Visible construction in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom paused for a few weeks but has picked back up after the South Florida Water Management District approved Disney’s permit. The area is being transformed into a new Tropical Americas land featuring “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones.”
DinoLand Construction
Two Link-Belt excavators have arrived at DinoLand and are currently parked next to TriceraTop Spin. The former spinner attraction was partially dismantled but its central console and much of its themed elements remain.
Also remaining are the signs for Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, the carnival area of DinoLand that closed in January. The excavators are sitting in front of the signs, held up by dinosaur figures, and are presumably being used to tear up the pavement.
Dino-Rama included TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games.
Parked between the excavators is a Mid-Atlantic Tractor vehicle with a crane. Mid-Atlantic Tractor specializes in transporting and repairing construction equipment.
A few weeks ago, a time-lapse camera was installed atop Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. In front of the former gift shop, frames atop the former World’s Largest Pin Truck are still visible.
Beyond the vehicles and TriceraTop Spin, we can see into the space that once held Primeval Whirl. The family coaster closed permanently in 2020 and was demolished in 2021. Picnic tables and semi-permanent blue fencing went up in the area — but are now gone.
At the far side of the construction site are chainlink fences where the pavement runs up to a backstage wall and trees. Some concrete elements are staged next to the TriceraTop Spin queue.
Though there is still pavement on the ground, it was near this area that a groundbreaking ceremony took place.
Tropical Americas
The new Tropical Americas land will feature the fictional town of Pueblo Esperanza. Restaurantosaurus (which remains open for now) will become a quick-service hacienda. There will be a fountain where villages gather to tell stories.
Part of the village’s lore is a giant carousel created by a local woodcarver. It features his favorite animals from Disney stories, including Kevin from “Up.”
At the back of the village will be Casita, the Madrigal family home from “Encanto.” This will house the first ever “Encanto” ride, with guests arriving at Casita on the day Antonio receives his magical gift of speaking to animals. The vehicles will be inspired by Casita’s furniture. Guests will encounter Mirabel and Bruno, and journey into Antonio’s jungle-themed room. Though the ride takes place during at least part of the movie, Disney said it would go beyond the events of the film.
DINOSAUR, which will remain open through 2025, will be reimagined into an Indiana Jones attraction. DINOSAUR uses the same ride system and a similar layout as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, but the Animal Kingdom ride will feature a brand new story. Indy and guests will venture into an ancient Mayan temple to search for a mythical creature.
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