there are more than 50 animals represented inside the attraction.”
Where Construction Stands
Aerial photos shared November 8 by parks photographer Bioreconstruct show a tall steel frame for Casita now rising prominently in front of the Encanto show building. Behind it, a rolling hill is taking form, its rockwork wrapped and surrounded by scaffolding, while the entrance sits to the left under a distinctive peaked roofline.
Out front, crews are constructing concrete walls that Bioreconstruct says will hold tiered, landscaped berms. The aim is forced perspective, making the house appear to sit high on a hill as it does on screen. Several curved and angular sections are already in place amid workers, rebar, and materials.
Wider shots show cranes, heavy machinery, and freshly graded pathways throughout the land. The show building’s roof is fully fitted with mechanical equipment, suggesting the enclosed portion of the attraction is well advanced while exterior theming catches up.
Indiana Jones is advancing as well. Late-September aerials from Bioreconstruct showed the temple’s colorful facade coming together, with sections sculpted and painted backstage before being craned into position above the rockwork.
A notice of commencement filed September 11, 2026, also names Buena Vista Construction Company for labor, materials, and electrical work on the Indiana Jones site. The filing is valid for one year.
What This Means for You
Guests heading to Animal Kingdom should continue to plan around construction in the former DinoLand area. Those weighing which headliner to ride first already have one useful data point: only one of them comes with a snake warning from Disney itself.
How do you feel about the progress being made at the Tropical Americas site? Let us know in the comments below!
