From Cinderella Castle to the Tree of Life, there’s a fresh sense of wonder unfolding across Walt Disney World Resort.
A new chapter is taking root at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In early February, the South Florida Water Management District greenlit key permits for a sweeping evolution of the park’s infrastructure. Known internally as “Project Ro,” the initiative includes updates to stormwater systems, relocated walkways, and enhanced sustainability measures, all designed to protect the surrounding wetlands through 2030.
Among the most anticipated transformations is the introduction of Tropical Americas, an all-new land inspired by the cultures, colors, and wildlife of the Americas. The current DinoLand U.S.A. area will be reimagined to make way for this vibrant destination. While TriceraTop Spin has already completed its final ride cycle, DINOSAUR will remain operational through 2025 before undergoing its own dramatic metamorphosis—this time into an adventure starring Indiana Jones.
Guests will soon step into a new journey through the magical world of Disney’s Encanto, with a family attraction set inside Antonio Madrigal’s wondrous room. Nearby, a beautifully designed carousel will celebrate Disney’s animal characters through wood-carved artistry and whimsical detail.
Also on the horizon: Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a new show replacing It’s Tough to be a Bug! at the Tree of Life Theater. Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and their friends will bring humor, heart, and innovation to this fresh production when it premieres in winter 2025.
Alongside these immersive expansions, changes to operational hours are offering more ways for guests to enjoy the parks after dark. On May 5, 2025, Animal Kingdom will host Extended Evening Hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., exclusively for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and other select hotels. Confirmed attractions include Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Na’vi River Journey, and DINOSAUR. Prior to its March farewell, It’s Tough to be a Bug! was also part of the evening lineup.
As always, Disney reminds guests that “attractions are subject to change and may not always be operational.”
Meanwhile, Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park continues to enchant night owls with select evenings from January 6 through May 19. This special ticketed event welcomes guests to enjoy beloved attractions, snacks, and beverages in a more intimate setting with lower wait times. Event dates include: January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 28; and May 5, 12, 19.
Looking ahead, Animal Kingdom will again offer Extended Evening Hours on July 2. However, this date also marks a change at Magic Kingdom, which will close at 10 p.m. instead of hosting its usual Wednesday evening hours—a notable shift, given the consistency of these offerings in the weeks running up to July 2.
Big transformations are also underway at Magic Kingdom. The iconic Frontierland area is being reshaped for an all-new land inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise. As part of this major update, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be retired. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has temporarily closed for refurbishment and is slated to reopen in 2026, likely as part of the expansion’s first phase.
As Disney Experiences continues to evolve, each update reflects a renewed commitment to imagination, innovation, and storytelling. Whether you’re exploring the wild beauty of the Tropical Americas or cruising into a Pixar-fueled frontier, there’s something new to discover around every corner.
What are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments below!
