The writing’s been on the wall for a while for this announcement: that Disney are replacing Dinoland USA with a new land. With change imminent, as Disney paves the way for Animal Kingdom’s new land, Tropical Americas, we explore what that means for UK guests.
Is new always better?
Guests returning to Walt Disney World may have some emotional connection to Dinoland USA, in particular the ride Dinosaur. Opening on 22 April 1998 as an opening day attraction, Dinosaur was popular amongst guests. As time passes rides age and this one has not aged well. Dinosaur is a bumpy and dated attraction.
The theming for this ride is, however, spectacular and we hope that Disney will incorporate this with the reimagining of Dinoland USA. The area itself has little to offer adults and feels more like a traditional fair ground rather than a Disney Parks themed land.
D23 sprung some interesting and controversial plans. And although new is not always better, in this case we have high hopes it will be. Reimagining Dinoland USA will add more value for guests young and old visiting Animal Kingdom.
Disney have paired the themes perfectly to appeal to older and younger guests with their reimaging of this area. For Brits heading to Disney World for a multi-generational holiday, this land could end up being the perfect place for you.
Dinoland USA closing
Disney will imminently be closing Dinoland, although an exact date is still outstanding. For those of you feeling nostalgic, we recommend taking a trip to Dinoland before the end of 2024.
For those of you lucky enough to be heading their now, take a farewell ride on Dinosaur. Don’t forget your free souvenir Disney photopass picture from the ride too. You will have your very own piece of Animal Kingdom history.
Looking to the future and what guests can look forward to from their Animal Kingdom park days, here are Disney’s announcements and concepts for the new land, Tropical Americas, replacing Dinoland USA.
Encanto attraction
The first Encanto ride attraction, the younger generation will love, is officially coming to Animal Kingdom. Set to tell the tale of Antonio the day after he receives his magical gift from Casita. Animals will clearly be a big part of this attraction, as well as the cast of the Oscar winning animated film.
The attraction appears to be a boat ride, so clearly suitable for all ages, although that is yet to be confirmed. So much excitement surrounds this project and the Imagineers have confirmed that the land will be home to the casita.
Indiana Jones attraction
A much sought after Indiana Jones attraction is coming to Tropical Americas. Chatter about the potential for this attraction has been bubbling away for well over a year so this news is not a complete surprise. It is this attraction that will be replacing Dinosaur, hence our hope that the awesome Dinosaur displays may find a home in the scenery here.
It will be the first Indiana Jones ride for Disney World, but not the first themed attraction, as Hollywood studios is already home to Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show. Here’s hoping the ride experience will be as exhilarating as the stunts they put on.
The ride may well use the Dinosaur track system with some modifications. The Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland California uses the same ride system as Dinosaur. However, rather than transplanting the ride story from California into Orlando, Disney are creating a new story.
Bruce Vaugh, Disney’s Head of Imagineering, states at the D23 announcement: “This is going to be a completely new story from any other Indiana Jones attraction we have in the world.” Animal Kingdom will have new attraction with a new story.
New town and third attraction
The new ride stories of both Encanto and Indiana Jones will be set against the back drop of the Tropical Americas land which will contain a new city, Pueblo Esparanza. Esperanza, meaning Hope in English, the city is hopefully going to fulfil fan expectations.
A third attraction, a carrousel featuring wood carved animals was part of the reveal. As lovers of a good carrousel this is more than a little bit exciting. With a nod to the fairground like feel of Dinoland USA, but also combining the theme of Antonio’s story in Encanto this ride sounds like the perfect addition to the land.
Depicting an area of lush green forestry filled with Spanish culture and the possibility of exploration, it looks to be a wonderful concept befitting Animal Kingdom. Although there is some sadness about Disney replacing Dinoland USA, the concepts and attractions will breathe new life into this area.
Opening in 2027
During the D23 announcements for Animal Kingdom, Indiana Jones star Ke Huy Quan and Disney Executive Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, announced an opening date of 2027. Josh D’Amaro states, “Construction on this 11-acre section of the park is set to begin this fall”. Giving a build time of only 3 years at most, the changes coming to Dinoland USA are only weeks away from beginning.
Guests can book their Disney holidays for 2027 with some accommodation specialists now. Disney usually release dates around 500 days in advance. For some of us budgeting for our Disney holiday from the UK, a target date of 2027 may be in mind. That’s even before the exciting announcements last weekend.
Conclusion
Endings are always bitter sweet. For Animal Kingdom, these changes feel right and fit with a park evolution that will benefit guests of all ages for years to come. We look forward to sharing more information about this project as it becomes available. The impact on UK guests will as always continue to be our focus.
