The Walt Disney Company Begins Construction on Tropical Americas Expansion at Animal Kingdom

Demolition crews have cleared the site and vertical construction is now underway on Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new 11‑acre Tropical Americas expansion, slated to open in 2027. The project will create Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional Central and South American village, and will feature attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, including a large woodcarver’s carousel that will showcase Disney animals such as Kevin from Up.

Construction updates show a massive steel entry gate and concrete columns designed to resemble ancient ruins, as well as new umbrellas at the Discovery River Theater. The expansion marks one of the most ambitious additions to the park in recent years.