Hey Disney Vacationers! Big things are happening behind the walls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and it’s not just demolition dust. Walt Disney Imagineering just filed three new construction permits tied directly to the upcoming Tropical Americas land, which will take over the former DinoLand U.S.A. space.
If you’re like me — a Disney fan who watches permits like trailers — this is a major signal that work is ramping up. Here’s what we know, what’s changing, and how these new filings push the project closer to that big 2027 debut.
What Are the New Permits for Tropical Americas?
The permits were filed by Walt Disney Imagineering and fall under the category of “General Construction and Area Improvement.” All three have a 12-month expiration date — a standard length for projects at this stage.
They’re assigned to Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, a long-time Disney partner that’s helped build everything from Galaxy’s Edge to The Boathouse at Disney Springs.
Permit Details at a Glance
| Permit Area | Location Summary | Contractor | Filed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backstage Expansion 1 | Previously restricted area, now part of Tropical Americas footprint | Whiting-Turner Contracting Company | Walt Disney Imagineering |
| Backstage Expansion 2 | Additional support space behind former Dino-Rama | Whiting-Turner Contracting Company | Walt Disney Imagineering |
| Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures Retail | Former store closed January 2025 | Whiting-Turner Contracting Company | Walt Disney Imagineering |
These permits don’t lay out attraction details (we’re not getting full blueprints here), but they clearly show Disney is reshaping the land’s infrastructure — and fast.
Map Context: Where Is This All Happening?
The Tropical Americas land is taking over the former DinoLand U.S.A. footprint, but the latest permits confirm that Disney is going bigger. Two of the filings cover areas that used to be backstage only, signaling an expansion of guest-accessible space. The third permit is for the Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures building, which officially closed in January 2025. Together, these locations stretch the new land’s boundaries beyond what guests walked through just a year ago.
Recent Construction Progress
Construction has accelerated in recent months. The Dino-Rama carnival area has been completely demolished, leaving only the Chester & Hester’s retail building and nearby restroom standing for repurposing. Site work has also pushed deeper into backstage zones, further confirming that this new land is expanding in size and scope. Disney has also confirmed that The Boneyard playground will officially close on September 2, 2025.
What’s Still Open in DinoLand U.S.A. (for Now)
If you’re visiting soon, there’s still time to catch what’s left of the original land:
- DINOSAUR (the ride is open and operating)
- Restaurantosaurus
- The Boneyard (but only through early September 2025)
These holdovers are expected to stay available for most of the year as construction continues in phases behind the walls.
What Will Tropical Americas Include?
Disney has confirmed two major attractions for the 11-acre Tropical Americas land. One will be a ride-through experience based on Encanto. The second will be a new Indiana Jones-themed adventure, expected to replace the existing DINOSAUR attraction once the current section of the park is closed and rethemed. The land is inspired by the diverse environments and cultures of Central and South America, promising immersive detail and layered storytelling.
Who Is Whiting-Turner Contracting Company?
Whiting-Turner is no stranger to Disney projects. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, and with more than 50 offices nationwide, this contractor has worked on a long list of Disney projects including:
- TRON Lightcycle Run
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Toy Story Mania
- The Boathouse and T-Rex Café at Disney Springs
- The new Villains Show at Hollywood Studios
- Beak & Barrel Tavern
They’ve also tackled work for Universal and LEGOLAND, showing their versatility and deep experience with themed entertainment spaces.
Final Thoughts: What These Permits Really Mean
This is one of the biggest updates Animal Kingdom has seen since Pandora — and every permit is a peek behind the curtain. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the next phase (especially when vertical construction starts or attraction names drop). If you’re planning a trip before it all changes, now’s the time to go.
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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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