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4 clusters · 16 sources · 31 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated about 14 hours ago

Disney Animal Kingdom Tropical Americas expansion

Overview

Construction of Disney’s new 11-acre ‘Tropical Americas’ land at Animal Kingdom progressed rapidly between July and mid-August 2026. By mid-July, demolition of the former DinoLand U.S.A. area was complete and a massive steel framework began to enclose the upcoming Encanto-themed attraction. Concrete foundations for the outdoor queue and the central carousel were poured, and a wooden-carved animal carousel was taking shape under a large canopy at the northern entrance of the planned Pueblo Esperanza village. Simultaneously, work on an Indiana Jones adventure advanced, with a stepped Maya-temple façade erected around the old museum structure.

Vertical construction continued with a steel entry gate and concrete columns designed to resemble ancient ruins, alongside new umbrellas at the Discovery River Theater. During the D23 event in mid-August, Disney provided further details regarding the upcoming attractions.

The Encanto-themed ride, titled ‘Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto’, will allow guests to enter the Madrigal family’s Casita during Antonio’s gift ceremony. The attraction will feature more than 50 animals and ride vehicles designed to look like magical furniture. The original voice cast, including Stephanie Beatriz, Jessica Darrow, and Diane Guerrero, will reprise their roles. There will be no height requirement for this attraction.

The Indiana Jones adventure, ‘Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent’, will occupy the location previously held by the DINOSAUR attraction. Set in the 1950s, the ride follows Indiana Jones into a Maya temple and the underworld. Harrison Ford confirmed he is the model for the attraction’s Audio-Animatronics figure, marking the first time his actual likeness will be used in a Disney theme park attraction. The expansion, slated to open in 2027, will also include a carousel featuring 22 hand-carved figures of animals from various Disney and Pixar stories.

Entities

Tropical Americas · Disney · Animal Kingdom · Walt Disney Imagineering · Disney's Animal Kingdom

Timeline

about 14 hours ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Disney announces new attractions for Walt Disney World Resort
Disney announced new expansions for Walt Disney World, including a Maleficent-themed roller coaster in the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom and a Tropical Americas area at Animal Kingdom.
4 days ago

[CULTURE] 12 sources
Disney reveals new Indiana Jones and Encanto rides for Animal Kingdom
Disney has unveiled details for the Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom, featuring new Indiana Jones and Encanto-themed attractions scheduled to open in 2027.
16 days ago

[CULTURE] 4 sources
The Walt Disney Company Begins Construction on Tropical Americas Expansion at Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has started building the 11‑acre Tropical Americas expansion, featuring Pueblo Esperanza, Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, and a woodcarver’s carousel, with opening planned for 202
about 1 month ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Disney's Animal Kingdom Advances Construction of Tropical Americas Land
Disney is building the Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom, adding an Encanto attraction, a handcrafted carousel, and an Indiana Jones adventure, with opening planned for 2027.

Sources

blogmickey.com · coaster101.com · craveonline.com · disneydining.com · disneyfanatic.com · dtimes.jp · elespectador.com · geektyrant.com · jokesbykids.com · kennythepirate.com · laughingplace.com · mickeyblog.com · northstarreach.org · thekingdominsider.com · thewrap.com · touringplans.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history