A NEW LAND themed to the Tropical Americas is coming to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park in 2027. We can’t wait to step into Pueblo Esperanza!

Pueblo Esperanza construction

This new land, inspired by the cultures, landscapes, and architecture of Latin America, Pueblo Esperanza will feature immersive theming and new attractions, including a highly anticipated Encanto ride that will serve as one of the land’s signature experiences, plus an Indiana Jones attraction. We’ve been keeping up with the latest construction changes, and we have an update.

To make way for this transformation, DinoLand U.S.A. is closing in phases, with the entire land scheduled to close on February 2nd, 2026. Work has already started on part of the new land, including land clearing and steel framing. On our most recent visit, we spotted the steel framing — which has grown since our last visit — being installed by large cranes.

Construction

Before this, Disney had been working to clear away the remnants of part of DinoLand that sat where the Encanto ride will be, and while we had seen some of the framing installed already, seeing more is an exciting step toward this ride coming to life. There are construction walls up blocking our view of all the construction, but we’re still able to see what’s being built higher than those walls. Who knew we’d be so excited about random steel beams?!

Here’s a closer look at the framing

In addition to the Encanto ride, DINOSAUR will be turning into an Indiana Jones ride, and there will be a gorgeous carousel with tons of different Disney animals to check out. Not to mention restaurants and shopping, which we don’t have many details on yet, but we can’t wait to check them out.

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.

Walt Disney Imagineering also recently filed a permit for general construction at an address that matches up with the entrance courtyard of the DINOSAUR ride, which will eventually become an Indiana Jones dark ride. The work is set to begin in February 2026, which is when DINOSAUR is scheduled to permanently close. Based on this, it seems like Disney will be wasting no time getting this transformation started.

Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom

We’ll be on the lookout for more updates about Pueblo Esperanza at Animal Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

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Are you looking forward to the new Pueblo Esperanza land coming to Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below.