A NEW Land Is Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom — See the Latest Changes!

We are less than a month away from the final phase of closures for DinoLand U.S.A. As of February 2nd, 2026, DinoLand U.S.A. will be permanently closed, and we will no longer be able to travel to the very end of the Cretaceous Period to find an iguanodon. DinoLand U.S.A. has been closing in phases to make way for the new Tropical Americas-themed land, Pueblo Esperanza, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

Although parts of DinoLand U.S.A. are still open, construction is well underway for Pueblo Esperanza. There are lots of construction walls up around the closed areas of DinoLand U.S.A., and we have been keeping an eye on the progress.

It is a bit of a wall maze in Disney’s Animal Kingdom right now! Workers are hard at work on Pueblo Esperanza, and we have some updated photos on what construction currently looks like. Structures have been going vertical, and we even spotted the gigantic crane in action when we were in Animal Kingdom the other day.

We got another look at the steel framing that has been built up even more since our last construction update. This will be the location of the new Encanto attraction. The dark ride will be inside La Familia Madrigal’s Casita. The Casita ride will be the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through experience. Guests will enter the Madrigal Casita and join Antonio, who has just received his special gift—the ability to communicate with animals.

While our view is fairly blocked by all the construction walls, it is still super exciting to see all the progress! We also snagged a quick peek at the structure from a different angle.

Disney also shared a behind-the-scenes look at the construction back at the beginning of December.  Imagineer Jonny gave viewers a look at the building and elements for the Encanto attraction.

Pueblo Esperanza will also feature an Indiana Jones-themed attraction. This attraction will be taking over the current DINOSAUR attraction, so we haven’t seen construction start yet, as DINOSAUR is still open. Although it will be closed beginning February 2nd.

In addition to the Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, this new land will also feature a gorgeous carousel and one of the largest quick-service restaurants in Disney World. The land is expected to open in 2027. While lots of progress has been made, there is still LOTS to be done before this expansion opens to guests.

We are in the parks every single day to bring you the latest tips, tricks, and news. Plus, we are always keeping a close eye on the latest construction updates. We want you to have all the latest information for your Disney World trip. Stay tuned to AllEars for more!

Here’s Everything Disney Has Announced About Pueblo Esperanza

What is your favorite area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

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