Disney World has TONS of new things on the way in the coming years.
We’re getting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an updated Country Bear Jamboree show and Test Track experience, and Communicore Hall and Plaza in just the coming year (or so), to name a few. But in future years, Disney has just confirmed a massive expansion is on its way to Animal Kingdom, but what does that really entail?
For the past few months, Disney has been teasing that a Tropical Americas-themed land will replace Dinoland U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom, but this month, we finally got confirmation that Disney is moving forward with the project. Imagineers are currently in Mexico gathering ideas for the new land!
In the words of Disney Executive Josh D’Amaro at the 2023 D23 Expo, “there’s still a lot that’s up in the air right now, but based on early concept art, we may see experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.” They released concept art of the new land, and while things can always change, we’re really excited about what we see!
Based on the current layout of Dinoland U.S.A., which includes Dinosaur, the whole land will be undergoing a massive transformation. When you walk into the land through the main entryway, to your left will be a new area themed to the land. Currently, it’s the Boneyard, an interactive play yard for kids, so we’re hoping something similar will take its place. Perhaps it’ll even be covered!
Meanwhile, to your right still looks to be the standing structure of Restaurantosaurus, but with a new theme to it. Since it’s located close-ish to the large ride building (which we’re getting to in a moment), perhaps it’ll be themed to Indiana Jones? Regardless, it still looks like the massive restaurant space isn’t going anywhere!
Further in to your right you’ll find where Dinosaur currently sits, which is easily the most attractive part of the area right now. This is rumored to be turning into Indiana Jones Adventure, which is a ride currently located in Disneyland. However, it has the SAME ride system as Dinosaur (wild, right?), so Disney Imagineers would just have to adjust the theming inside and outside the ride building.
Lastly, over on the left side of the land is currently where DinoRama sits, which is largely taken up by carnival games on blacktop pavement with little to no shade (HOT HOT HOT). It’s not very popular, but that would all change if it turns into what it’s looking like, which is Casa Madrigal from Encanto! Now, this isn’t confirmed at all, but the concept art certainly makes it look similar.
Again, while it’s confirmed Disney is in the early stages of this transformation, none of these transformations is confirmed yet. This is still concept art.
Is Disney accidentally paying for Universal’s massive expansion?
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Are you looking forward to this retheme? Tell us in the comments!
Cathy says
Not really. Wish would stick to animal-based attractions since it is called ANIMAL Kingdom.
Nancy Thorsby says
It took five years for these people to bring Tron to fruition, I will be dead before this one gets going!!
Jean says
I hope they include Animals from the area like the Capybara from Encanto.
Joe B says
The best of these ideas is duplicating the Indiana Jones ride from Disneyland. I’d say move the Indy show from HWS but that depends on the MOVIE aspects, so it would probably be best to stay.
Just some thoughts! Everyone seems to have them, lol.
Mike says
Don’t see why it’s costing so much, as it’s basically a makeover of what all ready exists. The Park needs to be Expanded
Karl says
I’m worried for Gerti. Do you think it’s possible to re-theme it? Maybe the last dinosaur on earth discovered in the jungles of South America?
Elizabeth Middleton says
Can someone please explain to me how any of that is going to be animal themed?