Major changes are unfolding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and guests visiting the park today are witnessing the beginning of a dramatic overhaul. Construction activity has taken over the former DinoLand U.S.A. area as Disney moves forward with plans to introduce an entirely new themed land centered on adventure and storytelling.
The biggest piece of the transformation is a new Indiana Jones attraction that will replace the long-running DINOSAUR ride. For years, the dinosaur-themed adventure served as one of the park’s signature thrill rides, but Disney is now preparing to swap prehistoric creatures for a treasure-hunting expedition led by the legendary archaeologist.
The transition began earlier this year when DINOSAUR closed after nearly 30 years of operation. The ride originally opened alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998 and quickly became known for its chaotic time-travel storyline.
Using an advanced motion vehicle ride system, guests were transported to the late Cretaceous period on a rescue mission to bring back an iguanodon before a devastating meteor strike wiped out the dinosaurs. The attraction’s combination of sudden movement, darkness, and suspense made it a memorable experience for many visitors.
But the closure was never just about retiring one ride. It signaled the next phase of a major redevelopment project that will reshape the area entirely.
Disney has confirmed that the Indiana Jones ride will be part of a new themed environment called Tropical Americas. The land will take over the space once occupied by DinoLand U.S.A. and will celebrate the cultures, wildlife, and landscapes of Central and South America.
Two major attractions are planned for the area. One will feature Indiana Jones, while the other will be based on the beloved Disney animated film Encanto (2021). Together, they are expected to serve as the centerpiece experiences for the new land.
The physical transformation continued in early February 2026 when DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed to guests. Shortly afterward, crews began dismantling many of the area’s familiar features.
Carnival-style games, themed buildings, and walkways that once defined the land quickly disappeared behind construction barriers. Imagineers and construction teams then began preparing the site for the sweeping changes ahead.
One interesting detail about the Indiana Jones attraction is that it will reuse the ride system from DINOSAUR. That system was originally derived from the same technology used in the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction at Disneyland.
These enhanced motion vehicles are designed to mimic the feeling of traveling through rugged terrain. Sharp turns, sudden jolts, and simulated drops create the sensation that riders are navigating an unpredictable environment. Because the technology was already closely tied to Indiana Jones-style adventures, adapting it for the new attraction is a natural fit.
However, Disney has stressed that the ride will not simply replicate existing Indiana Jones experiences found in other parks. Walt Disney Imagineering is developing a completely new storyline that expands the character’s world instead of recreating familiar scenes from attractions in California or Tokyo. The aim is to offer Walt Disney World guests an experience that stands on its own.
Recent construction photos shared by Bioreconstruct have provided a glimpse of the changes taking place at the former DINOSAUR show building. The exterior, once themed as the Dino Institute, is gradually being redesigned with a temple-like appearance.
Aerial images show that the building is slowly taking on the look of an ancient ruin. The entrance area is also being reshaped so that it fits the adventurous tone of the upcoming attraction rather than the modern research facility that once existed there.
Aerial photo of concrete forms in progress in front of the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom.
Aerial photo of concrete forms in progress in front of the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/OBr87Vhs6H
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 13, 2026
These visual updates tie directly into the larger narrative of Tropical Americas. Concept art for the land reveals winding jungle paths surrounded by dense greenery and a central village known as Pueblo Esperanza. The village will serve as a hub for the area, featuring architecture inspired by Latin American cultures along with restaurants and family-friendly experiences designed to bring the community setting to life.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on the Encanto-themed attraction nearby. The project has already reached significant milestones, including the installation of structural steel that will support the ride building. Walt Disney Imagineering has also started adding scenic details and show elements, signaling that the creative phase of the attraction is underway.
When completed, the Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions will define the new land and represent a major investment in the future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The development is part of a broader initiative that will bring billions of dollars in new attractions and expansions to Walt Disney World over the coming years.
Right now, guests walking through the park will see construction walls and heavy equipment dominating the former DinoLand space. Even so, the vision for what lies ahead is starting to take shape. The dinosaur-themed world that once occupied this corner of the park has effectively come to an end, making room for a new setting built around exploration, ancient legends, and cultural storytelling.
For fans of Indiana Jones, the upcoming ride promises an action-packed journey through mysterious temples and ancient ruins. For Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the transformation represents the next chapter in the park’s ongoing evolution as Tropical Americas prepares to arrive later this decade.
How do you feel about the current transformation happening at the Walt Disney World Resort's Animal Kingdom theme park? Let us know in the comments down below!
