Disney's Animal Kingdom Has a NEW Park Map and It Features a Controversial CHANGE

Animal Kingdom is about to look a whole lot different. A brand-new Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027.

Animal Kingdom

But, this new land is taking the place of DinoLand U.S.A., and the first phase of closures has already happened. And, now that the street carnival known as Dinorama is no more, Disney has rolled out some new park maps for Animal Kingdom in the park and on the My Disney Experience app. Let’s check it out the changes!

Welp, it’s official. The first phases of closures have hit DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and to say we’re sad is an understatement. But, to usher in this new era, a new park map has been rolled out in the parks and on the My Disney Experience app, which might give us a clue to just how big the footprint of the new rides could be.

Dinoland U.S.A.

For reference, here’s a look at what the map looked like before these changes. You can see the Dinorama carnival area in the very center of this screenshot…

©Disney

…and here’s what the map looks like now! The entire Dinorama roadside carnival area where TriceraTop Spin and Chester and Hester’s used to be is now entirely covered up by palm trees. Of course, this is just the first phase of closures for DinoLand and as Disney continues to make progress, more closures will be announced.

As of now, no official closing date has been revealed for DINOSAUR or the rest of this area, but we’re expecting it to hang around at least through most of 2025.

©Disney

But, this new map image may reveal just how big the footprint of the new Encanto Casita ride could be! There’s a lot of room to develop a brand-new ride back there.

NEW park map

When the news first broke about Pueblo Esperanza, Disney explained that DinoLand would close in phases, adding that fans would still have some time to visit the popular Dinosaur attraction before it and the other DinoLand rides close permanently. So, while a large portion of DinoLand will be closed soon, Dinosaur will remain open a little longer.

Animal Kingdom map

When the new land is complete, there will be a ride inspired by Casa Madrigal, an Indiana Jones ride, and a carved wooden carousel featuring tropical animals. There will also be at least one restaurant and other attractions, including a large fountain where stories will be told by gathering villagers. The Tropical Americas are home to the largest biodiversity on Earth, so it’s likely we’ll see some amazing details from these areas.

TriceraTop Spin

One thing is for sure: we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates on the transformation of the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss any important news or announcements!

These 3 Maps Show What Disney’s Animal Kingdom Will Look Like for the Next Several Years!

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