We finally have DinoLand, U.S.A. news!
DinoLand, U.S.A.
Disney had a BUSY night on August 10th at the Disney Experiences Showcase: Horizons at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. We heard HUGE news about Disney parks, cruise ships, and even video games. Disney dropped new nighttime entertainment coming to Magic Kingdom, new lands headed to Magic Kingdom, and, of course, they talked about the re-theming of DinoLand, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom. The last we heard about this re-theming project was that the land was going to become the Tropical Americas, but now, we have a name for the new land along with the Disney movie inspiration and new rides!
Disney has been talking about re-theming DinoLand, U.S.A. for a long time now. Different concepts were suggested, but most recently it was confirmed that the land would focus on the Tropical Americas. Teams of Imagineers have been off on trips studying the biodiversity of these areas to bring the new land to life. However, the Disney stories that would call this new land home had not yet been confirmed, though there was a lot of speculation.
Concept art for DinoLand expansion ©Disney
However, at the Horizons showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney has officially confirmed that DinoLand will become Pueblo Esperanza and will feature Encanto and Indiana Jones!
The new town Esperanza will be situated in Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The town features classic Spanish-style architecture in the heart of the rainforest.
The new land will feature classic Spanish-style architecture with a large hacienda that will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World. There will be the rich and lush color and biodiversity of the Tropical Rainforest and at the center will be a large fountain where stories will be told by gathering villagers. There will even be a new giant carousel sculpted by a local woodcarver.
A carousel featuring the resident wood carver’s favorite animals.
There will be two signature attractions — an Encanto ride featuring the Madrigal family and a new Indiana Jones adventure ride! Construction on the new land will begin this fall and the land will open in 2027. Disney assures everyone that there will still be time to ride Dinosaur again and get that dino!
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.
As sad as it may be to be losing DinoLand, we can’t wait for the new Tropical Americas land to come to life! It will be an amazing display of the Rainforest, Encanto, Indiana Jones, and more.
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I am among those who are at least a little sad to see Dinoland go. I am glad that the Indiana Jones ride will be a part of the new area. But it probably means that the Indy show at HS will close all the sooner, probably to be replaced with NOTHING for many years.
Sounds fun! Though I’m not sure how that fits in with the animal theme of Animal Kingdom. Maybe they will also showcase animals of Central and South America! Sorry it won’t open for almost three years. I hope the Indy ride will not be dark, shaky or scary like so many rides that Disney does.
I’m right there with you! Dinoland USA is my favorite and I’m heartbroken.
I don’t understand how these new attractions fit in with the purpose and theme of Animal Kingdom? What does Indiana Jones have to do with that? Haven’t seen Encanto yet but from what I’ve read about the new attraction elsewhere, animals are not mentioned as being part of the new attraction. What in the world is Disney doing?! Are they really trying to kill the company? It’s a travesty what they are doing to Frontierland and now they are going to start de-theming Animal Kingdom. The Board and Iger needs to go asap before they kill the entire company.
As much as I love Dinoland, I am so excited for Tropical America. To answer Norma, the Tropical Americas are some of the most bio-diverse on the planet. I am sure we will see some animals in the area also. I for one am hoping for a “herd” of Capybaras (like the very cute one in Encanto).
I’ve read a lot of negative comments about this new land, but I’m pretty excited about it. Dinoland was cute, but it never really did much for me tbh. I do love Dinosaur and I’ll miss it, but I’m excited for the new Indy ride
Acres of land and they replace instead of EXPAND? Seeing the dinosaur fossils and replica bones are my favorite part. Sad to see it go. I also still miss the McDonalds restaurant food originally there on opening day. Glad to see new attractions but not at the expense of others