Tropical Americas: progress, timeline, and the impact on UK trip planning

Disney

Tropical Americas is the new 11-acre land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027. Construction is currently underway and behind the construction walls, 3 new attractions and a whole new city called Pueblo Esperanza is taking shape. For UK visitors, this means one area of Animal Kingdom is closed off and your 2026 trip is impacted by one less thrill ride, DINOSAUR, but there’s so much more coming if you are planning a 2027 holiday.

In this guide we are looking at opening timelines, sharing ride and attraction updates, and any news that may affect your 2027 and beyond planning for days at Animal Kingdom.

Tropical Americas Timeline: inception to construction to opening

The idea of adding a Tropical Americas land is far from new; Disney Imagineers have been dreaming about it since the park's earliest planning stages in the 1990s. But it wasn’t until the 2024 announcement at D23 that the plans became reality. Here is the timeline of Tropical America’s development:

Here is the timeline of Tropical America’s key dates and development:

• August 2024: The official announcement of the land, with the bittersweet tinge that Dinoland U.S.A would be the location, was announced at the D23 Expo.

• By 13th January 2025 phase 1 of closures begins with TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures permanently close to clear the space for the new character carousel.

• On 18th January 2025 the official ground-breaking ceremony, with executives and imagineers, took place.

• 2nd September 2025, The Boneyard closes to make way for the lush, open-air entry village into Pueblo Esperanza.

• By December 2025, vertical construction is visible for the massive show building for the Encanto dark ride (the Madrigal Casita).

• 1st February 2026, Dinoland U.S.A closes, giving fans one last ride on DINOSAUR and a final meal at Restaurantosaurus.

• 2nd February 2026, construction walls board Dinoland U.S.A up forever, and the DINOSAUR show building is handed over to Imagineering to begin its transformation into the Mayan temple for Indiana Jones.

• April 2026 Permits have been actively filed for "Set Elements" for both the Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions. Aerial photos confirm the entry village walls are being framed and the carousel foundation is laid out.

• Mid-to-Late 2027: Targeted Grand Opening although Disney has officially stated 2027. Based on current permit filings and the sheer scale of the Indiana Jones ride system refurbishment, expect soft openings in the late summer/early autumn, with an official grand opening perfectly timed for the November/December 2027 holiday travel

The tropical Americas project is part of Disney's wider $60 billion global investment in its parks, so this is very much a flagship addition that will change how visitors experience Animal Kingdom, not a modest refresh.

Tropical Americas: the rides

Tropical Americas will be home to three new and reimagined attractions, including an Encanto ride and an Indian Jones ride.

The Carousel

The land's most family-friendly attraction is a new carousel, described as having a back story that it has been "sculpted by a local woodcarver" who has brought to life his favourite animals from Disney stories. It has been confirmed that the carousel will feature Kevin from Up. This is a classic, all-ages ride that younger children in particular will adore, and a lovely centrepiece for the land's village square.

Disney

Expect a gentle, spinning carousel ride. Perfect for all ages including toddlers and those who prefer a quieter experience. Construction of the carousel is already well advanced as of spring 2026.

The Encanto Ride: go inside the Madrigal Casita

This is the one that fans of Disney's animated film Encanto have been waiting for: the first ever Encanto-themed ride attraction anywhere in the world.

The ride story picks up the morning after young Antonio Madrigal has received his magical gift: the ability to communicate with animals. His bedroom inside the enchanted Casita has transformed into a stunning, living rainforest, and you're invited in to explore it with him. Disney say: opens in a new tab "you never know which member of the family you might bump into", so expect appearances from Mirabel, Luisa, Isabela, Dolores, and the rest of the magical Madrigals.

Disney

The ride is going to be a dark ride / boat ride, and is being compared to the style of Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. Expect a beautifully immersive, story-driven experience rather than a thrill ride. It's going to be designed for families and fans of all ages.

Construction progression

The Encanto show building is the largest structure on the site, and construction of the building frame was well progressed by early 2026. In January 2026, Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle opens in a new tab shared a special milestone: cast members from across Animal Kingdom, from ride operators to custodians, had signed a steel beam that will sit inside the attraction. This is a touching nod to the importance of community in the film's story, and it’s going to be one of those hidden ride facts in a few years time.

Indiana Jones Adventure: a new Maya Temple

This is arguably the headline attraction for older children and adults. The existing DINOSAUR ride building is being fully rethemed as a brand-new Indiana Jones adventure. Crucially it will not simply be a copy of the Indiana Jones Adventure ride at Disneyland in California. This will be an original story, making it the third unique version of an Indiana Jones attraction in the world.

The premise of the ride story is that Indiana Jones has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple deep in the jungle. Naturally, that means it's time to explore it but there are rumours of a mythical creature lurking inside.

Speculation among theme park enthusiasts suggests the mythical creature could be the Kukulkan (the feathered serpent deity of Maya mythology, also known as Quetzalcoatl in Aztec tradition).

The ride will use the same proven ride system as the DINOSAUR attraction, so expect a rugged, all-terrain vehicle experience that is hopefully going to throw rider around a bit less! There’ll be entirely new scenes, characters, and story.

Construction permits for set installation inside the building were filed in late April 2026, suggesting the attraction is progressing at a strong pace.

A thrilling, bumpy adventure ride with dramatic scenes and audio-animatronic characters is coming, and it will be the thrill ride of the area aimed at older riders. We are expecting a height requirement for this ride and that it will be an intense ride experience.

Beyond the Rides: Dining & Shopping

Tropical Americas is going to break records when it comes to Disney World quick service dining experiences: as it is going to be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. Housed in a sweeping hacienda building at the heart of the land, it promises to be a substantial dining destination not just a snack stand. Expect the theming to extend richly into the dining experience, with menus likely drawing inspiration from Latin American cuisine.

A new gift shop and additional retail spaces are also planned, alongside what is expected to be a new playground area for younger visitors.

What closed to make way for Tropical Americas?

Dinoland U.S.A. closed in February 2026 to make way for the are to be reimagined into Tropical Americas. If you’re a returning UK visitor expecting to experience any of the attractions in the area, this is no longer possible. Here are the closed, and not returning, Dinoland U.S.A. attractions:

If you’re a UK visitor who didn’t get chance for that last ride on DINOSAUR or didn’t know your last ride would be your last, take heart that the ride system is staying. Expect to find some subtle nods to DINOSAUR in the new Indiana Jones themed ride and

When will Tropical Americas open?

Disney has officially confirmed 2027 as the opening timeframe for Tropical Americas although a specific date or season has not yet been announced.

Based on current construction progress as of spring 2026, theme park analysts suggest a phased opening may occur like Disney have done previously. Here are the predictions for a possible staged opening of Tropical Americas:

• The carousel and hacienda restaurant may open in early-to-mid 2027, ahead of the headline attractions

• The Indiana Jones attraction could open in mid-to-late 2027

• The Encanto Casita ride may follow slightly later, potentially late 2027 or early 2028, as its construction is currently running several months behind the Indiana Jones building.

What Is Pueblo Esperanza?

Pueblo Esperanza, which roughly translates from Spanish to ‘Village of Hope’, is the fictional village at the heart of Tropical Americas. Pueblo Esperanza is surrounded by dense rainforest, complete with colourful Spanish-style architecture, and a grand central fountain, with rich sights and sounds of Central and South America. Think vivid haciendas, tropical greenery, and a genuine sense that this is a real, lived-in place with its own deep history.

Research trips to:

• Colombia

• Honduras

• Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to study Maya art, culture, and archaeology

have all helped the Imagineers to capture the reality of culture in the design of this village and it’s scenery.

In March 2025, Disney hosted a "Maya at the Mouse" academic conference at Walt Disney World, bringing together archaeologists and cultural experts to further inform the land's development. This is a level of authenticity that Animal Kingdom, with its long tradition of genuine cultural storytelling, always aspires to.

How Tropical Americas affects UK trip planning

Pueblo Esperanza is the most significant addition to Animal Kingdom since Pandora: The World of Avatar opened in 2017. The park has long been considered the quietest of Disney World's four parks in terms of ride count, and this new land, with its three attractions and major quick service dining venue, is likely to change that in 2027.

If you’re a UK holiday planner hoping to get an early offer and catch the opening of Tropical Americas, aim for autumn 2027 or later to maximise your chances of experiencing the full land. But be aware that Disney may choose a phased opening approach, similar to how Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened its two attractions separately. Alternatively, they may hold everything back for one big grand opening moment, which could push it to more of a November/December 2027 opening.

For UK families planning a Disney World holiday in 2027 and beyond, this is a trip changing experience, and well worth building a trip around. But perhaps wait for Disney to release the season or official opening schedule before booking to avoid disappointment.

Frequently asked questions