The transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is well underway as part of a broader overhaul aimed at bringing a fresh and vibrant experience to the park. As crews continue to clear the area for the upcoming Tropical Americas expansion, the queue for the popular TriceraTop Spin ride has officially been demolished, marking another significant step in the park’s evolution.
End of the TriceraTop Spin Queue
The changes at Dinoland U.S.A. have been swift and noticeable. Earlier this month, Disney removed the Fossil Fun Games, a beloved part of the area, and now, as of February 24, the queue for TriceraTop Spin has been fully torn down. For many guests, this marks the end of an era, as the queue for the spin ride was a familiar and iconic part of Animal Kingdom.
As part of the construction process, red excavators are now stationed behind the construction walls, signaling that work is progressing on what is set to become one of Disney’s most exciting expansions. Though much of the area is undergoing a major transformation, some pieces of the former attraction still stand, including the “Cementosaurus,” which remains visible, though its future is uncertain.
Interestingly, while much of Dinoland is being erased to make way for Tropical Americas, some remnants of the past remain, such as the billboards at the back of the area. These classic elements serve as a reminder of the area’s history, even as it’s being reimagined for a new era.
Tropical Americas: A Bold New Future for Animal Kingdom
The major shift at Dinoland U.S.A. isn’t just about tearing down old structures—it’s about creating something new and exciting for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During the 2023 D23 Expo, Disney announced that the park’s current dinosaur-themed area would be replaced by Tropical Americas, a 11-acre land celebrating the rich cultures, landscapes, and wildlife of Central and South America.
The new area, officially named Pueblo Esperanza (meaning “Village of Hope”), is set to be a highly immersive environment that reflects Disney’s commitment to creating authentic, lived-in spaces within its theme parks. The land will feature natural elements like lush greenery, a central fountain, and a variety of themed dining and shopping options. A large hacienda will serve as one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, while a new family-friendly carousel featuring wood-carved Disney animals will provide entertainment for younger guests.
But perhaps the most exciting part of the Tropical Americas expansion is the new attractions that are set to anchor this reimagined area. Two major rides are already in the works, one inspired by Indiana Jones and the other by Encanto.
New Attractions Coming to Pueblo Esperanza: Indiana Jones and Encanto
The Indiana Jones attraction, set to debut in Pueblo Esperanza, promises to be a completely unique experience. Disney has made it clear that this ride will not be a clone of any existing Indiana Jones attraction at other Disney parks. Instead, it will feature an entirely new storyline, where guests join Indiana Jones on a thrilling adventure into a Maya temple, hoping to uncover a legendary creature that’s rumored to reside within. Fans of the franchise can expect a completely immersive experience filled with excitement, danger, and plenty of surprises.
On the other side of the expansion, the Encanto franchise will receive its own dedicated ride-through attraction. This will be the first Encanto-themed ride in any Disney park, and it promises to immerse guests in the magical world of the Madrigal family. Guests will step into the Casita and follow Antonio, the youngest Madrigal, as he explores his special gift of communicating with animals. The ride will take visitors through vibrant, colorful landscapes as they interact with the various magical family members and experience the enchantment that made Encanto such a global hit.
Animal Kingdom’s Ongoing Transformation
While the Tropical Americas expansion will take a few years to fully unfold, Animal Kingdom isn’t waiting to bring fresh experiences to guests. A new attraction is set to debut in the Tree of Life Theater in 2024: Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a show featuring beloved characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The show will explore the different biomes from the world of Zootopia, offering an interactive and engaging experience for guests.
The Zootopia show will replace It’s Tough to Be a Bug, which has been a staple in the park for many years. This new show is just one example of Disney’s ongoing commitment to refreshing Animal Kingdom and offering guests new, immersive experiences that reflect the park’s emphasis on conservation, adventure, and storytelling.
What’s Next for Animal Kingdom?
With so much change happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the next few years are shaping up to be an exciting time for the park. Fans of the current attractions will have plenty of time to say their goodbyes, but they’ll also have the chance to experience an entirely new world filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and thrilling adventures. Whether it’s the immersive Pueblo Esperanza land, the Indiana Jones ride, or the magical Encanto attraction, Animal Kingdom’s future is filled with promise.
As the park continues to evolve, Disney fans can rest assured that the magic of Animal Kingdom will endure, blending beloved elements of the past with exciting new offerings for years to come.
