Tropical Americas Breaks Ground at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Construction Officially Begins

Jan 17, 2025 in "Tropical Americas"

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Walt Disney Imagineering Ground Breaking Ceremony at Tropical Americas in Animal Kingdom

Posted: Friday January 17, 2025 1:12pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney's Animal Kingdom has officially begun its transformation with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tropical Americas expansion on January 17, 2025.

Walt Disney Imagineering Ground Breaking Ceremony at Tropical Americas in Animal Kingdom

This milestone marks the official start of construction on the park's next big project, which will reimagine the former Dinoland U.S.A. into a new land celebrating the cultures and wildlife of Central and South America.

The groundbreaking event was attended by the Tropical Americas project team, including Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI).

What to Expect from Tropical Americas

The Tropical Americas expansion promises to be a significant addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom, featuring:

An Encanto-themed attraction: Guests will step inside the magical casita to celebrate Antonio's gift of communicating with animals, exploring the Madrigal family's extraordinary world
An Indiana Jones adventure: Set to replace the DINOSAUR attraction after it closes in early 2026, this thrilling ride will take guests on an archaeological journey through a newly discovered Maya temple.

The new land will also include themed dining, entertainment, and lush environments inspired by the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Construction Kicks Off

With construction walls already in place around the former Dino-Rama area, the groundbreaking marks the beginning of the physical transformation. Recent progress includes the removal of Dinosaur Treasures signage and the disassembly of TriceraTop Spin, clearing the way for site preparation.

Dino-Rama Walled Off - January 13, 2025

Timeline for Completion

The Tropical Americas expansion is projected to open in phases, with the full land expected to debut by 2027.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses and the Tropical Americas expansion takes shape at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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monothingie1 day ago

In just mere months we may have a functional temporary contractor parking lot. Take that Epic Universe!!!

wdwmagic1 day ago

Tropical Americas Progress: New Contractor Lot Approved at Disney's Animal Kingdom https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/tropical-americas/news/13may2025-tropical-americas-progress-new-contractor-lot-approved-at-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm

Disstevefan13 days ago

While I agree with most of this post, what Disney did to Future world, specifically trading the fountain of nations for that ugly planter with broken ground lighting and the stupid rust finish all over the place is the worst in my opinion.

Gremlin Gus3 days ago

Not really, there isn't too much space there to make it a mini-land of sorts. Though I can see Disney maybe considering the Northern Expansion plot as an Oceania land as there is the space to do it and there is three big IP's that do fit Oceania well enough (Moana, Lilo and Stitch, and Finding Nemo)

threvester3 days ago

you hear the songs on the attraction and then again in a show.......no thanks...1 encanto thing is more than enough

RosR93 days ago

I’m surprised they haven’t torn down Nemo and put the Moana ride there. One random ocean experience traded for another. Is there room behind Nemo for an expansion for the Moana ride and they could make a mini Oceana land?

Mr. Sullivan3 days ago

USF isn’t horrible not but I do think it’s comfortably last place of the 7 Disney/Uni parks. It’s a in a bad state at the moment. Not even the attractions only, the park itself is not in good shape.

eddie1043 days ago

Because there a lot of things to like about the park’s current design that don’t necessarily need a full overhaul but maybe a few touch ups here and there. I can go into extreme detail about what I do to “improve” the main campus but rather not. Anyways this is not the USO thread I won’t be replying further concerning that topic. I actually agree with you but we all know F&F is a horrible attraction. Fallon and Minion are popular and get good guest scores. Not saying they don’t need replacements but I don’t think they are leaving anytime soon.

UNCgolf3 days ago

The park was better then in reasons beyond just the attraction lineup (although the attraction lineup was significantly better, the current attraction lineup at USF is lackluster at best). It's easily the worst park out any of the Universal or Disney parks in Orlando, even though Diagon Alley is fantastic. Most of what's good about the park today (again, Diagon Alley aside) are the underlying bones from when it actually was a good park. You honestly might be the first person I've heard suggest that the current version of USF doesn't need a major overhaul. And no, it has nothing to do with nostalgia. That's a cop out argument -- basically boils down to "I don't want to accept that someone could think differently than I do for legitimate reasons, so I'll just dismiss their opinion out of hand".

Disney Analyst3 days ago

The parks bones are still good, but the lineup inside is pretty … lacklustre. If Fallon, F&F, Minions (both of them) all closed tomorrow, I don’t think any tears would be shed.

MrHappy3 days ago

Just got back from 2 days USF, 3 days IoA. Flew in from CT. We chose not to give Disney our money this year, rather, take advantage of pre-Epic deals. There are definitely some pros and cons comparing to Disney. But as an admitted pixie duster, I was impressed. USF’s front was a little wonky, but Minion “land” is a nice strip. Dreamwork land was nice too. Whatever they do to Rip Ride, I’m sure will further add cohesion and energy. Disney better stop with the silly summertime discounts and get a clue.

TheMaxRebo3 days ago

Probably never happen but maybe they could do a stage show of Raya and the Last Dragon. While in a fictional land it is inspired by Southeast Asia so could connect it to the Asia part of AK and then could finally have Dragons represented like on the park logo

Gremlin Gus3 days ago

I was talking about the Tokyo Disneyland rumor of the ride, not the Disneyland Paris one. Though I agree with what you said with it being a moving theatre ride.

Fox&Hound3 days ago

Yes but the Up ride is literally a swings ride from a local amusement park or state fair. It is nothing special. Up should have a moving theatre ride that makes you feel like you are lifting up in the air and moving back and forth. Edit- I do think parks need more rides and A/B tickets at that but it is disappointing that Up’s first ride is so basic. Maybe with a little more theming it would seem better but the theming in the concept art is pretty bare.