Disney World's Epic 2027: Tropical Americas, New Hotel, and Reimagined Classic Ride

Walt Disney World is already making waves in 2027, but it's about to get even bigger. The resort has several major projects underway, including a new themed land and two major attractions at Animal Kingdom, a new hotel called Lakeshore Lodge, and a revamped version of the classic Carousel of Progress ride.

Tropical Americas is the name of the new land coming to Animal Kingdom in 2027. It will cover 11 acres and be inspired by areas of Central and South America. The fictional community of Pueblo Esperanza will feel like it has its own history and culture, with a large fountain serving as a gathering point.

Two major attractions will anchor the new land: one based on Indiana Jones, where guests will enter a preserved Maya temple to search for a mythical creature, and another based on Encanto, where guests will follow Antonio after he receives his gift of communicating with animals. Other experiences in Pueblo Esperanza include a working carousel featuring carved animals from Disney stories, a new themed play area, and a large hacienda housing one of Walt Disney World's largest quick-service restaurants.

Lakeshore Lodge is the name of the new hotel coming to Bay Lake in 2027. The waterfront retreat will emphasize nature while incorporating Disney storytelling throughout the property. It will offer boat transportation to Magic Kingdom and have a large outdoor recreation area called The Wetlands.

The Carousel of Progress ride, which closed in July 2026 for renovation, is expected to reopen in 2027 with a new introductory scene featuring an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. However, the biggest change will be that the Carousel family story will take place in different decades: 1969 (the moon landing), 1985 (Halloween night), and a possible future where they live in an out-of-this-world home with futuristic technology.

While these three projects have official 2027 timelines, Disney has several other massive developments underway, including Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios and Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom. Construction is ongoing for both, but no opening dates have been announced yet.