Disney Imagineering Shares New Details and Research Photos for Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom

Imagineers Share Behind-the-Scenes Look at Tropical Americas Development

For nearly three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has stood as a unique tribute to the harmony between nature, storytelling, and adventure. Joan Hartwig, Executive Creative Director for the Tropical Americas project, has witnessed this evolution firsthand throughout her 36-year career as a Disney cast member. She has spent much of that time fostering the park’s legacy—a place dedicated to celebrating the intrinsic value of nature and the deep interconnectedness of all living things.

The park’s signature magic can be felt across its diverse landscapes, from the sprawling savannas of Africa and the towering Himalayan peaks of Asia to the bioluminescent wonders of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Soon, that spirit of discovery will expand into the lush rainforests of the Tropical Americas.

Related – Closer Look at the Tropical Americas Construction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As the creative lead for this ambitious reimagining, Hartwig is overseeing the development of this vibrant new land. Her team has been hard at work conducting extensive research to ensure the land authentically captures the beauty and spirit of the region, bringing a joyful new chapter to the story of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

When it opens in 2027, the new land will represent one of the most culturally rich regions on the planet. From the northern reaches of South America, through Central America, and into parts of Mexico, this is a part of the world where nature doesn’t just surround communities — it shapes them.

And ancient cultures are still present in everyday life. Explorers and curious travelers continue to fall in love with the region and all there is to discover.

During the 2024 Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we shared that Tropical Americas will be home to Pueblo Esperanza when it opens at Animal Kingdom. Just as you stroll through the Port of Harambe in Africa, or wander the Kingdom of Anandapur in Asia, you’ll get to experience Pueblo Esperanza, a town with its own history, vivid culture, and of course, vibrant nature.

Imagineers have long dreamed of adding a land inspired by this region to Animal Kingdom. In fact, earlier concepts of potential park expansions imagined guests journeying into an ancient Maya temple and exploring a lush rainforest… sound familiar?

As Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rohde said, “We thought for a really long time about building a Tropical Americas-inspired land at Animal Kingdom. Specifically, one that features the Maya because of how intertwined with nature they were — it’s just a natural fit for the park.”

Of course, ideas at Walt Disney Imagineering never fully disappear; they evolve and inspire new experiences. Mix in the enchanting world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, the beloved escapades of Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones, and a region where the power of nature entwines with human stories… and you get Tropical Americas, courtesy of a team of Imagineers continuing a grand tradition of bringing imagination to life.

To ensure the Tropical Americas expansion remains grounded in authenticity, Walt Disney Imagineering has followed the long-standing tradition of field research established during the original construction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The creative team embarked on several expeditions to immerse themselves in the culture, customs, and folklore of the region, ensuring the new land goes beyond mere recreation to tell stories with curiosity and humility.

The Heart of the Maya: A Research Expedition

A small group of Imagineers recently traveled to Honduras to consult with local Maya artists. These master carvers have dedicated their lives to preserving the intricate stonework found at Copán, one of the most significant and well-preserved cities of the ancient Maya civilization.

During this journey, the team explored lush mountain valleys and visited the historic quarries that have provided materials to the region for centuries.

• Authentic Materials: Imagineers experienced the striking red and green stones native to the landscape firsthand.
• Traditional Artistry: The team observed carvers using time-honored techniques that have been passed down through generations.
• From Copán to Florida: In a breathtaking full-circle moment, these same native materials and traditional carving methods will be utilized in the construction of Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.

In their pursuit of authenticity, the Imagineering team traveled to Colombia to immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes and rich traditions that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto. This research serves as the foundation for the first-ever Encanto attraction in a Disney park, where guests will step into the world of the Madrigal family.

Stepping Into the World of Encanto

The upcoming attraction invites guests to join Antonio as he celebrates his unique gift—the ability to communicate with animals. The experience is designed to reflect the heart of the film: the idea that regardless of our individual abilities, we are all part of the “familia” of all living things.

• Following the Filmmakers: The team retraced the steps of the original Encanto filmmakers, meeting with local communities and visiting the specific locations that shaped the Academy Award-winning film.
• Designing Pueblo Esperanza: To ensure the land’s central town feels like a lived-in, breathing community, Imagineers studied:
  • The specific textures and materials found in traditional town plazas.
  • How the hues of haciendas shift and change under varying light throughout the day.
  • The architectural ways buildings naturally respond to the climate and rugged terrain of the region.

For Walt Disney Imagineering, these journeys are about more than just aesthetics; they are about gaining the insight and deeper understanding necessary to honor a culture. By traveling directly to the source, the team ensures that every detail brought back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is crafted with the utmost authenticity and care.

Are you looking forward to experiencing the finished Tropical Americas?