Disney Imagineering Files Notice of Commencement for Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom

Dec 13, 2024 in "Tropical Americas"

Posted: Friday December 13, 2024 1:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has taken another step toward the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Today, WDI filed a Notice of Commencement for the site previously occupied by Primeval Whirl, signaling progress in the park's highly anticipated Tropical Americas expansion.

Key Details from the Filing

  • Location: Former Primeval Whirl site
  • Contractor: Whiting-Turner, a firm known for managing large-scale construction projects for Disney
  • Expiration Date: December 30, 2025
  • Description: "Area Development"

The filing suggests work will soon begin on preparing the area for redevelopment, aligning with Disney's plans to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. into a land inspired by Central and South American cultures and ecosystems.


What Does "Area Development" Mean?

While Disney has not provided specifics about this filing, "Area Development" typically encompasses site preparation, infrastructure work, and landscaping to support future attractions. This could include clearing land, installing utilities, and creating the thematic groundwork for the new land's immersive experiences.

The former Primeval Whirl site has remained inactive since the ride's permanent closure in 2020. The Tropical Americas expansion will feature attractions themed to Disney's Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises.

Timeline for the Expansion

The expiration date of December 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for this phase of the project, though construction on individual attractions and experiences is likely to extend beyond that. The Tropical Americas land is expected to open in phases, with a full debut anticipated around 2027.

Find out more about the Tropical Americas expansion and the land's attractions.

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    JD8015 hours ago

    Nevermind

    TheMaxRebo18 hours ago

    I feel like the IP is still popular - but when Harrison Ford was younger, keeping that memory alive. I think the recent video game did well/got good reviews

    TrainsOfDisney18 hours ago

    🏆 you win. You win everything. Haha

    SamusAranX18 hours ago

    Reminds me of an old joke. A yeti, Kylo ren, and a blue shaman start to walk into a bar, then stop.

    SamusAranX18 hours ago

    The ONLY reason that I could see them backing out of Indy is due to the tepid reception of the last movie. They were hoping to rebuild and reenergize the franchise and the film did the opposite. I doubt they will though, and I could think of way worse IP fits for Tropical America, so best to leave it alone.

    DCBaker18 hours ago

    Here’s a peek at the area from today: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54343764264_e188892ae6_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54344009460_d3fb380740_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54342658567_3fdb125e38_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54343584381_9f902caf26_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54343553276_623b5f9ef1_k.jpg

    Agent H19 hours ago

    What’s wrong with liking dinosaurs?

    Sorcerer Mickey19 hours ago

    Theoretically it should be the cheapest but we don’t have any budget numbers to back up that claim. Either way, I wish a Carnotaurus ambush upon you.

    TrainsOfDisney19 hours ago

    i haven’t seen Disney make any attraction as good as Indiana Jones. The only 2 that approach that level are radiator springs racers and rise.

    TheMaxRebo20 hours ago

    we'll see - I recall early chatter being they wanted this to be the best version of it. Obviously no guarantee and understand people being pessimistic but I will remain hopeful

    TrainsOfDisney20 hours ago

    I doubt they will put in the physical effects that make Indy so good at Disneyland - the fire, the smoke effects, the “backwards wall” - maybe we will get the boulder but even that I wonder about. It will probably be lots of screens and 1 “worlds most advanced AA” that we can say is impressive until it stops working. Haha

    Consumer20 hours ago

    Embarrassing. Wrong. Isn't Indiana Jones the cheapest of these announced changes given that the ride system is already in place?

    Sorcerer Mickey20 hours ago

    1/3 I'm a Dinosaur Stan, 1/3 my belief that Indiana Jones is a franchise that belongs in a museum, and 1/3 I don't see how Disney justifies it in the current economic environment.

    McMickeyWorld20 hours ago

    I feel it's more likely that Disney will open it with a minimal budget rather than cancel it