As part of the highly anticipated redevelopment of Dinoland U.S.A., Walt Disney World has begun the process of clearing the area for the upcoming Tropical Americas expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The changes have come quickly, and as of February 24, the queue for TriceraTop Spin, a classic attraction in the park, has been completely demolished.
TriceraTop Spin Queue Completely Demolished
Disney fans have noticed a significant shift in the landscape of Animal Kingdom. Last week, Disney had already taken down a portion of the TriceraTop Spin queue and removed the Fossil Fun Games, and now, the demolition of the remaining queue area has been completed. While this marks the end of a beloved part of the park, the changes are part of Disney’s broader vision to revitalize this section of the park.
Behind construction walls, red excavators are still parked, signaling the ongoing work that is being done in preparation for the new attractions and environments that will define the Tropical Americas area. The iconic “Cementosaurus” is still standing for now, though it’s uncertain how much longer it will remain in place. The billboards at the back of the area have yet to be removed, holding on to some nostalgic charm as the park enters its next phase.
Tropical Americas to Replace Dinoland U.S.A.
The transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. into Tropical Americas is the latest major project for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During the D23 Expo in 2023, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, announced that construction would begin this fall on a brand-new themed land called Pueblo Esperanza, meaning “Village of Hope.” This new area will showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Tropical Americas region.
Pueblo Esperanza will be an 11-acre, immersive environment designed to complement the park’s other lands, offering a place that feels authentic and steeped in history. As visitors pass through a grand archway at the entrance, they will enter a vibrant village complete with a central fountain and lush landscaping.
New Attractions and Dining Experiences Coming
As part of the expansion, Pueblo Esperanza will introduce two major attractions that fans are eagerly awaiting. The first is a brand-new Indiana Jones-themed ride. Disney assures us that this attraction will be entirely unique, not a mere copy of the existing Indiana Jones rides at other parks. Instead, this thrilling adventure will have guests join Indiana Jones as he delves deep into a Maya temple in search of a mythical creature.
The second major addition will be the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through experience. This attraction will take guests into the heart of the Madrigal family’s home, the magical Casita. Visitors will have the chance to explore Antonio’s room, which has been transformed into a vibrant rainforest where guests will meet other members of the Madrigal family and experience the magic that made the movie such a global sensation.
In addition to these attractions, Pueblo Esperanza will feature a beautiful hacienda-style quick-service restaurant, one of the largest at Walt Disney World. Families will also be able to enjoy a new wood-carved carousel featuring Disney animals, including a bright and colorful wood-carved Kevin from the film Up.
Zootopia Show Coming to Animal Kingdom
While the Tropical Americas expansion is still a few years away, Animal Kingdom has some other exciting updates on the horizon. Starting in the winter of 2024, the Tree of Life Theater will host a new show, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug with Zootopia: Better Zoogether!. This new experience will feature Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other popular characters from the Zootopia film as they explore different biomes from the movie in an interactive and educational setting.
Disney’s commitment to keeping Animal Kingdom fresh and exciting is evident with these upcoming updates, and fans of both classic and new Disney franchises will have plenty to look forward to in the coming years. With the Tropical Americas expansion and the upcoming Zootopia show, Animal Kingdom continues to evolve as a park that celebrates wildlife, culture, and adventure. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as these new projects take shape!
