Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World is moving full steam ahead on one of its most anticipated theme park expansions to date. With DinoLand U.S.A. now permanently closed, demolition has quickly given way to rapid vertical construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Set to open in 2027, the brand-new 11-acre Tropical Americas land will immerse guests in Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village celebrating the rich cultures, architecture, and spirit of Central and South America.
Boasting two massive E-ticket attractions—a magical dark ride journey through the Casita inspired by Encanto and a high-stakes Indiana Jones adventure replacing the former DINOSAUR ride—the skyline of the park is already changing. Here is a closer look at the latest construction milestones.
The Gates to Adventure
Guests walking past the construction walls can now clearly see the physical footprint of the new land as it takes shape. The most prominent new feature is a massive steel entryway gate rising into the sky. Its impressive scale is undeniable, built from tall rectangular framework sections connected by a broad upper beam. Two diagonal braces form an angular opening directly through the center of the structure, framing what will soon be the grand entrance into Pueblo Esperanza.
Nearby, Imagineers are laying the groundwork for the village’s rich history. Crews have erected a pair of concrete columns wrapped in scaffolding, alongside shorter concrete elements with purposely uneven tops. These are meticulously designed to resemble ancient, partially collapsed stone ruins, creating a deeply immersive scene before visitors even set foot in the main plaza.
The Woodcarver’s Carousel
At the heart of the village sits a massive, intricately carved carousel. According to Disney’s official backstory for the land, this ride was lovingly crafted by a local woodcarver. It will feature beautiful, handcrafted-style renditions of favorite Disney animals, including Kevin from Pixar’s Up.
Work on the carousel’s expansive roof structure is advancing incredibly fast. Wooden rafters now stretch across the perimeter, forming sloped roof sections over sturdy masonry walls. The circular canopy covering the ride mechanism has seen the most dramatic updates. Following the installation of core slanted beams in July, construction crews have now lowered a large, prefabricated upper section directly into the center of the canopy. Additionally, the carousel’s shaded queue has been positioned directly beside the attraction.
Forced Perspective and Lush Landscapes
To maintain Animal Kingdom’s notoriously high standard of immersion, Imagineers are utilizing classic theatrical tricks. Pointed rockwork formations are currently rising between the scaffolding deep inside the zone. These narrow, gray forms feature sharply tapered tops and rough textures. However, they are not freestanding pathway decorations—they are strategically attached to the exterior of the massive Encanto dark ride building to successfully disguise the industrial warehouse structure.
To complete the illusion, massive mature trees that were preserved during demolition are being integrated into the landscape, bridging the gap between the artificial rockwork and the park’s natural forests.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As the towering entrance gates, ancient ruins, and carousel canopy take shape, Tropical Americas is truly starting to feel like a reality. When it officially welcomes guests in 2027—complete with a sprawling open-air hacienda restaurant and a brand-new interactive playground to replace The Boneyard—this 11-acre expansion will undeniably serve as a breathtaking crown jewel for Walt Disney World.
