Following the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday night, a model of Pueblo Esperanza is now on display at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The new Tropical Americas land will replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Pueblo Esperanza Model
The model reflects the previously released Tropical Americas land concept art, also displayed. Disney announced during the showcase that the Tropical Americas land would be called Pueblo Esperanza, which means “Village of Hope.” Construction will begin this fall and happen in phases until the official opening in 2027. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said they would give fans plenty of time to experience DINOSAUR, which will become a new Indiana Jones ride.
In addition to the Indiana Jones ride, the land will have the first-ever “Encanto” ride and a carousel featuring Disney animals. The first carousel creature was also revealed at D23.
The Indiana Jones ride will be set in a Mayan temple, which is included at the edge of the model. It seems this will replace the current façade of DINOSAUR but still be set away from the land slightly, as though hidden in the jungle.
Other buildings on the model may be pre-existing buildings that will be rethemed, like Restaurantosaurus.
The main entrance of the land is an archway. A clocktower is at the end of the entrance street.
At the center of the land is a fountain. Disney stated the land’s villagers gather around the fountain to tell stories.
The architecture is inspired by that of Latin America. The round roof appears to be the land’s animal carousel.
Colorful flags are strung up between electrical wires. Palm trees are included among the foliage.
We don’t yet know how or if this land will affect the theming of “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” The show is technically part of DinoLand even though it has nothing to do with dinosaurs.
There are fake mountains on the show building behind Casita. The “Encanto” house will be the façade of its attraction.
A larger Casita model was also on display, showing details like the terra cotta shingles and Isabela’s flowers. The ride will be set during the film, on the night Antonio gets his gift of communicating with animals.
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