Disney shares model of new Encanto and Indiana Jones expansion coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney Imagineering has shared a never-before-seen model of the huge new "Tropical Americas" project featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones that is planned for Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Exciting news for Disney fans, as today, Thursday, April 4, 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering has released an update on the huge new "Tropical Americas" expansion that is in the works for Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

In a video shared on the Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram page, that you can see below, Neal Emery, Principal Landscape Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed a new behind-the-scenes look at the work that is underway on bringing the Encanto and Indiana Jones expansion to Animal Kingdom.

In the video, we are shown a working model for the new Tropical Americas" expansion, and some details of research trips to the Yucatán Peninsula for inspiration on creating the lush landscape for the land.

Emery speaks about the research trip that the Imagineers took to the Yucatan Peninsula, one of many trips that will help them bring the expansion to life at Walt Disney World.

In September 2023 it was first announced at Destination D23 that Walt Disney Imagineering is planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom into a new land – inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “Tropical Americas."

The project that will see the reimagining of the current DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will bing to life lands, experiences, and attractions inspired by Encanto, and Indiana Jones.

Permits have already been filed for back-of-house improvements in a compound that was previously been used by construction crews during the building of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

The laydown yard is located north of Kali River Rapids along a perimeter road that runs past DinoLand USA and Expedition Everest, with the permits showing that the area would be used for four WDI trailers and a third-party contractor trailer.

This compound is believed to be the soon-to-be home of Imaginners who will bring this exciting new expansion to life.

In addition to the planned DinoLand USA reimagining, a retheme of the “It’s Tough to Be A Bug” show into a Zootopia-themed show has also been announced.

Plus, rumors are persisting that a major refurbishment is in the works for Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station.

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