News 'Encanto' and 'Indiana Jones'-themed experiences at Animal Kingdom

[EricsBiscuit]

So I’m guessing that Encanto here would mean no Encanto at MK? Also, they wouldn’t build a TC if it wasn’t a big project?

 

[pigglewiggle]

Would it be safe to assume that if you are visiting towards end of year that Dinosaur will be extinct?

 

[Batman'sParents]

I guess they need more space for WDI at DAK. I guess the WDI Offices at HS and Epcot don't have enough room?

 

[Tha Realest]

I could be wrong about indoor and dark.

goodbye Kali River Rapids. Hello Madrigal’s River Adventure.

 

[doctornick]

I guess it would be wishful thinking that they could build the Encanto ride while leaving Dino running. Then redo Dino once Encanto is done.

DAK is already lacking in attractions, taking out an entire land would make for a couple of tough years.

Definitely this. They should be building Encanto first and quickly and ideally would finish that and open it before taking anything else off line. The park really can't handle losing all of Dinoland USA at once.

It would also be ideal if they could add another ride elsewhere first - like some have said, maybe the Lion King ride they are considering for Paris or a third attraction in Pandora.

 

[Magicart87]

I’ve heard Encanto but I could have misheard that.

Donkey Rides?

 

[James Alucobond]

So I’m guessing that Encanto here would mean no Encanto at MK? Also, they wouldn’t build a TC if it wasn’t a big project?

Encanto's likely been out of the MK plans for a while, and that's kind of a good thing. I just hope that means they're doubling down on a more suitable southwestern-Mexican transitional area that complements Thunder Mountain rather than some of the frankly horrifying options that have been suggested as neighbors to Villainland.

 

[doctornick]

View attachment 773698
Donkey Rides?

The concept art seemed to suggest a carousel replacing the TS spinner (why not have two flat rides; the park could use it). Having an animal carousel where you are riding animal friends of Antonio from Encanto makes sense.

 

[James Alucobond]

The concept art seemed to suggest a carousel replacing the TS spinner (why not have two flat rides; the park could use it). Having an animal carousel where you are riding animal friends of Antonio from Encanto makes sense.

That or Luisa's donkeycorns.

 

[MagicRat]

I can’t wait to read all of the presumptive anger on what they will be building and the consequential anger when the product is built but not up to the basement dweller’s expectations.

 

[doctornick]

I can’t wait to read all of the presumptive anger on what they will be building and the consequential anger when the product is built but not up to the basement dweller’s expectations.

I will presumptively say this... replacing Dinoland USA with "Tropical Americas" is not what the park needs. Yes, adding a ride to replace PW's footprint is good. But DAK really needs additions not replacements. They should build an entirely new land or add rides to multiple existing lands first before they shut down Dinoland USA.

DAK needs additional capacity. It's frustrating that we are likely only getting replacements for rides that already exist (or have existed in the recent past with PW).

 

[mattpeto]

I’m glad they are turning their attention first to AK. I’m optimistic they will get it right, like they did with Pandora.

 

[wdwmagic]

This is not construction staging, it appears to be mostly WDI offices. With lots and lots of parking.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be something else.

Nah, it’s happening

 

[DisneyDodo]

If they’re gonna add a third IP to Tropical Americas, Up would make more sense than Coco. It’s a better geographical fit, it already has a presence in DAK, and there are at least 2 other places at WDW that Coco would fit (Mexico & Beyond Big Thunder)

 

[DisneyDodo]

I will presumptively say this... replacing Dinoland USA with "Tropical Americas" is not what the park needs. Yes, adding a ride to replace PW's footprint is good. But DAK really needs additions not replacements. They should build an entirely new land or add rides to multiple existing lands first before they shut down Dinoland USA.

DAK needs additional capacity. It's frustrating that we are likely only getting replacements for rides that already exist (or have existed in the recent past with PW).

I would love to see them add more in addition to this, but PW is a sunk cost at this point. A replacement for PW adds just as much capacity relative to where we are today as a (comparable) new addition somewhere else would.

 

[doctornick]

I’m glad they are turning their attention first to AK. I’m optimistic they will get it right, like they did with Pandora.

I actually think DHS has the bigger need than DAK, but those are definitely the two parks that need new stuff the most. Issue is that both need additional capacity, not replacement.

 

[doctornick]

I would love to see them add more in addition to this, but PW is a sunk cost at this point. A replacement for PW adds just as much capacity relative to where we are today as a (comparable) new addition somewhere else would.

Sure. I guess my issue/thought/concern about that is that they are more likely to build the Encanto attraction in the same timeframe as a whole Dinoland redo where as if they built (say) a Lion King ride in Africa, they could expedite that to get open and add that capacity as quickly as possible. The park is going to be annoying if/when they close TS and Dinosaur. As though the lines in Pandora aren't already bad enough.....

 

[ToTBellHop]

it's confusing the different things we are hearing. It wasn't all that long ago that the hot rumor was that DAK was now lower on the list and MK and DHS were going to get attention first.

Never passed the smell test for me. MK will need many months of site prep before construction can begin. DAK is ready to start immediately.

 

[UNCgolf]

Sure. I guess my issue/thought/concern about that is that they are more likely to build the Encanto attraction in the same timeframe as a whole Dinoland redo where as if they built (say) a Lion King ride in Africa, they could expedite that to get open and add that capacity as quickly as possible. The park is going to be annoying if/when they close TS and Dinosaur. As though the lines in Pandora aren't already bad enough.....

It's not just the attractions, either. It'll also take Restaurantosaurus offline, which is pretty popular (likely because it's an easy place to get food for kids with chicken nuggets/burgers) and will increase waits/crowding at other QS locations, as well as shops, the Boneyard playground, and even the carnival games. All of that helps reduce crowding in other areas of the park.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Never passed the smell test for me. MK will need many months of site prep before construction can begin. DAK is ready to start immediately.

Site prep is construction…