In an Instagram Reel, Walt Disney Imagineering shared an update on the Tropical Americas expansion in development for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including a preview of the model.
Imagineering Shares Updates on Tropical Americas Expansion Featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones
In the video, Neal Emery, Principal Landscape Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, spoke about a research trip that the team took to the Yucatan Peninsula, to help them bring the expansion to life. This model shows that Imagineering is moving from the “Blue Sky” phase to planning for the project.
Emery also references Indiana Jones with the quote “I’ve got a really good feeling about this,” as well as showed off models of a temple for the “Indiana Jones” area and Casa Madrigal from “Encanto.” Both properties have been suggested for the new expansion.
Watch the Reel for yourself below:
This update is the first official mention of the project moving ahead since permits were filed by Disney to add Imagineering trailers in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The trailers will likely serve as a hub for Imagineers as they work on converting Dinoland U.S.A. into the new Tropical Americas project.
The Tropical Americas retheme was first announced as a “blue sky” concept, with the potential for it to happen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the 2023 Destination D23 panel, “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The expansion would presumably replace DinoLand U.S.A.
In 2022, a previous Blue Sky concept suggested “Moana” and “Zootopia” could replace the land. “Encanto” was also previously considered for the “Beyond Big Thunder” Magic Kingdom expansion.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences,” recently said that the current plans featuring “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones” is “where our heads are” about potential updates coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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