At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, something extraordinary is taking shape. The park’s next major expansion, Tropical Americas, is now in full motion, and the transformation of the former DinoLand U.S.A. is well underway. Guests visiting the park can already see signs of change, construction walls now line large areas, walkways are being redirected, and a towering crane marks the start of a new era for this corner of the park.
The Boneyard playground closed on September 1, 2025, serving as the first step in the transition. The DINOSAUR attraction, meanwhile, will remain open until February 1, 2026, before closing to make way for an entirely new Indiana Jones-themed adventure.
New aerial photography from bioreconstruct, reported by BlogMickey, offers the clearest look yet at how quickly progress is moving. Steel framing and concrete walls now rise where dinosaurs once roamed, signaling that the Encanto-inspired ride—set to be the land’s signature attraction—has officially entered its vertical construction phase.
In an exciting creative update, Jared Bush, co-director and writer of the original 2021 Encanto film, has joined the Imagineering team to help bring the world of the Madrigals to life. Bush is writing exclusive new dialogue for the attraction, promising an experience that expands beyond a simple retelling of the movie’s story.
Guests eager for a sneak peek can visit the Walt Disney Presents gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Imagineering has revealed a preview model of three upcoming projects. Alongside a Monsters, Inc. coaster and a Cars-themed area for Magic Kingdom, the Tropical Americas display offers a first glimpse at Animal Kingdom’s reimagined landscape.
The model features lush pathways, detailed architecture, and a central plaza named Pueblo Esperanza, complete with a decorative fountain and a hand-carved animal carousel. According to the display placard:
“A vibrant new land is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transporting guests into the lush rainforests and exciting stories of the Tropical Americas. Extensive Imagineering research has produced a sprawling land, rich with detail and authenticity,” Disney says. “It will feature a central fountain, a quick-service restaurant, a hand-carved carousel, and two signature attractions—the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through experience and a new Indiana Jones adventure unlike any other in the world.”
The broader Tropical Americas expansion aims to celebrate the people, wildlife, and natural wonders of Central and South America, blending culture, storytelling, and adventure in one seamless environment. Alongside the Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, the land will introduce new dining options and experiences yet to be revealed.
For many Disney fans, this transformation feels both exciting and nostalgic. DinoLand U.S.A. has been a park staple since Animal Kingdom’s opening, and while its playful spirit will be missed, the promise of something bold and immersive has generated tremendous anticipation.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has evolved dramatically over the years—from its early days as a so-called “half-day park” to the world-renowned destination it is today, thanks to additions like Pandora – The World of Avatar. Now, Tropical Americas stands poised to continue that evolution.
As cranes rise and foundations take shape, Disney’s vision for Animal Kingdom’s next great story is becoming clearer by the day—a vibrant world inspired by family, discovery, and the beauty of nature itself.
