Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has shared concept art and insights into the creation of Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas area. These insights were shared by Joan Hartwig, executive creative director for the Tropical Americas Project.

Creation of Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When the land opens in 2027, Tropical Americas will represent one of the most culturally rich regions in the world, representing parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. This area will pay homage to the ancient and modern cultures.

Tropical Americas is set to open in 2027 and will consist of the fictional village of Pueblo Esperanza, featuring a new carousel, an “Encanto” ride, and DINOSAUR is being reimagined as an Indiana Jones ride. There will also be a new playground added to the land.

Making Tropical Americas

Some of the earlier concepts of the Animal Kingdom involved developing an area like the Tropical Americas. Some ideas included building an ancient Mayan temple area, for instance.

As Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rohde has said, “We thought for a really long time about building a Tropical Americas-inspired land at Animal Kingdom. Specifically, one that features the Maya because of how intertwined with nature they were — it’s just a natural fit for the park.”

WDI Research Trips

As part of the reimagining process, Imagineers went on research trips to learn more about the regional cultures, customs, architecture, and folklore. One of those more recent trips took Imagineers to Honduras, where they met with Maya artists who devote their time to recreating details they find at the Copán site. Copán is one of the most important sites in Maya history, in part because of its intricate carvings.

Imagineers also visited Colombia to gain more insight into the places and cultures that inspired Encanto, which will then inspire the Pueblo Esperanza area of Tropical Americas. With this first-hand experience under their belts, the Imagineers can go on to make Pueblo Esperanza feel like a real, lived-in place.

These research trips help the Imagineers bring a deeper sense of understanding and authenticity to the work that they do. That, in turn, creates a richer storytelling environment.

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