Walt Disney World is officially saying goodbye to its prehistoric past and welcoming a vibrant new future. With DinoLand U.S.A. now closed, the demolition dust is settling at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, making way for one of the most anticipated theme park expansions in recent history: Tropical Americas.
Set to open in 2027, this immersive 11-acre land will invite guests into Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional, bustling village celebrating the architecture, culture, and spirit of Central and South America. Featuring two massive E-ticket attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, the area promises to be a monumental game-changer for the park.
While a 2027 grand opening might seem like a long wait, Walt Disney Imagineering is moving at full speed. Physical structures are already piercing the Animal Kingdom skyline, transforming the park’s landscape day by day. Here is a complete breakdown of the latest construction progress at Tropical Americas.
The Gateway to Pueblo Esperanza
If you walk past the construction walls today, the physical footprint of the new village is impossible to miss. One of the most striking developments is the sudden appearance of a massive steel entryway gate.
From the main guest pathway, its towering scale is undeniable. The framework consists of tall rectangular sections connected by a broad upper beam. Two diagonal braces form a distinct angular opening directly through the center of the structure. While it currently consists of exposed steel framing, it is incredibly easy to visualize how this massive piece will eventually become the welcoming threshold into Pueblo Esperanza.
Just a few steps away, at a secondary entrance, construction crews have erected a pair of large concrete columns, currently wrapped in heavy scaffolding. Nearby, shorter concrete elements with distinctively uneven tops are also taking shape. Imagineering is clearly designing these specific structures to resemble ancient, partially collapsing stone ruins, establishing a rich historical backstory for the village before guests even reach the main plaza.
The Woodcarver’s Carousel Takes Shape
For families, one of the most anticipated visual updates is the rapid progress on the centerpiece flat ride on the land: a massive, intricately detailed carousel. According to Disney’s official lore for the land, this ride is a passion project built by a local Pueblo Esperanza woodcarver. Upon completion, it will feature beautiful, handcrafted-style animals, including the beloved bird Kevin from Pixar’s Up.
Work is advancing quickly on the carousel’s expansive roof structure. Wooden rafters now stretch across the perimeter, forming sloped roof sections that rest on sturdy masonry walls. The main circular canopy over the ride mechanism itself has seen the most dramatic progress.
Back in July, the core slanted beams forming the primary roof were hoisted into place. More recently, crews successfully installed a large prefabricated upper section directly at the center of the canopy. Furthermore, recent aerial views show that the foundation for the carousel’s queue has been positioned perfectly beside the main attraction, ensuring guests are shaded from the harsh Florida sun.
Hiding the Magic: Show Buildings and Rockwork
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is famous for its lush environments and seamless thematic integration. To ensure Tropical Americas meets this notoriously high standard, Imagineers are deploying some classic Disney magic to hide the land’s massive attraction-show buildings.
Deeper inside the construction zone, new pointed rockwork formations are starting to rise between the scaffolding. These narrow, gray forms feature sharply tapered tops and rough, uneven textures. Rather than serving as freestanding pathway decor, these jagged structures are being strategically installed along the roofline and exterior walls of the massive new Encanto dark ride building. By using forced perspective and artificial rockwork, Imagineering effectively disguises the industrial warehouse structure, ensuring it blends seamlessly into the horizon.
Crucially, the park’s natural environment is also being protected and utilized. Massive, mature trees that were preserved during the DinoLand U.S.A. demolition—or carefully transplanted—are actively being integrated into the new landscape. These trees will help bridge the gap between the artificial rockwork and the park’s existing forests.
What Else is Coming to Tropical Americas?
The visible progress on the towering gates and the carousel is incredibly exciting, but the best is yet to come. As the 2027 opening approaches, guests can look forward to several major additions:
- A Journey into the Casita: A groundbreaking Encanto dark ride where guests will join Antonio Madrigal as his magical room transforms into an expansive rainforest.
- A New Adventure for Dr. Jones: A completely reimagined Indiana Jones thrill ride. Taking over the former DINOSAUR track-and-ride system, this attraction will send guests on a brand-new archaeological expedition.
- A Sprawling Hacienda Eatery: A massive quick-service dining location designed to look like a historic, open-air hacienda.
- An Interactive Playground: A brand-new themed play area for younger explorers, replacing the footprint of The Boneyard.
With its rapid construction pace and ambitious scale, Tropical Americas is well on its way to becoming a crown jewel of Walt Disney World. We will continue to bring you the latest updates as Pueblo Esperanza rises from the ground!
