Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
New updates as the Encanto franchise is brought to life at the Walt Disney World Resort.
This year has brought a major sight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as cranes, redirected pathways, and construction walls began reshaping the former DinoLand U.S.A. Guests walking near the area can now see large portions of the site locked behind barriers, marking physical steps toward the arrival of Tropical Americas. The Boneyard playground officially closed on September 1, 2025, launching another project milestone, while DINOSAUR is confirmed to remain open until February 1, 2026.
Beyond the construction zone, Imagineering has offered its first public preview of the land. Inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery, fans will find a detailed model showcasing three upcoming projects across Walt Disney World: the Tropical Americas addition at Animal Kingdom, a new Monsters, Inc. coaster coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and an expanded Cars area being developed for Magic Kingdom. The Tropical Americas model features walkways, foliage, a Pueblo Esperanza plaza with a decorative fountain, and a hand-carved animal carousel drawing inspiration from classic Disney films.
The model also confirms that the current DINOSAUR ride system will be reused to power a brand-new Indiana Jones-themed attraction, while the Encanto ride will serve as the land’s signature experience. New dining options are also included alongside elements that have not yet been announced. According to the display’s placard: “A vibrant new land is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transporting guests into the lush rainforests and exciting stories of the Tropical Americas.”
The message continues, highlighting Imagineering’s research and confirming the land will include a quick-service restaurant, hand-carved carousel, central fountain, and two headline attractions.
Progress on the Encanto project has accelerated thanks to recent developments onsite. In October, aerial imagery showed that the ride had entered vertical construction, with steel framing, concrete walls, and groundwork forming the early core of what is believed to be the show building. Some fans have noted deep excavation areas within the site, possibly linked to the finale or an advanced ride system.
Now, more images have been shared by the frequent flyer.
Aerial photos of development of the Encanto ride in Animal Kingdom.
Aerial overview of the Encanto site in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.
The account also shared images of the site, which will be home to the woodcarver’s carousel.
Aerial photos of site work where a carousel will be in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.
One of the most notable creative updates comes from Encanto filmmaker Jared Bush, who has joined Imagineering to collaborate on new dialogue written exclusively for the attraction. Instead of retelling the film directly, the ride is expected to introduce fresh moments and original lines—possibly leaning into a design approach similar to the enhancements seen in past ride transformations.
The broader Tropical Americas land aims to highlight the landscapes and traditions of Central and South America, further supporting the park’s identity. Animal Kingdom was once considered a “half-day park” by some guests, but successful additions like Pandora–The World of Avatar shifted that perception. Disney appears to be building on that momentum as construction expands and concept art comes to life.
Even with enthusiasm building, nostalgia remains for the old DinoLand U.S.A. era. Some longtime visitors recall its unusual theming with affection, and its gradual disappearance has sparked mixed reactions. Still, there’s growing expectation as fans watch Disney move from blueprints to real structures, witnessing the park’s transformation in real time.
The future of Animal Kingdom is unfolding day by day, and while dinosaurs may be exiting the stage, a world inspired by family and imagination is taking their place. As cranes rise and Imagineers continue their work, the promise of a fresh chapter becomes easier to see with every update.
How do you feel about these huge Animal Kingdom developments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
