Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park’s Dinoland, U.S.A. is officially on a path to extinction.
During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced that construction would begin this fall on a new land, Pueblo Esperanza, which means “Village of Hope.”
The new Tropical Americas-themed land will replace Dinoland and introduce dining and several new attractions, including two themed to “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones.”
Indiana Jones ride at Pueblo Esperanza. (Photo Credit: Disney)
As part of Saturday’s announcement, Disney revealed detailed concept art. On Sunday, models unveiled in the Imagineering: Behind the Dreams pavilion at D23 provided additional perspective.
Here’s a look at that concept art, models, and everything else we know about Pueblo Esperanza, plus more on the previously announced Zootopia attraction coming to Animal Kingdom’s central icon, the Tree of Life.
Pueblo Esperanza
Pueblo Esperanza, similar to Harambe in the Africa section of the park, is intended to complement other areas of the theme park, which feel like authentic, lived-in places with layered history.
Pueblo Esperanza model. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
A decorative archway marks the entrance to the expansive 11-acre area, which will include a central fountain.
Esperanza Carousel. (Photo Credit: Disney)
A large hacienda will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World.
Nearby, a wood-carved carousel of Disney animals offers a family-friendly ride option for little kids.
Wooden carousel model. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Fans got a first look at one of the animals — a colorful, wood-carved Kevin from “Up” — on display in the Imagineering: Behind the Dreams pavilion at D23.
New Indiana Jones and Encanto Attractions
One of two major attractions anchoring Pueblo Esperanza is a new Indiana Jones ride, which Disney stressed will not be a duplicate of any existing Indy rides.
Indiana Jones ride at Pueblo Esperanza. (Photo Credit: Disney)
Guests will join Indiana Jones as he explores a Maya temple in search of a mythical creature rumored to inhabit its depths.
The second major attraction 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.
Casita model. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
His room has transformed into a vibrant rainforest, offering guests the chance to explore alongside him and meet other members of the Madrigal family.
Encanto Casita. (Photo Credit: Disney)
Opening Timeline and Additional Updates
Phased construction on Pueblo Esperanza is set to begin this fall, with the complete land expected to open to guests in 2027.
Esperanza Market. (Photo Credit: Disney)
Another Animal Kingdom update is on the nearer horizon. Next winter, The Tree of Life Theater will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” with a new Zootopia-themed show. “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will star Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other favorite characters and will showcase different biomes from the film.
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