Hey Disney Vacationers! Here we go again—Disney just filed more permits tied to the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom. If you’re like me and obsessively watch every construction move like it’s a hidden Mickey, this is a big one.
What’s New: Two Additional Permits Filed
Walt Disney Imagineering has submitted two new Notices of Commencement related to Tropical Americas, Disney’s upcoming land that will transform the DinoLand U.S.A. area of Animal Kingdom.
These latest permits cover:
- Restaurantosaurus
- The former meet-and-greet area near TriceraTop Spin
Both are assigned to Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, one of Disney’s go-to construction partners. The scope of work is labeled simply as “General Construction,” a phrase often used for site prep, early demolition, or infrastructure upgrades.
So while we don’t have an attraction name or blueprint yet, it’s clear Disney’s turning ideas into action.
Quick Recap: Earlier Permits from June 2025
This isn’t the first time Walt Disney Imagineering has filed paperwork for Tropical Americas. On June 25, 2025, Disney submitted three earlier permits, also tied to Whiting-Turner:
- Two permits covered areas previously considered backstage, now getting folded into the expansion.
- One permit targeted the former Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures store, which permanently closed in January 2025.
So between the June permits and these latest filings, we’re seeing the pieces of Tropical Americas begin to take shape—literally.
Who Is Whiting-Turner?
If you’ve spent time at Disney Springs, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios, you’ve probably seen the results of Whiting-Turner’s work without realizing it.
They’ve partnered with Disney on projects like:
- The Boathouse and T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs
- TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Toy Story Mania
- The Beak & Barrel (the new Pirates lounge at Magic Kingdom)
- Future World overhaul at EPCOT
Outside Disney, they’ve even built the AMC Theater at Universal CityWalk and LEGO Ninjago at LEGOLAND.
With over 4,000 employees and more than 50 offices across the U.S., Whiting-Turner ranks consistently in the Top 10 contractors on Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 list. In short: Disney doesn’t mess around with who they hire.
What’s Happening with Restaurantosaurus?
This one’s interesting. Restaurantosaurus is still open, and Disney has stated it will remain open through at least 2025. But the new permit hints that changes are coming sooner than later.
Disney has already confirmed that as part of Tropical Americas, Restaurantosaurus will be transformed into a large quick-service Hacienda-style restaurant. It’s set to become one of the biggest quick-service dining locations at Walt Disney World. So even if the dinosaur bones stick around for a bit longer, a full retheme is clearly on the menu.
What Is Tropical Americas?
If you’re just catching up, here’s the big picture: Tropical Americas is the new themed land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. It was officially announced at D23 and brings some major upgrades to Animal Kingdom.
Here’s what Disney has shared so far:
- A ride-through attraction based on Encanto
- A new Indiana Jones adventure, set in a mysterious Maya temple
- A massive quick-service restaurant
- A uniquely themed carousel
It’s a blend of South American cultural elements and classic Disney IPs, aiming to give Animal Kingdom a fresh storyline while keeping the immersive theming we all love.
A Note on Speculation
Just a quick reminder: filing a permit doesn’t mean immediate construction or visible change. It’s one step in a long process. Disney hasn’t released specific attraction timelines, concept art tied to these permits, or exact opening dates for the new land. But these filings are solid breadcrumbs for fans tracking progress.
Final Thoughts
These additional permits for Tropical Americas show that Disney is moving steadily forward with its next major land. We’re now seeing work stretch across former DinoLand landmarks—from Chester & Hester’s to Restaurantosaurus—which points to a wide-reaching transformation.
If you’re planning a visit in 2026 or later, this could be a major new draw. And if you’re like me, just keep watching those construction walls. They’re the first hint of magic to come.
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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!
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