A new era for the Animal Kingdom theme park.
Guests exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom have watched major changes unfold this year as the park prepares for its new Tropical Americas land. The former DinoLand U.S.A. is now surrounded by construction walls and heavy equipment, signaling the shift toward a land inspired by the stories and landscapes of Central and South America. The Boneyard closed September 1, 2025, and DINOSAUR will continue operating until February 1, 2026, before redevelopment begins.
While the area itself is behind barriers, a preview is available inside Walt Disney Presents. A large model showcases what is coming not only to Animal Kingdom but across Walt Disney World Resort. The display includes three distinct projects: the Tropical Americas addition, a Monsters, Inc. coaster for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a Cars expansion for Magic Kingdom.
The model of Tropical Americas highlights winding pathways, a Pueblo Esperanza plaza built around a fountain, and a hand-carved animal carousel. The official placard describes the land as a place where guests will step into the region’s rainforests and stories. It confirms plans for two primary attractions, a quick-service dining location, the carousel, and additional features yet to be revealed.
Disney also confirmed that the current DINOSAUR ride system will be repurposed for a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction, reflecting a design approach used in other park transformations. The Encanto ride stands as the headlining experience for the land.
Progress on Encanto has become easier to track thanks to recent aerial photographs. Images taken in October showed that vertical construction had begun, with steel framing and concrete walls forming the core of what many assume is the main show building. Deep excavation zones appear across the site, prompting speculation about a finale sequence or specialized ride technology. Updated photos provide a broader overview of the Encanto footprint as well as the location where the woodcarver’s carousel will sit.
Another creative development involves Jared Bush, one of the filmmakers behind 2021's Encanto. He has partnered with Imagineering to write new dialogue crafted just for the ride. The team is not recreating the film scene-for-scene, instead opting to build original moments and lines, following the evolution seen in past attraction updates.
Tropical Americas is designed to expand the park’s identity, reinforcing Animal Kingdom’s connection to wildlife, culture, and exploration. The addition follows the success of Pandora–The World of Avatar, which helped reshape how many guests experience the park. As structures take shape, the shift from early announcements to real progress becomes easier to see.
Yet even as anticipation grows, the transition brings a sense of nostalgia. DinoLand U.S.A.’s quirky charm left a mark on many longtime parkgoers. Its gradual removal brings mixed reactions, though excitement continues as fans track each milestone in the Tropical Americas project.
Day by day, the future of Animal Kingdom becomes clearer. As dinosaurs move out, stories centered on family, tradition, and adventure move in, marking the beginning of a significant new chapter.
