Tropical Americas debuts in 2027, a revamped land that replaces the world of dinosaurs for that of Disney branded hits such as “Encanto” and the Indiana Jones franchise. For now, there is a lot of magic making going on (also know as construction) as the Walt Disney Imagineering team works hard to bring a new world to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
What we see today at Animal Kingdom
Currently, there is a lot of dirt being moved at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, mostly in the Dino-Rama location. Formerly, this area of DinoLand U.S.A. was themed to a parking lot based family amusement area, known as Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! It was purposely corny, it was filled with details and it was home to a few attractions, like TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl (which closed in 2020).
Taken from a guest area, we can see a glimpse into the work being done for the 2027 opening. pic.twitter.com/VI8gPlKOHQ
— Everything You Need To Know (@EYNTKinfo) November 12, 2025
From today, and continuing through February 1, 2026, guests can still partially visit DinoLand U.S.A. and ride on the Dinosaur attraction. Guests can also visit The Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus and Restaurantosaurus Lounge. From February 2 until the eventual 2027 Tropical Americas opening it is believed all portions of this land will be closed. Now is the time to get those final rides, photos and merchandise purchases in.
For now, guests visiting this land will have to be directed around construction walls to the existing offerings. During my recent visit, it was easy to get to the open offerings. Disney has positioned Cast Members around to answer questions and guide the crowds to their final DinoLand U.S.A. visit. When Dinosaur does eventually close, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be left with less rides than normal. That being said, they did just debut an all-new Zootopia 3-D experience inside the Tree of Life.
What is promised for 2027 in Tropical Americas?
Disney has made some exciting announcements for the eventual 2027 opening of the Tropical Americas land. Disney states, “Tropical Americas — better known as Pueblo Esperanza — will be a new 11-acre lush and sprawling area. Just like Harambe, this land will feel lived in, with a long, rich history. Not only will the land include a hacienda — which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World Resort — but also two signature attractions for Indiana Jones and Encanto.”
This land will introduce totally new options, but it will also re-theme other offerings, like turning the Dinosaur attraction into one themed to Indiana Jones. Upon fully opening, this land will feature three rides. Guests will take off on an adventure with Indiana Jones. Families of all ages can step aboard a wood carved carousel inspired by Disney stories. And, fans of the “Encanto” film can step inside Casa Madrigal for what Disney states is, “the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through.”
Tropical Americas will also feature food and merchandise locations. Disney’s D23 announcement mentioned, “there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.”
Final goodbyes to an original Disney Parks land
If you are a DinoLand U.S.A. super fan, you have just a few months to say goodbye and get one last ride in on Dinosaur. The official closing day is expected (as with any ride closure) to be very, very busy. Final day merchandise will probably be sold and you may expect a Disney PhotoPass or two to be prepped.
DinoLand U.S.A. first debuted in 1998 and its replacement will arrive in 2027. Let me know in the comments, are you excited for this change? Or, are you sad to see this original area go extinct?
