Disney recently dropped a TON of announcements about the new Tropical Americas-themed land coming to Animal Kingdom at D23, and we’re even more excited than we already were!
Joe Rohde talking about Tropical Americas at D23
We officially now know that the Encanto dark ride will be called Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, and the carousel will be called El Carrusel de los Animalitos. Not only that, but the Indiana Jones ride is officially called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. When Disney first announced this new land, many thought it would also feature live animals from the region, but a former Imagineer says that may not be the case.
In a recent comment on Instagram, former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde shared that there are currently no plans to introduce live animals in the new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom.
Joe Rohde at D23
While many fans were hoping that live animals would be included as part of the expansion — given that it is Animal Kingdom, after all — Rohde seems to have confirmed that, based on his knowledge, that will not be the case. He said, “I agree that live animals are an important part of the park and that Tropical A[mericas] would be better with live animals.”
He then went on to say that instead, Animal Kingdom needs rides for young people, which is what they are getting with the new Encanto rides and the Indiana Jones ride to some extent. Rohde mentioned that based on Disney’s budget, the rides are currently more important than bringing live animals to the land, though he did say that, “I do believe animals are important, and I do believe that they should be included in the future when a business plan can be written for that effort.”
via Instagram
So, while it sounds like live animals are not being planned for Tropical Americas when it opens, they might not be totally out of the question in the future. Rohde said in another comment, “Now, when and if funding comes around for animals, they would likely be sampled from that entire region.”
Many fans were hoping to see animals from the Amazon, considering it’s an incredibly important ecosystem for the planet, and Animal Kingdom has long been about animal conservation and sustainability. It’s also worth noting that Animal Kingdom is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which also comes with its own guidelines.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent Model on Display at D23 2026
While we’re disappointed that there likely won’t be any live animals, we still can’t deny that we can’t wait to experience this new land.
Tropical Americas will feature classic Spanish-style architecture with a large hacienda that will also serve as one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World. The rich and lush color and biodiversity of the Tropical Rainforest will be on full display (sans animals), and at the center of Pueblo Esperanza will be a large fountain where stories will be told by gathering villagers.
Tropical Americas model
We’ll be on the lookout for more updates about Disney’s park expansions and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
Check out EVERYTHING we know about the Tropical Americas land right here!
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What sort of animals would you want to see in the Tropical Americas land? Let us know in the comments below!
