Disney's Animal Kingdom Unveils Tropical Americas Expansion

New Encanto ride, Indiana Jones revamp, and Pueblo Esperanza Carousel take shape at Orlando theme park

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:24pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged geometric shapes in vibrant red, white, and black, conceptually representing the new Tropical Americas land at Disney's Animal Kingdom.Disney's Animal Kingdom embarks on a bold transformation, blending new attractions like the Encanto ride with reimagined favorites to create an immersive, culturally-rich experience.Today in Orlando

Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida is undergoing a major transformation, transitioning the former DinoLand U.S.A. area into a vibrant new land inspired by the cultures of Central and South America. The centerpiece of this expansion is the towering Encanto ride, a grand architectural marvel that will serve as the gateway to the Tropical Americas. Alongside the Encanto ride, the park is also revamping the Indiana Jones attraction and adding a whimsical Pueblo Esperanza Carousel featuring Disney animal characters.

Why it matters

This evolution at Disney's Animal Kingdom represents the company's continued commitment to innovative storytelling and immersive world-building within its theme parks. By repurposing existing infrastructure and blending new attractions with reimagined favorites, Disney is creating a cohesive and culturally-rich experience that will delight visitors of all ages.

The details

The Encanto ride's show building is strategically positioned to capture the attention of guests, serving as an architectural gateway to the enchanting realm of the Encanto film. The Indiana Jones ride is undergoing a subtle transformation, with the addition of a Maya temple facade to retheming and renovate the former DINOSAUR attraction. The Pueblo Esperanza Carousel will feature Disney animal characters as wood-carved seats, offering a unique and charming interaction for visitors.

  • Construction on the Tropical Americas expansion began in 2024.
  • The Encanto ride, Indiana Jones revamp, and Pueblo Esperanza Carousel are slated to open in 2026.

The players

Disney's Animal Kingdom

A theme park located in Orlando, Florida that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is dedicated to animal conservation, education, and environmental protection.

Encanto

A 2021 Disney animated film that tells the story of the Madrigal family, who live in an enchanted house in the mountains of Colombia.

Indiana Jones

A popular adventure film franchise created by George Lucas and starring Harrison Ford as the titular archaeologist.

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What’s next

Disney has not announced any specific future plans for the Tropical Americas expansion, but the company is known for its continuous efforts to enhance and evolve its theme park experiences.

The takeaway

Disney's Animal Kingdom's transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the vibrant Tropical Americas showcases the company's commitment to innovative storytelling and immersive world-building. By blending new attractions with reimagined favorites, Disney is creating a cohesive and culturally-rich experience that will delight visitors for years to come.