Disney's Animal Kingdom is breaking with one of its founding principles as it prepares to open Tropical Americas in 2027. The new 11-acre land, officially called Pueblo Esperanza, will replace DinoLand U.S.A. with Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, a family carousel, dining, and shopping — but no new live animals. That makes it a notable departure for a park that has housed more than 250 species since its 1998 opening.
Disney Legend Joe Rohde, the Imagineer who led Animal Kingdom's original design, addressed the omission directly in an Instagram comment. He acknowledged that live animals are "an important part of the park" and that Tropical Americas "would be better with live animals," but he pointed to budget constraints as the deciding factor. Because the project redevelops an existing area rather than building on open land, Disney had to make choices about where to invest. Rohde said Animal Kingdom "needs rides for young people" — especially air-conditioned ones that give families a break from Florida heat — and that won out over expanding the animal roster for now.
Rohde didn't close the door entirely. He said he believes animals "should be included in the future," but that a viable business case would need to come first. For now, wildlife is woven into the land thematically rather than physically. The centerpiece attraction, Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto, is built around the Encanto character whose magical gift lets him communicate with animals — a connection Rohde described as essential for the IP to belong at Animal Kingdom. Without it, he said, "there's no reason this IP should be at Disney's Animal Kingdom." The ride will take guests through the Madrigal family's Casita on Antonio's gift day, featuring new rooms, family members, and original Audio-Animatronics.
The land's other headliner, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, will replace DINOSAUR and send guests into a Maya temple with a new Indy Audio-Animatronic in tow. Rounding out the offerings are El Carrusel de los Animalitos — a carousel featuring carved Disney animals — a Maya-inspired archaeological play area, and a large hacienda quick-service restaurant replacing Restaurantosaurus. Tropical Americas isn't the first Animal Kingdom expansion to skip live exhibits; Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in 2017 with fictional creatures and immersive landscaping instead.
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This story was originally reported by Disney Fanatic.
