Walt Disney Imagineering has taken a pivotal step forward in the development of the Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by filing three permits. These permits focus on work related to infrastructure for the Encanto-themed ride and surrounding areas of the new land. This latest update sheds light on the ongoing transformation of the park and what visitors can anticipate in the coming years.
An Overview of the Latest Permits
The three permits, issued by Walt Disney Imagineering, mark significant progress for the Tropical Americas land project. The main contractor listed is Whiting-Turner, a company with a history of working on Disney World projects, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and TRON Lightcycle Run.
Encanto Ride Development
One of the permits pertains specifically to the site of the upcoming Encanto-themed ride. The designated address historically served as a backstage area, which will now form part of the attraction. The permit outlines “General Construction and Area Development” as the project’s scope, signaling foundational work for the ride’s infrastructure.
The lack of a detailed expiration date implies a standard one-year timeline from the filing date of June 24, 2025. Future permits may provide further clarity, but this foundational work suggests that construction is steadily progressing toward the eventual opening.
Permits for Gift Shop Areas
The other two permits target spaces near the former Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop in the now-closed DinoLand U.S.A. This area is expected to undergo a retheme or repurposing as part of the Tropical Americas transformation. While specifics about these changes remain limited, they likely focus on preparing existing structures for integration into the new land.
Tropical Americas and Encanto in Animal Kingdom
The addition of the Tropical Americas area aims to breathe new life into the northeast section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Replacing DinoLand U.S.A., the retheme will spotlight the rich cultural narratives represented in Disney’s Encanto. This setting is expected to align seamlessly with the park’s larger mission of celebrating the natural world and its diverse cultures.
The upcoming Encanto attraction will likely be a key highlight of the Tropical Americas experience, featuring dynamic storytelling elements inspired by the film. The area’s concept art suggests vibrant designs that reflect the lush environment and cultural warmth depicted in Encanto.
Timeline and Next Steps
While the permits put the spotlight on current developments, the larger Tropical Americas land project is still some time away from completion. Disney has set a tentative opening timeline for 2027. In the meantime, enthusiasts can expect more updates on permits, concept reveals, and construction milestones.
What This Means for Guests
The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas land, including the Encanto attraction, showcases Disney’s ongoing efforts to revitalize park experiences. For Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this shift is a substantial investment in enhancing guest engagement and introducing fresh cultural storytelling that aligns with the park’s overarching themes.
Closing Thoughts
The filing of these permits underscores the scale and complexity of the Tropical Americas project within Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From repurposing existing structures to developing an entirely new Encanto attraction, this transformation represents an exciting evolution for the park.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
