Construction at Disney's Animal Kingdom has advanced with crews pouring a concrete foundation for the new carousel in the Pueblo Esperanza development on March 12, 2026. This milestone builds on recent progress in replacing DinoLand U.S.A., including historical planning hints like the Tiffins Restaurant map previously covered in our series.
As detailed in prior articles in this series, DinoLand U.S.A. fully closed in February 2026 after nearly 28 years, paving the way for Pueblo Esperanza—a Tropical Americas land with an Encanto-inspired Casita experience, hand-carved Disney animal carousel, and reimagined Indiana Jones ride on the former DINOSAUR system.
The carousel foundation, poured March 12 near the Casita show building, features silver steel beams on a reddish-brown framework. Most DinoLand structures are demolished, including the Restaurantosaurus bar, while the main dining area will become a hacienda. Interior preparations continue inside the ex-DINOSAUR building for the Indiana Jones attraction, distinct from Disneyland's version.
Pueblo Esperanza remains on track for a 2027 debut, with no specific opening date announced.