Animal Kingdom is gearing up for some major changes!
Animal Kingdom
It was confirmed at D23 that DinoLand U.S.A.’s days are officially numbered as a new Tropical Americas-themed land, Pueblo Esperanza, will take its place. This new land will feature three brand new rides, including an Indiana Jones ride that will replace DINOSAUR, an Encanto attraction, and a carousel that will feature some of our favorite Disney animals.
Before D23, Disney released concept art for this expansion at Destination D23 the previous year. This concept art still looks very similar to the new concept art and model that were unveiled at D23 2024.
Pueblo Esperanza Model
While we know to take concept art with a grain of salt, we were excited to see that the new concept art and the model stayed pretty much the same from the year before, but we did notice a change!
Indiana Jones
In the 2023 concept art, outside of the Madrigal’s Casita, there was a pink-colored river. This river is actually in the movie and was inspired by the Caño Cristales River in Colombia, which is known to have vibrant colors. Below is the original concept art. This river has many nicknames including the “Rainbow River” and “River of Seven Colors.”Â
@Disney
This river looked magical and whimsy and would have been a fun addition to this new land while also being a nod to the film. It even featured a few bridges so you could cross over to make it to the Madrigal’s home. We do think it is a bit strange since Disney even talked about this river at D23, but now it is gone!Â
Overview of Pueblo Esperanza coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Well, when we got a look at the updated concept art and model last month, the pink river was GONE! Don’t worry; the Madrigal’s Casita is still part of the current concept art and model, but instead of a pink river outside of their home, it is now grass.Â
©Disney || Where is the pink river?
Don’t get us wrong—the concept art is still super cool and makes us feel very hopeful about this new project, but it can be disappointing to see a fun concept like a pink river disappear.Â
Tropical Americas
Nonetheless, we know that concept art is never always precisely what is built, as in the case of CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT.
Merchandise in CommuniCore Hall
Pueblo Esperanza is set to be built in phases and completed by 2027. While no closing date has been given for DinoLand U.S.A., we can assume the closure is imminent as permits have already started to be filed for construction on the new land.
Map of planned construction areas
We can’t wait for more details to be announced about this new area of the park. We do hope that the river does make a comeback in some shape or form as it will add a fun splash of color to the land as well as kinetic energy of the water flowing. Who knows, maybe the pink river will end up as the final product, but we will just have to wait and see!
Madrigal’s Casita
As always, keep following along with Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, tips, and updates!
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Finally!! The Indiana Jones ride that Disneyland has that Disney World needed all along instead of the Stunt Spectacular!!
Definitely Indiana Jones! I would like the casita to disappear with the pink river! 🤣
I love everything about Tropical Americas. I wish they would actually expand it to include a discovery walking trial as in the Asia and Africa areas.