Disney Files Site Prep Permit for Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom

Hey Disney Vacationers! Big changes are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed a site prep permit for Tropical Americas, signaling that groundwork is about to begin for the highly anticipated reimagining of DinoLand USA.

What Does the Permit Cover?

The newly filed permit lists Whiting-Turner, a frequent contractor for Walt Disney World projects, as the lead. The scope of work is described as “Area Development,” which generally involves land clearing, grading, and preparing the site for new construction.

In this case, the area development phase likely includes:

• Clearing and reshaping land to make way for the first phase of Tropical Americas, which features an Encanto-themed attraction.
• Demolishing existing structures, including TriceraTop Spin and the Fossil Fun Games area.

Who is Whiting-Turner?

Whiting-Turner has a strong track record with Disney and other high-profile clients. Some of their notable projects in Central Florida include:

• The Boathouse at Disney Springs.
• LEGO Ninjago World at LEGOLAND Florida.

For the Tropical Americas project, they’ll play a crucial role in transforming DinoLand USA into a lush, immersive land inspired by the culture, landscapes, and stories of Central and South America.

Permit Details

The site prep permit expires on December 30, 2025, which is slightly longer than Disney’s typical one-year permit timeline. However, this extended timeframe doesn’t mean the entire project will be completed by then. Instead, this phase primarily involves preparing the land and installing new infrastructure.

Disney has announced that Tropical Americas will open in phases, with the full land slated for completion in 2027.

What’s Closing in January 2025?

To kick off the site preparation, DinoLand USA will begin phased closures starting January 13, 2025. The following attractions and offerings will close:

• TriceraTop Spin.
• Fossil Fun Games.
• Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop.

This initial closure clears the way for demolition and land clearing in the Dino-Rama and former Primeval Whirl area.

What’s Next for Animal Kingdom?

While the first phase focuses on Encanto, the Tropical Americas transformation doesn’t stop there. Walt Disney World has confirmed:

• DINOSAUR will remain open through 2025 before closing for an Indiana Jones retheme in 2026. The ride’s track layout and vehicles will remain the same, but the attraction will undergo a full thematic overhaul.
• Restaurantosaurus and the Boneyard are expected to be addressed in later phases.

According to Len Testa of the Disney Dish, DINOSAUR is staying open for now to help manage park capacity until the Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Tree of Life show debuts in late 2025.

What Can We Expect by 2027?

By the time Tropical Americas is fully completed in 2027, guests will experience:

• An Encanto-themed attraction in the first phase.
• A rethemed Indiana Jones ride in the second phase.
• A completely transformed area filled with vibrant cultural influences and lush landscapes.

Why This Matters

The filing of this site prep permit for Tropical Americas is a significant milestone, showing Disney’s commitment to reinventing Animal Kingdom. As construction begins, the park will start its next chapter, offering guests new ways to explore storytelling and adventure.

Keep an eye on updates as Disney brings this exciting vision to life!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!