An aerial photo has revealed a supporting base for Walt Disney World Resort's Animal Kingdom expansion. This new information comes as Disney Experiences announced multiple closing dates for its DinoLand, U.S.A. area of the theme park.
Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro, along with Walt Disney Imagineering's Chris Beatty and Animation Studios' Jennifer Lee, shared two years ago that new areas were being considered for Animal Kingdom.
At the time, both the Moana and Zootopia franchises were teased; however, this year, the company confirmed that the Tropical Americas, featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones, would be coming to the park.
The news of these franchises taking over DinoLand, U.S.A., was not completely new—executives had shared the update at last year's Destination D23. That said, at D23 Expo 2024, D'Amaro confirmed the Tropical Americas land would be named the Pueblo Esperanza, featuring, among other things, the Casita Madrigal from Encanto (2021).
Now, aerial photos from theme park photographer Bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) have revealed where Disney will be creating the Tropical Americas.
At top of this aerial photo is site preparation for a staging area and offices. This area will support the redo of Dinoland USA into Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
1 Maharajah Jungle Trek
2 Kali River Rapids
3 Road that is part of the WDW Marathon course
At top of this aerial photo is site preparation for a staging area and offices. This area will support the redo of Dinoland USA into Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
1 Maharajah Jungle Trek
2 Kali River Rapids
3 Road that is part of the WDW Marathon course pic.twitter.com/azf1key1h4— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 14, 2024
The photographer also shared a close-up of the staging area:
Ah! Best photo I have of the staging area.
Ah! Best photo I have of the staging area. pic.twitter.com/DnL8Jxc47K
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 14, 2024
At the time these photos were shared online, the closing dates for multiple DinoLand experiences were confirmed. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures will close on January 12, 2025. “DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites stay open for now,” Scott Gustin wrote.
Along with the closures at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney also confirmed that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for an extended period at Magic Kingdom Park, beginning January 6, 2025, and lasting indefinitely. The only hint of a reopening date for the classic Frontierland attraction is sometime in 2026.
“Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort,” Disney Parks Blog wrote on the upcoming Tropical Americas land.
Disney added: “The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.”
The House of Mouse confirmed that the two “signature” attractions would include one themed to the Indiana Jones franchise and another—a ride-through experience involving the animal-speaking Antonio's bedroom—from the Encanto movie.
The Tropical Americas land is expected to open in 2027.
How do you feel about the Tropical Americas land coming to Disney World's Animal Kingdom?
