Aerial Perspectives of Tropical Americas Reveal Exciting Developments at Animal Kingdom
Have you heard the latest buzz? The construction of the Tropical Americas area in Disney's Animal Kingdom is making significant strides, and aerial images shared by user @bioreconstruct (https://x.com/bioreconstruct) offer a fresh perspective on this exciting project.
Tropical Americas Construction Progress Update
In the past few weeks, the framework for the Encanto ride building has expanded noticeably, with the interior construction kicking off just earlier this week (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/interior-construction-begins-on-encanto-ride-building/). Now, let's explore the current state of construction in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.
The Encanto ride structure has experienced rapid growth since it officially began its vertical ascent in December 2025 (https://wdwnt.com/2025/12/encanto-ride-rapidly-going-vertical-at-walt-disney-world/), with additional steel being added almost every night (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/more-steel-added-encanto-ride-building-animal-kingdom/). A crane can be seen towering over the site, actively lifting steel beams during the day. Guests frequently catch glimpses of this crane hard at work (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/tropical-americas-construction-continues-in-disneys-animal-kingdom/). Meanwhile, progress is also being made on the site of the former Boneyard (https://wdwnt.com/2025/09/last-look-the-boneyard-disneys-animal-kingdom/).
In an exciting twist, a carousel will be constructed where the Boneyard once stood, contributing to the fictional Pueblo Esperanza village theme.
Over the past few weeks, considerable earth movement and early stages of concrete work have been evident (https://wdwnt.com/2025/12/concrete-forms-tropical-americas-carousel-animal-kingdom/). The concrete forms now visible indicate the future walls and foundational elements of this new section and are positioned near an existing concrete structure that was part of the old Boneyard. Nearby, steel pieces await installation, with some already standing upright.
In this aerial shot, we can see where the old DinoLand U.S.A. entrance will transform into a new entry point for Tropical Americas. The carousel is set to be located in this area.
Currently, a small guest walkway remains open, connecting the two primary construction zones. However, this path, which presently leads to the DINOSAUR attraction and other remaining areas, will soon close in a matter of weeks.
As of February 2, 2026, the remnants of DinoLand U.S.A. will cease to operate permanently (https://wdwnt.com/2025/09/breaking-dinoland-u-s-a-dinosaur-restaurantosaurus-close-forever-in-february-2026/), with February 1 marking its last operational day. This closure impacts attractions like DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and The Dino Institute Shop. In their place, a new Indiana Jones attraction (https://wdwnt.com/2024/08/indiana-jones-ride-revealed-for-animal-kingdom/) will debut where DINOSAUR currently resides.
From this vantage point, we can observe that roofing materials are being added to the Encanto show building. While it's still just a framework at this stage, the final design will feature a Casita façade inspired by the film. The ride will be set against the backdrop of the movie's narrative, but it promises to expand upon the original storyline.
Recent ground-level observations during the Walt Disney World Marathon (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/walt-disney-world-marathon-runners-get-first-ground-level-look-at-encanto-ride-building-in-animal-kingdom/) revealed large construction vehicles on-site, as well as structures associated with DinoLand U.S.A. visible beyond the fence line. Notably, some existing structures, including restrooms and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, are earmarked for repurposing in the new land.
Additionally, we can spot concrete forms being prepared for Casita (Casa Madrigal), likely indicating the future entrance of this much-anticipated attraction.
Recently, Cast Members, including Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, took part in a ceremonial moment by signing a steel beam (https://wdwnt.com/2026/01/cast-members-sign-steel-beam-encanto-attraction-animal-kingdom/) that will be incorporated into the attraction.
What excites you the most about the upcoming changes in Tropical Americas? We would love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions on our social media platforms.
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