# Disney theme park development and IP strategy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/disney-theme-park-development-and-ip-strategy
> Updated: 2026-10-02T11:49:45.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Disney has announced specific details regarding the development of the Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is intended to replace DinoLand U.S.A. The expansion will feature three attractions, including ‘Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.’ The latter will occupy the area previously used by the DINOSAUR attraction and will involve a journey into a Mayan underworld.

Recent observations indicate that Disney’s broader theme park strategy is increasingly centered on established intellectual property. This represents a shift from the original concept-driven storytelling used in earlier decades toward a model focused on existing movies and characters. In addition to the upcoming 2027 opening of the Encanto-themed ride, the company is balancing new animated-themed experiences with updates to classic attractions.

## Claims

- Walt Disney World has not opened a major ride based on original concepts rather than existing intellectual property in approximately twenty years. (single source)
- The Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto ride is scheduled to open in 2027. (single source)
- The Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto ride will be located in the new Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (single source)
- Disney is planning a lineup of new rides featuring animated stars and classic characters to open at various parks globally. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Disney theme park strategy shifts toward established intellectual property

Disney is shifting toward IP-based attractions, with a new Encanto-themed ride set for 2027, while the rise of park influencers creates new tensions for visitors.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-theme-park-strategy-shifts-toward-established-intellectual-property

### 2026-09-22: Disney reveals details for new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom

Disney has revealed details for the Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom, featuring new Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions to replace DinoLand U.S.A.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/disney-reveals-details-for-new-tropical-americas-land-at-animal-kingdom

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Cite as: Disney theme park development and IP strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/disney-theme-park-development-and-ip-strategy