The next chapter of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is becoming clearer as construction advances throughout the former DinoLand U.S.A. area. What once held a prehistoric theme is shifting toward the Tropical Americas, a land shaped by the cultures and landscapes of Central and South America.
Recent developments can be seen even before stepping inside an attraction queue. Pathway detours, active work zones, and rising steel mark the forward movement of the project. One turning point arrived on September 1, 2025, with the final day of The Boneyard playground. Another milestone is coming soon: DINOSAUR will remain open through February 1, 2026, before Imagineering begins reusing its ride system for a new Indiana Jones experience.
More details about the project recently appeared inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery. Walt Disney Imagineering introduced a detailed model that spans three upcoming offerings across Walt Disney World Resort: the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, the Cars-themed addition at Magic Kingdom, and a Monsters, Inc. coaster for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For Tropical Americas, the display includes dense greenery, meandering walkways, a Pueblo Esperanza plaza with a fountain, and a hand-carved carousel modeled after classic Disney animal characters.
A nearby placard expands on the design direction, explaining that Imagineering research in the region shaped the land’s development. It also highlights the two main attractions, a quick-service location, the carousel, and the fountain as foundational elements.
Aerial photography captured in October has provided further insight. Shots show vertical steel rising for the Encanto attraction’s future show building, along with visible foundations and concrete structures. Large excavation areas nearby have prompted discussion among fans about potential ride features, possibly tied to the finale or a new ride system. Additional images reveal continued ground preparation for the upcoming carousel.
Disney has now offered an official update as well. In a social media post, Walt Disney Imagineering confirmed that the Encanto attraction has gone vertical, celebrating the first steel installation. This will form the core of the land’s signature experience.
The creative scope of the Encanto ride also continues to take shape. Filmmaker Jared Bush is partnering with Imagineering to craft original lines and scenes. The attraction will introduce new narrative elements rather than recreating the film, similar to how other Disney attractions have expanded familiar stories.
With each step forward, park guests reflect on the legacy of DinoLand U.S.A. and its unique identity. At the same time, many look toward the future as physical structures rise and the park continues its evolution following the impact of Pandora–The World of Avatar. Through the work of Imagineers, cranes, and construction teams, new stories are beginning to emerge.
