Disney Files Key Permit for Tropical Americas Expansion at Animal Kingdom, Detailing Site Demolition Plan

Oct 28, 2024 in "Tropical Americas"

Gallery / 3 Photos
Tropical Americas Permit and Site Demolition Plan - October 2024

Posted: Monday October 28, 2024 12:45pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has taken a significant step forward in transforming Dinoland U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom, filing a key permit with the South Florida Water Management District for the first phase of the Tropical Americas expansion, also known as Project Ro.

The permit includes a detailed site demolition plan, outlining which areas of Dinoland U.S.A. will be removed to make way for the new land's first attractions.

Site Demolition Plan

Demolition Details in Phase One

The permit's site demolition plan reveals the first areas set for removal, focusing on Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, including its carnival-style Fossil Fun Games, the TriceraTop Spin ride, and the Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures gift shop. The removal of these attractions is a first step in preparing for Tropical Americas, which will introduce new themed areas inspired by the vibrant cultures and rich ecosystems of Central and South America.

Pre and Post Development - Pervious and Impervious Areas

Preparing for Tropical Americas

Project Ro's filing marks a key milestone towards the start of work on Tropical Americas, a land that will bring all-new new experiences, including the first-ever "Encanto"-themed attraction, and an entirely new Indiana Jones adventure. This new attraction will take guests on an archaeological journey through a recently uncovered Maya temple, with Indiana Jones leading the way as they search for a mysterious creature rumored to inhabit the temple's depths.

The permit also addresses environmental impacts and measures to protect surrounding areas during the project, which aligns with Disney's commitment to maintaining Animal Kingdom's focus on conservation.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

The first wave of closures will take place in January 2025, with the final day for guests to experience TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and the charming shop Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures set for January 12, 2025.

While much of the Dino-Rama area will be closing, several DinoLand attractions will remain open, at least for now. DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will still be available to visitors until later in 2025.

The entire Tropical Americas land slated to open in 2027.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

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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

Disstevefan12 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 Gus2 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)

threvester2 days ago

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

RosR92 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. Sullivan2 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.

eddie1042 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.

UNCgolf2 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.