Something Has CHANGED at This Popular Disney World Meet and Greet

It’s the end of an era at Disney World, and we’re not crying — YOU’RE CRYING! Okay, we’re definitely crying, too, but we’re trying to stay strong. DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom has officially closed for good, and Disney is now focusing its attention on the new Tropical Americas themed land that’s replacing it.

New Animal Kingdom Map

We’ve already seen changes at Animal Kingdom in the form of more construction bushes, removed signs, and even a new park map. But we also spotted changes at this popular Animal Kingdom meet and greet — let’s take a look!

The Mickey and Minnie character meet and greet at Adventurer’s Outpost in Animal Kingdom has had an update! Don’t worry — you can still meet Mickey and Minnie in their safari outfits here, but in the background, you might notice something different.

Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost with DinoLand in the background (before the change)

The backdrop that used to show DinoLand U.S.A. in the background now shows the Casita from Encanto instead! In addition, it now says “Tropical Americas.” This is yet another change that means DinoLand is really gone, and while we’re incredibly sad about it, we are thrilled for what’s to come!

You can now see the Casita in the background!

The Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza, will be home to two signature attractions — an Encanto ride featuring the Madrigal family and a new Indiana Jones adventure ride! A Carousel will also provide another ride option. The Casita that you can see in the meet and greet now will be part of the Encanto ride.

The Encanto ride, which looks to be a boat ride, will begin just as Antonio has received his special gift and his room becomes a beautiful rainforest. You go explore with him, and according to Disney, “You never know what member of the family you might bump into…”

Model of the Encanto ride

An Indiana Jones ride is also coming to Pueblo Esperanza! And while some may be familiar with the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction in Disneyland, the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom will feature a brand-new story.

The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.

The new land will feature classic Spanish-style architecture with a large hacienda that will also serve as one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World. The rich and lush color and biodiversity of the tropical rainforest will be on full display, and at the center of Pueblo Esperanza will be a large fountain where stories will be told by gathering villagers.

Puebla Esperanza model

We’ll be on the lookout for more changes as Disney ramps up construction of the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom. We’re in the parks every day, so we expect to see lots in the coming weeks and months! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news and beyond.

See the CHANGES at DinoLand U.S.A. Following Permanent Closure

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Will you be checking out this meet and greet on your next trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!