Disney’s Animal Kingdom is stepping into a new chapter with both creative expansions and a leadership change.
This year has brought resort-wide progress at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Projects are active in every park, from the reimagining of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom to the addition of Monstropolis in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom, however, has been at the forefront. DinoLand U.S.A. has been almost entirely removed, leaving only DINOSAUR until work begins on the park’s next milestone: the Tropical Americas.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World blends thrilling attractions with wildlife encounters and immersive lands. Guests explore areas like Pandora–The World of Avatar, Africa, and Asia, while enjoying iconic experiences such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and the Tree of Life, celebrating nature, adventure, and storytelling.
Known officially as Pueblo Esperanza, the new Tropical Americas land will showcase the worlds of Encanto and Indiana Jones. It is planned to open in 2027, continuing the evolution of the park’s nature-inspired storytelling.
At the same time, leadership at Animal Kingdom is shifting. Ketan Sardeshmukh has been named the park’s new Vice President. Previously Walt Disney World’s Director of Transportation Operations, Sardeshmukh succeeds Maryann Smith, who earlier this year moved into her current position as Vice President of Food and Beverage and Merchandise at Walt Disney World. He will now report directly to Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro.
Entertainment offerings are also evolving. The Tree of Life Theater will debut Zootopia: Better Zoogether on November 7, 2025. The show takes the place of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! and will arrive just before Zootopia 2 premieres in theaters on November 28, 2025.
Resort-wide changes have marked the past year, with construction and updates spanning the property’s 25,000+ acres. From new attractions to leadership appointments, Animal Kingdom exemplifies the momentum Walt Disney World is carrying into the next several years.
