Disney World has TONS of new things on the way in the coming years.
Animal Kingdom in Disney World
We’re getting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an updated Country Bear Jamboree show and Test Track experience, and Communicore Hall and Plaza in just the coming year (or so), to name a few. But in future years, Disney has just confirmed a massive expansion is on its way to Animal Kingdom, but what does that really entail?
For the past few months, Disney has been teasing that a Tropical Americas-themed land will replace Dinoland U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom, but this month, we finally got confirmation that Disney is moving forward with the project. Imagineers are currently in Mexico gathering ideas for the new land!
In the words of Disney Executive Josh D’Amaro at the 2023 D23 Expo, “there’s still a lot that’s up in the air right now, but based on early concept art, we may see experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.” They released concept art of the new land, and while things can always change, we’re really excited about what we see!
So much to take in!
Based on the current layout of Dinoland U.S.A., which includes Dinosaur, the whole land will be undergoing a massive transformation. When you walk into the land through the main entryway, to your left will be a new area themed to the land. Currently, it’s the Boneyard, an interactive play yard for kids, so we’re hoping something similar will take its place. Perhaps it’ll even be covered!
The Boneyard will turn into something new!
Meanwhile, to your right still looks to be the standing structure of Restaurantosaurus, but with a new theme to it. Since it’s located close-ish to the large ride building (which we’re getting to in a moment), perhaps it’ll be themed to Indiana Jones? Regardless, it still looks like the massive restaurant space isn’t going anywhere!
We can’t wait to know the new theme!
Further in to your right you’ll find where Dinosaur currently sits, which is easily the most attractive part of the area right now. This is rumored to be turning into Indiana Jones Adventure, which is a ride currently located in Disneyland. However, it has the SAME ride system as Dinosaur (wild, right?), so Disney Imagineers would just have to adjust the theming inside and outside the ride building.
We’ll miss Dinosaur, but we’re not opposed to this
Lastly, over on the left side of the land is currently where DinoRama sits, which is largely taken up by carnival games on blacktop pavement with little to no shade (HOT HOT HOT). It’s not very popular, but that would all change if it turns into what it’s looking like, which is Casa Madrigal from Encanto! Now, this isn’t confirmed at all, but the concept art certainly makes it look similar.
We’d be THRILLED!
Again, while it’s confirmed Disney is in the early stages of this transformation, none of these transformations is confirmed yet. This is still concept art.
Is Disney accidentally paying for Universal’s massive expansion?
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB!
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Not really. Wish would stick to animal-based attractions since it is called ANIMAL Kingdom.
It took five years for these people to bring Tron to fruition, I will be dead before this one gets going!!
I hope they include Animals from the area like the Capybara from Encanto.
The best of these ideas is duplicating the Indiana Jones ride from Disneyland. I’d say move the Indy show from HWS but that depends on the MOVIE aspects, so it would probably be best to stay.
Just some thoughts! Everyone seems to have them, lol.
Don’t see why it’s costing so much, as it’s basically a makeover of what all ready exists. The Park needs to be Expanded
I’m worried for Gerti. Do you think it’s possible to re-theme it? Maybe the last dinosaur on earth discovered in the jungles of South America?
Can someone please explain to me how any of that is going to be animal themed?
I agree with Kathy and Elizabeth Middleton this isn’t any part of Animal Kingdom it is South American not animal. Another stupid move on Disney front office part!
Please not Encanto. Indiana Jones would at least fit into the theme of the park. In Disneyland they changed Monterey to Baymax – who the heck is Baymax? Why not go with characters that everyone knows?
An Encanto themed area would be perfect! But I’m sure whatever they decide to do will be a amazing! I feel that out of all of the Disney parks, Animal Kingdom definitely needs something new! I just hate all the temporary boards that they put up whilst working on new areas! and the work always seems to go on for way longer than you’d expect! It spoils the feels quite a bit when it clashes with your Disney trip!
Disney can’t do anything it’s not going to happen
I love Indiana Jones but that ride belongs in HS not AK. How about a ride based on Antonio’s room in the Casa Madrigal? It would be totally animal based and keeping with the theme of the area.
It would have been easy to transition this into a wildlife of Australia/Oceania themed area, since there is a lot of Dinosaur fossil exploration in the Outback, and you already have the Nemo show adjacent to this area. Alas, Iger is fixated on IP, so we’re getting Indy and Encanto (not hating, I’m sure it will be nice). Say goodbye to the lovely Dinosaur ride, the Boneyard, and the Oldengate Bridge.
Also not sure if Animal Kingdom needs rethemes so much as it needs more attractions/exhibits. It’s kind of a half day park.
I feel like the Disney Imagineers these days don’t compare to the original Imagineers. Today it seems they just come up with a quick idea that will be the cheapest and throw it up. Disney Imagineers used to put real creative thought into new projects had plenty of hidden surprises and you could actually learn while having fun. I don’t see that anymore and it’s sad.
From the artwork that has been “released”, there seem to be many pathways onto which they could put animal enclosures like on Discovery Island and the Oasis. I am sure animals will be included, especially with a lead character in EnCanto being able to communicate with animals. Please try to remain positive.
I have to agree with Jennifer. Imagineers seem to be crippled by dependency on CAD programs rather than imagination. Same with Disney film makers. Coco and Encanto are meh at best. If they didn’t have the Disney name, no one would even remember those films. Definitely not looking forward to these changes. Too bad because it’s not often that you get a chance for a makeover like the much needed one at AK. As a stockholder, I’m not happy about a boring, waste of space area (Dinoland) receiving multi million dollar makeover to an equally useless space.