‘Indiana Jones’ Ride Construction

As the inside of DINOSAUR becomes the latest version of the Indiana Jones ride, a skeletal steel framework on the building’s exterior will transform the Dino Institute into a Mayan pyramid.

More framework pieces, wrapped in blue protective sheathing, sit next to the construction vehicles in the courtyard.

Cross-referencing with the concept model shows how this framework will eventually be themed.

Walt Disney Imagineering recently filed two set installation permits for the new Indiana Jones ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

Restaurant and Retail Progress

Restaurantosaurus is being reimagined into a new dining establishment, but we don’t have any details yet beyond the concept art.

As you can see in this comparison, the Quonset hut on the left of Restaurantosaurus will receive a new front, while structural additions and fresh paint will transform the other buildings.

Meanwhile, the large “SOUVENIRS” text on the roof of Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures is still visible from the sky.

However, these buildings will soon receive similar transformational treatment as Restaurantosaurus.

In this side-by-side with the model, we not only see their upcoming paint jobs but also get a good perspective of where they are in relation to the Encanto ride, with Casita in the bottom left corner surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

Here’s another angle of the construction happening in front of the Encanto ride and by Chester & Hester’s. A playground will be built in the clearing by the Indiana Jones ride.

‘Encanto’ Ride Progress

The show building for the all-new Encanto ride dwarfs Casita, which will be built on the concrete foundation pad in the center. The ride entrance is at the top, under the steel awning framework.

Here’s another angle of the front of the Encanto ride, with the attraction entrance at the left. The beginnings of Casita are in the middle.

The area in front of the ride is currently being used for construction staging, but this will eventually become the attraction’s extended queue.

Here’s an aerial shot of the extended queue area matched up with the model.

Carousel Construction

The yellow ring surrounding the carousel’s foundation is a moisture barrier, signifying they’re about to pour more concrete. You can see Restaurantosaurus’ Quonset hut at the upper left.

The carousel will be near the entrance to Tropical Americas land, to the left of the main walkway.

The frame for the clock tower, which is on the other side of the entrance walkway and recently went vertical, is on the left.

When we compare the aerial shots to the model, we can see the covered carousel at the left of the entrance, the clock tower opposite, and the expansive Pueblo Esperanza courtyard.

The carousel will feature colorful, hand-carved wooden animals of different Disney characters. We’ve already seen one: Kevin from Up, who was unveiled at D23 2024.

Theming Elements

Samples are still set up backstage, though they will not be part of the land. They are used to determine durability against Florida elements like sun, heat, and rain.