Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World has always been a standout park for its commitment to storytelling, conservation, and thrilling attractions. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve to the mythical thrills of Expedition Everest, the park delivers an immersive experience unlike any other.
Now, with the announcement of the Tropical Americas retheme, fans are debating the future of the park—particularly the proposed Indiana Jones overlay of DINOSAUR.
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In August 2024, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro unveiled plans to replace DinoLand U.S.A. with a new land inspired by the Tropical Americas. This vibrant area promises to celebrate the cultures, environments, and stories of Central and South America, offering two marquee attractions: one based on Disney’s Encanto (2021) and another rumored to reimagine the DINOSAUR ride as an Indiana Jones-themed adventure.
While the announcement initially generated excitement, recent developments have sparked skepticism about the project’s future.
Indiana Jones Overlay: A Divisive Prospect
The proposed Indiana Jones overlay has divided fans from the start. On one hand, the idea of bringing the famed archaeologist to Animal Kingdom is enticing. However, critics argue that the franchise lacks the cultural and thematic relevance to the Tropical Americas concept.
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Recent developments have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the Indiana Jones overlay. Disney has confirmed that DINOSAUR will remain operational through 2025, and the return of the Alioramus animatronic—a beloved feature removed during refurbishment—suggests that the ride may not be going anywhere anytime soon.
X (formerly Twitter) user @DisneyDan believes that these moves by Disney are an indicator that the planned Indiana Jones retheme won’t actually happen.
They are going to cancel the Indiana Jones overlay of Dinosaur before this Animal Kingdom refresh is over.
Dinorama is cooked for Tropical America but Dinosaur isn’t going to go anywhere. Just a hunch.
They are going to cancel the Indiana Jones overlay of Dinosaur before this Animal Kingdom refresh is over.
Dinorama is cooked for Tropical America but Dinosaur isn’t going to go anywhere. Just a hunch.
— Disney Dan Becker (@DisneyDan) December 20, 2024
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Others have suggested an alternative approach: updating DINOSAUR to fit seamlessly into the new Tropical Americas theme without erasing its identity. User @AParkMind shared:
I agree, If i were disney I would don’t retheme dinosaur and just theme it to fit the tropical america land. Then after encanto and the rest of the land opens see if the better offering cause higher wait times for dinosaur and if not retheme the ride as originally planned
I agree, If i were disney I would don’t retheme dinosaur and just theme it to fit the tropical america land. Then after encanto and the rest of the land opens see if the better offering cause higher wait times for dinosaur and if not retheme the ride as originally planned
— Park Mind (@AParkMind) December 21, 2024
Related: Disney’s Updates to DinoLand U.S.A. Prove It Never Really Cared
Adding to the doubts is the lukewarm reception of the Indiana Jones franchise in recent years. The 2023 film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny struggled at the box office, leading some fans to question whether the character still has the cultural cachet to anchor a major Disney attraction.
User @DarthImpervious weighed in, suggesting:
It’s a bad idea. I love Indiana Jones but it’s not the IP it used to be. They should use their branding power for a lesser IP that is rewatchable on D+ and invigorate it. I’d love them to turn it into an emporers new groove attraction or a new story with the Atlantis characters
It’s a bad idea. I love Indiana Jones but it’s not the IP it used to be. They should use their branding power for a lesser IP that is rewatchable on D+ and invigorate it. I’d love them to turn it into an emporers new groove attraction or a new story with the Atlantis characters
— DP (@DarthImpervious) December 21, 2024
Encanto: A Natural Fit for Animal Kingdom
In contrast, the proposed Encanto-themed attraction has been met with near-universal praise. Fans are eager to see the magical Madrigal family come to life in a setting that celebrates the rich cultures and vibrant landscapes of Colombia. The whimsical Casita, with its ever-changing architecture and heartfelt connection to the Madrigal family’s story, offers a unique opportunity for Disney Imagineers to create an enchanting and deeply resonant experience.
Unlike Indiana Jones, Encanto aligns perfectly with Animal Kingdom’s focus on storytelling and its celebration of nature and family. The film’s themes of unity, self-discovery, and harmony with the environment make it an ideal addition to the park’s lineup, ensuring it resonates with audiences of all ages.
A Stay of Execution for DINOSAUR
Fans have drawn parallels to the reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. While the transition brought fresh energy to the attraction, many fans still lament the loss of Splash Mountain’s original charm. Similarly, Disney’s cautious approach to DINOSAUR may indicate a willingness to preserve the ride’s identity while integrating it into the new land.
What’s Next for Animal Kingdom?
As fans speculate about the future of DINOSAUR and the Tropical Americas retheme, one thing is clear: Disney’s decisions will be watched closely. The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. represents a significant opportunity to revitalize Animal Kingdom, but it also comes with the risk of alienating loyal fans.
Will the Indiana Jones overlay move forward, or will Disney pivot to a concept that better aligns with the Tropical Americas theme? For now, the fate of the project remains uncertain, but one thing is certain—the conversations and debates among Disney enthusiasts will continue.
What are your thoughts on the Tropical Americas retheme? Should DINOSAUR stay as it is, or is it time for something new? Share your ideas and hopes in the comments below!
