Disney’s Animal Kingdom is on the brink of a major transformation, as Walt Disney World has secured approval to move forward with its highly anticipated Tropical Americas expansion. But while exciting changes are on the horizon, the park continues to welcome guests daily.
While all eyes are on Animal Kingdom’s future, Magic Kingdom remains the go-to for an exclusive nighttime experience. The Disney After Hours event returned for 2025, offering guests access to select nights from January 6 through May 19. With shorter wait times, smaller crowds, and special perks, this after-dark offering is a prime opportunity for guests to experience Magic Kingdom in a whole new way.
Guests looking to attend can plan for the following dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 28; and May 5, 12, 19.
However, May 5 will bring an unexpected change, as Disney has confirmed that Animal Kingdom—not EPCOT—will offer Extended Evening Hours for select resort guests. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and other select hotels can explore the animal-themed park after closing. It’s likely that favorites such as Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and DINOSAUR will be available. The My Disney Experience app lists the aforementioned plus Na’vi River Journey, and It’s Tough to be a Bug! as attractions guests can experience, but, as always, things can change.
The biggest shift at Animal Kingdom is the reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. The land, which has already seen the permanent closure of attractions like TriceraTop Spin, is set to be replaced by the Tropical Americas—an entirely new area inspired by different cultures and landscapes. One of the flagship attractions will be an Encanto-themed ride, where guests step inside Antonio Madrigal’s magical bedroom within Casa Madrigal. Additionally, a new woodcarver’s carousel will showcase iconic Disney animals.
A major milestone for the project came on February 6, when the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) granted a permit for the initiative, internally referred to as Project Ro. The permit allows for major infrastructure work, including the relocation of parking, sidewalks, and utilities, as well as stormwater drainage updates to comply with environmental regulations. Notably, no wetlands will be affected, and protective measures have been put in place to safeguard local wildlife. With the permit valid until 2030, Disney has flexibility in executing its ambitious plans.
Meanwhile, another Animal Kingdom staple is set to close. It’s Tough to be a Bug! inside the Tree of Life Theater will officially end its run on March 16. Taking its place will be Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a brand-new attraction featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other fan-favorite characters from the Oscar-winning film. This new experience is set to open in winter 2025.
Animal Kingdom isn’t the only park undergoing major changes—Magic Kingdom is also in the midst of a dramatic overhaul. Frontierland is being reimagined, with plans to remove Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America to make way for an expansive new land themed around Pixar’s Cars franchise and a second based on the Disney Villains. As part of this transformation, the beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has closed indefinitely, with a reopening expected in 2026 as part of the first phase of the new land.
While Disney has set a tentative 2027 launch for Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas expansion, the sheer scale of the project leaves room for potential delays. Even Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro’s recent reassurances that all announced projects are progressing won’t change the complexity of the undertaking.
With these ambitious updates coming to both Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, how do you feel about Disney’s vision for the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
