Forms have been removed, revealing concrete columns at one of the entrances to Tropical Americas, the new land under construction at Animal Kingdom.

When Tropical Americas opens, there will be two entry/exit points to the land. A western one leading from the bridge to Discovery Island and a northern one, which is close to the Theater in the Wild. These columns will be part of that northern entry/exit point to the land.

On June 10, we reported the installation of the concrete forms for these columns. These forms have now been removed, revealing the hardened concrete columns inside. Also seen in the background of the photo above is work being done on the Encanto show building.

The interesting part about these columns is that they are neither in the concept art nor the model that was on display at D23 in 2024. They would have been in the bottom left of either of the images above.

The first-ever Encanto ride will take guests into Casita on the day Antonio gets his gift of speaking to animals. The ride vehicles will be furniture brought to life by the magical house. Guests will travel into Antonio’s jungle room and meet various Encanto characters.

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 to an Indiana Jones ride. There will also be a new playground added to the land.

DinoLand closed incrementally as construction began in early 2025. DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus closed permanently in February 2026, which was the last phase of the DinoLand closure. Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures buildings were permanently closed in early 2025. All will be repurposed for the new Tropical Americas land.

Are you looking forward to Tropical Americas? Let us know on social media.

Check out our dedicated page for Tropical Americas construction updates.