Tropical Americas Construction Update - Ground Clearing Continues, Disney Imagineering Teams Visit Site

Apr 09, 2025 in "Tropical Americas"

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Dino-Rama Demolition - April 9, 2025

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Posted: Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:43am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The transformation of Disney's Animal Kingdom continues as work progresses on the highly anticipated Tropical Americas expansion.

Dino-Rama Demolition - April 9, 2025

The latest update from the former Dino-Rama site shows that demolition crews continue to work on ground clearing, with teams actively removing concrete flooring throughout the area.

Dino-Rama Demolition - April 9, 2025

Dino-Institute Billboard Removed

One of the final remnants of Dino-Rama—the Dino-Institute billboard—has now been removed. The billboard was one of the last Dino-Rama vertical elements still standing after the removal of TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and the iconic Cementosaurus figure.

The Dino-Institute billboard pictured before its removal

With its removal, the entire former Dino-Rama area is now virtually cleared of themed elements as Disney prepares the land for new development.

Dino-Rama Demolition - April 9, 2025

Imagineers on Site

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) teams were spotted touring the site today, likely evaluating progress, refining plans, or preparing for the next phase.

Dino-Rama Demolition - April 9, 2025

Current Work and What's Ahead

The current phase remains focused on:

Concrete removal across the former midway and attraction areas
Debris clearing and site preparation for new infrastructure and foundations

Once clearing is complete, Disney is expected to begin utility work and vertical construction to support the development of the new land.

Dino-Rama Demolition - April 9, 2025

About Tropical Americas

The Tropical Americas expansion—set to open in 2027—will replace Dinoland U.S.A. with a richly themed new land inspired by the cultures, landscapes, and biodiversity of Central and South America.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Confirmed attractions include:

An Encanto-themed ride-through attraction where guests will explore the magical Madrigal family's casita
A brand-new Indiana Jones adventure replacing DINOSAUR after its closure in early 2026
A large quick-service hacienda-style restaurant
A carousel-style attraction featuring hand-carved animals from Disney stories
A lush, story-rich environment named Pueblo Esperanza

Discuss on the Forums

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ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ5 hours ago

That would be great. Many songs already baked-in that most aren't aware of. Emperor's New Groove needs its moment in the sun. Long overdue.

Cmdr_Crimson6 hours ago

They could still make it a musical..just use some of the kingdom of the sun songs like snuff out the dark, funny friend and me...etc.

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ7 hours ago

My unsolicited armchair'd school of thought: Raze it. It's a pretty big plot. Best interim idea: give it to Tropical Americas and pickup a new show (Emperor's New Groove) I rather not have an Encanto or Coco show, if only because those movies were already musicals. (of sorts) There's the idea too that maybe they don't want to remove it (Nemo still puts butts in seats) and instead rework the area as a mini-land. The oft-armchaired "Oceania land" (Nemo show, Moana whatsit, etc) comes to mind. Is it doable? What will they actually do? :shrugs: Not sure they know. Best guess? Paint and Nemo for 10 more years.

Agent H7 hours ago

I think it would be cool if they turned it into an emperors new groove show.

Cmdr_Crimson8 hours ago

Perhaps an Encanto celebration show..

mattpeto8 hours ago

I feel bad but we really disliked the updated Nemo show. It just felt like it was created for very young children and my girls aged out. Most of the shows, I'd put it in the rotation but I can't see us revisiting this show. I wouldn't mind seeing something new in this space, but I'm also okay with it sticking around for the toddlers.

Cmdr_Crimson9 hours ago

The concept art doesn't seem to show it being part of it but, who knows what they will do..

TheMaxRebo9 hours ago

I haven't heard anything and it is a good question - if I had to pick I'd say it is part of Tropical Americas, at least as far as section on the map - they might just drop that it is part of the Dino Institute

Cmdr_Crimson9 hours ago

Curious since it hasn't been mentioned and it's pretty much out of the "so called vicinity" of Dino land but they count it as the part of the Dino Institute. The Theater in the Wild was used for the students and professors to show and discuss their findings in Dinoland before they decided to have theater and concert performers take it over....But, will this theater be a part of the Tropical America's since it was used by the Dino Institute or become a part of Anamdapur?

rle4lunch18 hours ago

You're right. The only attractions that come close to being equal between DL and MK are SM and HM. They're the best clone-non-clone effort. The rest fall short or have lacked the care and love (BTMR, which is about to be GREAT again).

Disney Analyst18 hours ago

You have seen the light. Disneyland supremacy!

SamusAranX18 hours ago

And I dislike that. Dinosaur is a good attraction but yes could have been great. I have so much I want to rant about WDW now in comparison to DL

rle4lunch21 hours ago

This is the normal response after riding IJ in DL in comparison to Dino. Sure, there's always the vocal minority that'll claim otherwise, but alas, it's feigning. Dino WAS great, SHOULD'VE been plussed up, COULD'VE been given some love, but it didn't happen. It was limped along for the last decade knowing that they were going to replace it.

SamusAranX1 day ago

After riding IJ in DL today for the first time ever: 1. Dinosaur isn’t getting saved. I loved it but IJ is objectively better 2. I hope the best for the overlay and feel a bit better for it