Disney’s New Tropical Americas land Is One Step Closer to Becoming Reality
Updated: February 2, 2026 – and a new era begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Disney Parks is moving forward with a major transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World, and one of the most exciting parts of that plan is a brand-new Encanto-themed attraction. (the disney food blog)
Conceptual art
Introducing Pueblo Esperanza — A New Tropical Americas Land
The new themed land — officially named Pueblo Esperanza — will immerse guests in the vibrant culture, art, and spirit of the Tropical Americas. This new area is slated to open at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom sometime in 2027, with pathways, theming, and experiences that reflect the biodiversity and beauty of this region.
Inside Pueblo Esperanza, guests will discover:
An all-new Encanto ride (a first for Disney Parks) celebrating the magic of the beloved film and its characters.
An Indiana Jones-themed adventure, repurposing the existing ride system from the former DINOSAUR attraction.
A beautifully themed carousel featuring classic Disney animals.
New dining and shopping opportunities, including what’s shaping up to be one of Disney World’s largest quick-service restaurants.
Construction walls are up and crews are steadily building the framework that will become the new Encanto ride show building — a sign that this project is progressing quickly.
Ongoing construction
A Fond Farewell to DINOSAUR
As of February 2, 2026, the beloved DINOSAUR attraction has closed forever at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Originally known as Countdown to Extinction when it debuted with the park in 1998, the ride took guests on a thrilling time-travel mission back to the age of dinosaurs. Its retirement marks the end of nearly three decades of prehistoric thrills.
This closure is part of the broader expansion that will transform the former DinoLand U.S.A. into the new Tropical Americas land. The space once occupied by DINOSAUR is now being prepped to house the upcoming Indiana Jones experience and help connect guests to the immersive world of Encanto and beyond.
What This Means for Your Disney World Trip
If you’re planning a visit to Disney World between now and late 2027, here’s what to know:
DINOSAUR is no longer operational — but its legacy lives on in fan memories and early concept art.
The Encanto attraction and the full Pueblo Esperanza land are expected to open in 2027, though official dates and booking windows have not yet been released.
Guests can look forward to a fresh new ride experience celebrating the Madrigal family, alongside other attractions that bring the Tropical Americas to life.
Stay tuned for more updates as the construction progresses — and get ready to step into a brand-new world of adventure, magic, and music in Animal Kingdom!
About Melissa
I’m Melissa Ragazzi—travel advisor, cruise enthusiast, and the owner of Wanders by Melissa Vacation Planning. As an empty nester, my husband Brian and I love to cruise as often as possible—especially since we can both work remotely and truly live by the motto “have Wi-Fi, will travel.” I help families, couples, and groups plan vacations that are fun, intentional, and easy from start to finish. From cruises and theme parks to all-inclusive resorts and custom itineraries, I specialize in unforgettable experiences in Alaska, Europe, and the Mediterranean—some of my personal favorites. My goal is to take the overwhelm out of planning and replace it with excitement and confidence, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
