First Look at the Layout of Tropical Americas and Construction Plans
Hey Disney Vacationers!, buckle up! Disney has just filed a major permit with the South Florida Water Management District, outlining the layout of Tropical Americas, the new land that’s set to replace Dinoland U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom. Dubbed “Project Ro,” this permit is the first official move in transforming Dinoland into a world inspired by the rich ecosystems and cultures of Central and South America, with fresh attractions and immersive experiences. Let’s dive into the full layout of Tropical Americas and what you can expect when it opens in 2027.
Demolition Plans for DinoLand U.S.A.
Disney’s approach is to dismantle DinoLand U.S.A. in phases, and it all starts with the Dino-Rama section—think of those classic Fossil Fun Games. This area will be permanently closed starting January 13th, with a last call for all dino fans on January 12th. Although Disney plans to save the Fossil Fun Games kiosks, several other landmarks will meet their end. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on the chopping block:
- Cementosaurus: This iconic sculpture, along with its footers, is set to be removed.
- Primeval Whirl Area: The retaining wall on this plot is also scheduled for demolition, while some existing walkways around the northern Dino-Rama area will stay in place.
- TriceraTop Spin: Sadly, this ride won’t be relocated; it’s set for full removal.
Some backstage trailers will also be dismantled, while others will stay put. Chester & Hester’s Dino Treasures won’t be demolished, as it’s expected to used elsewhere. Once complete, this first phase of demolition will clear the path for Tropical Americas’ attractions, including the highly anticipated Encanto-themed ride.
Tropical Americas Construction Begins
The layout of Tropical Americas isn’t just about tearing down old attractions—it’s about introducing an entirely new immersive world. Project Ro highlights two major new rides:
- Encanto-Themed Attraction: A new show-building area will house Disney’s first-ever attraction based on Encanto, offering an interactive, vibrant journey through the magical Madrigal family’s world.
- Indiana Jones Adventure: Guests will follow Indiana Jones on an epic archaeological mission through a recently unearthed Maya temple, rumored to hide a mystical creature in its depths. This will be a retheme of the present Dinosaur attraction.
Disney’s permit covers environmental impacts as well, aligning with Animal Kingdom’s conservation-first approach.
The Layout Breakdown: Pre- and Post-Development Insights
The permit provides a side-by-side view of Dinoland U.S.A.’s current layout and Tropical Americas’ future setup, giving us a sneak peek at the transformation ahead.
DinoLand U.S.A. (Pre-Development)
As it stands today, Dinoland’s main landmarks include:
- DINOSAUR Attraction: Located at the southern end.
- Dino-Rama Area: Central to the area, soon to be completely reimagined.
- Restaurantosaurus: Located to the left, it’ll remain with minor updates.
Tropical Americas (Post-Development)
In Tropical Americas’ layout, the focal point will be the Encanto attraction’s large show building, which will transform the central area. Meanwhile, a V-shaped carousel building will be at the top of the site, offering a nod to the colorful, lively spirit of Central and South America. Restaurantosaurus will get a few adjustments, and the DINOSAUR attraction will stay largely intact, with only minor updates to its queue area in order to be transformed into the Indiana Jones Adventure.
This permit filing gives us an exciting glimpse of the layout of Tropical Americas, and there’s no doubt this land will bring a thrilling, culturally rich experience to Animal Kingdom. We’ll be tracking updates closely, so stay tuned for a closer look at what’s in store for this eagerly awaited land.
For the latest on the layout of Tropical Americas and Disney’s other projects, make sure to check out our Disney Project and Rumor Tracker!