Walt Disney World just got the official go-ahead to move forward with its ambitious Animal Kingdom overhaul, and big changes are on the horizon.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is in the midst of a massive transformation. Of course, bringing such an ambitious project to life takes time. While Disney aims to unveil the Tropical Americas land by 2027, many are skeptical about the tight timeline, even with Josh D’Amaro’s reassurance that all announced projects are moving forward. However, the recent approval of Project Ro—the official name of this expansion—signals a major step forward for the project.
On February 6, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) officially granted Disney a permit for the Animal Kingdom development, allowing critical work to begin. According to WDWMagic, the Project Ro permit includes:
“Relocation of parking, sidewalks, and utilities; Updates to the stormwater drainage system to integrate with the existing wet detention system; Compliance with state water quality standards under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.”
Importantly, the permit only allows for current infrastructure to be changed and does not allow Disney to alter the existing land or impact wetlands, ensuring environmental protections remain in place. The approved permit extends through February 2030, giving Disney ample time to complete the project.
Soon, guests will no longer stroll through the prehistoric past of DinoLand U.S.A. Instead, they'll find themselves immersed in the vibrant world of the Tropical Americas. Dubbed Pueblo Esperanza, this new land has already begun to take shape, with several DinoLand attractions—including TriceraTop Spin—shutting down permanently. While the iconic DINOSAUR ride is still operational, it’s set to receive an Indiana Jones-inspired overhaul, though guests will be able to enjoy the original attraction until 2025.
Meanwhile, fans of Encanto (2021) are in for a treat. Disney has confirmed that the second major attraction in this expansion will take guests inside Antonio Madrigal’s bedroom. Concept art suggests an enchanting ride through the magical Casa Madrigal, packed with familiar faces from the beloved film. Joining these two headline experiences will be additional attractions, including a charming woodcarver’s carousel featuring iconic Disney animal characters.
But that’s not the only big change coming to Animal Kingdom. On March 16, the park will permanently close It's Tough to be a Bug! inside the Tree of Life Theater. This closure marks the start of a brand-new era, as the theater will soon be home to Zootopia: Better Zoogether. Featuring Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde, this all-new attraction will immerse guests in the world of Disney’s Oscar-winning animated hit. The Zootopia experience is slated to open in winter 2025.
Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom, another major transformation is looming. Frontierland as guests know it is on its way out. In its place? A full-fledged Pixar Cars-themed land. The removal of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will kickstart this massive shift at Disney’s flagship Florida park.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed indefinitely, with a planned reopening in 2026. While Disney hasn’t confirmed all the details, it’s likely the iconic coaster will remain operational while the rest of Frontierland undergoes its extensive reimagining.
What do you think about Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas land? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
