Bold new heights rise as the Tropical Americas transformation begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and the site already hints at a dramatic change that could reshape a beloved park area.
A vertical steel skeleton now appears behind construction walls in DinoLand U.S.A., signaling the early stages of a new Tropical Americas zone. Behind the Chester & Hester’s Dino Treasures storefronts, the framework forms a tall tower that contrasts with the existing surroundings. The show building housing the Encanto ride is being erected toward the back of this space, but the steel frame seems to sit closer to the construction barricades.
This frame is still in the initial placement phase, as observed on December 4. Nearby, a sizable dirt pile is enclosed by tall fencing, a detail also visible in bioreconstruct’s aerial site images (https://wdwnt.com/2025/12/concrete-poured-encanto-ride-disneys-animal-kingdom/). The fencing appears higher than what the aerial photos showed, suggesting ongoing perimeter work.
Additionally, new yellow fencing has appeared at the rear of the former Boneyard play zone. This fencing is temporary, marking active construction activity.
DinoLAND U.S.A. will undergo a permanent transition: the DINO Saur and Restaurantosaurus attractions are slated to close in February 2026—the final stage of the DinoLand closure. The forthcoming Tropical Americas area will feature the Encanto ride, a carousel, and an Indiana Jones adventure, all contributing to a reinvented park experience.
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Shannen Ace
WDW News Today
