With updates continually shaping Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can look forward to changes that highlight the park’s evolving vision. The January 2025 park map updates reflect the recent closure of part of DinoLand USA, making way for the new Tropical Americas-themed area. This article offers a detailed look at the new map, the reasons behind the changes, and what guests can expect in the future.
Changes to the Animal Kingdom Park Map
The January 2025 edition of the Animal Kingdom park map features several updates. On the cover, the familiar image of guests enjoying Expedition Everest has been replaced with a striking image of a tiger, emphasizing the park’s core focus on animals and conservation. Beyond aesthetics, the layout of the map itself has been redesigned with a greater emphasis on certain elements of the park.
Key highlights include:
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch gaining its own prominent spotlight.
- Increased focus on the park’s live shows and animal walking trails.
- Enhanced promotion of dining options like Tusker House and Tiffins Restaurant.
- Updated imagery for key information sections within the brochure.
These changes help guide guests through the park’s features while highlighting experiences that align with its mission to celebrate wildlife and adventure.
Adjustment Reflecting DinoLand USA Closure
The closure of part of DinoLand USA’s Dino-Rama section has also been incorporated in the new park map. The updated map shows a portion of the area marked as “green space,” indicating backstage areas now under construction. This marks phase one of the project to transform the land into a Tropical Americas-themed area, being call Pueblo Esperanza.
While some attractions in DinoLand USA remain open, the construction signals significant updates to come, including a new Encanto-themed attraction, as Disney works to create a cohesive addition that aligns with the park’s storytelling focus.
What the Tropical Americas-Themed Area Brings
Replacing DinoLand USA, the Tropical Americas land promises to reflect the diverse wildlife and culture of the tropical regions of Central and South America. Though full details haven’t been released, early concepts hint at immersive attractions and environments that expand the park’s representation of global ecosystems. The highly anticipated Encanto-themed ride is expected to be a major highlight of the reimagined area.
Construction barriers currently in place throughout DinoLand serve as a visible representation of this transition. Guests can look forward to updates as Disney advances in creating this new themed land.
Final Thoughts
The changes seen on this updated park map represent the beginning of a new chapter for the park, with the Pueblo Esperanza area set to introduce new park experiences and some awesome storytelling. While we await more details, be sure to stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest news from inside the parks and around Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
