Change is in the air at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as DinoLand USA begins a significant transformation. The arrival of heavy equipment signals the start of a new chapter for this iconic area of the park. The former carnival-like Dino-Rama section is set to make way for an all-new Encanto-themed attraction — one that promises to reimagine the space while paying homage to the creativity and storytelling Disney is known for. Here’s what we know so far about the demolition progress and the exciting plans for the future.
Heavy Equipment Marks the Start of Demolition
Recently, a pair of excavators arrived at the site of the former Dino-Rama. Their presence marks the beginning of the demolition phase, which has been eagerly anticipated since Disney finalized its permitting. While no earth has been moved just yet, the sight of the equipment has generated buzz among fans eager to see the area’s transition take shape.
The phased closure of DinoLand USA has been underway for some time, with the carnival-style games and attractions in Dino-Rama closing their doors last month. This clearance is necessary to pave the way for the upcoming rejuvenation of the land.
What’s Coming to DinoLand USA
Disney has announced that the space will be reimagined with the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction. This new addition will immerse guests in the world of the Madrigal family, bringing elements from the film to life in exciting ways.
Inside the Casita, Antonio’s rainforest-inspired room will become a central focus of the experience. Here, guests will explore alongside Antonio, who has the magical ability to communicate with animals. Disney has teased that visitors might even encounter other members of the beloved Madrigal family during their adventure.
This ambitious project is part of a larger re-theming effort for DinoLand USA, known as the Tropical Americas project, slated for completion by 2027. It aims to revitalize the area while creating new, immersive experiences for park guests.
A Glimpse at the Transition
The demolition of Dino-Rama is an important first step in bringing the Encanto attraction to life. With equipment on site, visible progress is expected soon. Disney is likely to approach the transformation in phases, maintaining the balance between conducting construction work and minimizing disruptions for parkgoers.
For fans of DinoLand, saying goodbye might be bittersweet, but change is often a hallmark of Disney’s commitment to keeping its parks fresh and exciting. The new theme promises to invite guests into a lush, imaginative world inspired by the culture and colors of Encanto while adding a fresh narrative to Animal Kingdom’s lineup.
What This Means for Visitors
For guests planning to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the coming years, the reimagining of DinoLand is something to look forward to. The promise of vibrant storytelling and interactive design is likely to turn the space into a standout feature of the park.
While some attractions and areas in DinoLand USA remain operational for now, this shift is a reminder to take in the current features before they make way for a new generation of experiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of DinoLand or someone looking forward to what comes next, there’s plenty to anticipate as this transformation unfolds.
Conclusion
The demolition of Dino-Rama marks the beginning of a bold transformation for DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With heavy equipment on-site and a vision for a richly themed Encanto attraction, Disney is once again showing its dedication to innovation in theme park design.
This evolution promises to bring a new layer of magic to the park, creating an environment that families and visitors of all ages will treasure. Keep an eye on the progress as DinoLand transitions into its next chapter, offering fresh experiences that blend creativity, culture, and the timeless Disney touch.
As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the 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.
