It’s been confirmed, the Animal Kingdom expansion is ACTUALLY happening!
Animal Kingdom
Okay, well, it was already confirmed, but it’s been heavily weighing on our minds because this will be such a MASSIVE transformation for Animal Kingdom. The newest rides in Pandora opened back in 2017, which was a whopping 7 years ago (we know, it hurts us to think about, too), so the park is definitely overdue for some new sights and experiences. There’s a lot to look forward to, but THESE are the best parts of the incoming expansion.
Research for Authenticity
Disney confirmed at the beginning of April that Imagineers were currently in Mexico gathering inspiration for the new Tropical Americas inspired area that will be replacing DinoLand U.S.A.
@Disney
What’s so exciting about this? Well, the idea that Disney is doing research to ensure that the new land authentically represents the area it’s being modeled after is not only extremely important to represent those cultures correctly, but it also means we, the guests, get experiences that are as theme-park-authentic as it can get!
Dinoland U.S.A
This is also especially exciting for people who may never get to travel to these countries, and this is the closest they’ll get. It gives them a true taste of what beauty and experiences that area of the world has, and brings them a little closer to home.
Dinosaur Will be Refurbished
Listen, we KNOW, we’re sad about Dinosaur (most likely) going away to be replaced with an Indiana Jones ride (such as Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland, which has the same ride system) too, HOWEVER there is an upside.
Dinosaur
We don’t know about you all, but we’ve noticed a pretty big influx in Dinosaur going down due to technical issues during park days in recent months. While ride closures will continue to happen with all Disney World rides (because it’s technology, things happen), we’re hoping that this retheme will also bring a refurbishment into play.
Indiana Jones Adventure ride in Disneyland
It’s likely that these would happen at the same time, because while the ride system will likely be very similar, slight changes may need to be made. Why not refurbish the ride at the same time?
More Relevant and Popular IP
While some guests don’t want newer IP in the parks, the fact is that if Disney’s making money off of their new shows and films, why not add more of it into the parks to draw those guests in?
Mirabel at 1900 Park Fare
This is likely the reason why Disney has been sure to mention we could be getting Encanto and Indiana Jones areas in this new land — while Indiana Jones isn’t as relevant (yes, there was a newer film recently in 2023 but it was so expensive it LOST money at the box office despite bringing in over $330 million), Encanto is MASSIVELY popular. Having an area like Casa Madrigal in this new area would bring in a lot of fans.
So much to take in!
Plus, Disney has not fully confirmed any of the theming coming to the new land, which means things can change. However, it is very likely we’ll see SOME form of IP in this new area, and we can’t wait to hear officially what it’ll be!
It’ll Fit In Better
Some Disney fans have been complaining that having Encanto or Indiana Jones here won’t make a ton of sense because Indiana Jones is already in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mirabel is in Magic Kingdom. We hear you, trust us, HOWEVER…a massive concrete area that looks like a parking lot carnival doesn’t fit in super well either.
DinoLand like this doesn’t feel very Animal Kingdom
Dinosaurs do…a little bit, but honestly, Tropical Americas, no matter what IP is in there, will fit in more with the theme of Animal Kingdom than DinoLand U.S.A. currently does.
Concept art for DinoLand expansion ©Disney
From the concept art, we can see that the whole area will be covered with beautiful trees and plants native to the Tropical Americas, which blends in much better with the floral and fauna of the rest of the park.
New EATS!
Any new area of a park isn’t complete without at least ONE food stop, and this is especially true for Animal Kingdom. It’s very unlikely Restaurantosaurus will be sticking around with the new retheme, so we’re SUPER excited to see what may come in its place.
Restaurantosaurus
Now, Disney hasn’t given us any ideas on what new eats could be coming to this new land, but if the theme is Tropical Americas, we’re already excited. Again, this will be a great way to find at least semi-authentic eats that you may not be able to find back home!
DinoLand U.S.A.
There’s still a lot unknown about this new section of the park — especially a timetable for when this new expansion will happen! But we’re very excited regardless. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest expansion news!
Learn all about the Tropical Americas expansion right here!
What are you most excited to see after the Tropical Americas expansion is complete? Tell us in the comments!
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I only saw 1 attraction, Indiana Jones: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. What is happening with the Encanto house–attraction? Playground? I am not sure what a South American menu would look like in Restaurantosaurus. They need more attractions for children. They also need park transportation. The other 3 parks can fit in this park. Too much walking!!!
Dino Land was nothing more than a Run Down Carni Attraction and needed updating Decades Ago. All we are getting is a remake of the same old thing
Great. Two ride make overs. Replace the baby dinosaurs on the Dumbo like ride. And replace the backgrounds on Dinosaur. Nothing original or exciting. Been on the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland. It was ok but not as exciting as Dinosaur. . I only hope the Encanto ride can save the day. I love Bugs Life but looking forward to Zootopia. I think they could have used the Zootopia IP for the entire expansion. It’s more fitting. Animal Kingdom is getting to be more about lands that fit into certain IP than about animals.