Disney has reportedly filed eight permits to begin the work after closing DinoLand in February
Credit: Disney
NEED TO KNOW
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut a new Tropical Americas land called Pueblo Esperanza in 2027
- The expansion is thought to feature Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, plus a hacienda-style restaurant and wood-carved carouselattractions, plus a hacienda-style restaurant and wood-carved carousel
- Disney Imagineering has filed eight permits to transform DinoLand into an immersive rainforest-inspired village
Encanto and Indiana Jones fans are in luck because work is underway to change up Disney's Animal Kingdom attractions!
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida attracts millions of visitors of all ages every year and they will be able to enjoy a new expansion in 2027.
DinoLand, which closed in February, will be transformed into the new Tropical Americas land, which will see a new fictional village built, along with exciting Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions — two of Disney's most popular franchises.
The Tropical Americas land will be called Pueblo Esperanza, translating to “Village of Hope” in Spanish, and will feature architecture inspired by South America, according to Walt Disney World News Today (WDWNT).
Credit: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
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“Guests will enter the land through Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village in [the] heart of the rainforest that will feel lived-in, with a long, rich history,” Disney said per a release in 2024.
Now, Walt Disney Imagineering has filed eight permits to transform DinoLand into Pueblo Esperanza, according to WDWNT and Inside the Magic (ITM).
The former 504 DinoLand Drive and 610 DinoLand Drive will now become the new Encanto attraction — the first ride based on the film for a Disney park, per the outlets.
It will take place inside Casita on the day after Mirabel's cousin Antonio receives his gift of communicating with animals, according to the Disney release.
The Indiana Jones attraction will be located on the outskirts, which is where the former DINOSAUR ride used to stand, according to ITM and WDWNT.
“The attraction takes place inside a mysterious Maya temple and will be an all-new adventure, unlike any of the existing Indy attractions around the world,” Disney said.
Imagineering has also filed permits for The Boneyard entrance. ITM and WDWNT report that this is where the new wood-carved carousel will stand.
The former Restaurantosaurus site is reportedly being turned into a hacienda-style restaurant, in keeping with the village's aesthetic.
ITM states that there will be a new meet-and-greet location at 590 DinoLand Drive, where a former retail space stood. It also reports that an old character location at 594 DinoLand Drive will possibly get a refresh.
It is thought that 672 DinoLand Drive will become the gateway into Tropical Americas, while 580 DinoLand Drive is going to be developed into a backstage pump building to support water features and other operations, per the outlet.
Chief Executive Officer Josh D'Amaro said in the 2024 Disney release: “With Tropical Americas, we're bringing huge projects to life for generations of fans.”
He added: “This is the type of signature storytelling that our Disney Imagineers have been creating for 70 years.”
Disney has been contacted by PEOPLE for comment, but did not immediately respond.
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