The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to move forward, and a new permit filed by Walt Disney Imagineering offers another clue about the project’s progress. While construction crews have been active on the Encanto portion of the new land, this latest development points toward the initial stages of work for the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction.
The permit, though vague, aligns with the location of the current DINOSAUR attraction’s entrance courtyard, suggesting that preparations are underway for its eventual retheming. This article will break down the details of the permit and what it might mean for the future of this adventurous corner of the park.
Details of the New Imagineering Permit
Filed on Friday, December 7, 2025, the new permit is for “general construction” at the address “600 DinoLand Drive.” This address is significant because it roughly corresponds to the entrance courtyard of the DINOSAUR attraction, an area slated to become the gateway to the new Indiana Jones-themed ride. The permit lists Whiting-Turner, a long-standing general contractor for Walt Disney World projects, as the company responsible for the work.
Interestingly, this address is distinct from “594 DinoLand Drive,” the location specified in previous permits for a new playground within the Tropical Americas project. This separation indicates that the new permit covers a different scope of work, likely focused on site preparation and development specifically for the attraction’s transformation. While the “general construction” description is intentionally broad, its timing and location strongly suggest it is connected to the upcoming retheming of DINOSAUR into an Indiana Jones adventure. The permit carries a standard one-year expiration date, which is typical for initial site work.
What This Means for the Indiana Jones Attraction
The DINOSAUR attraction is scheduled to close permanently in February 2026, which will allow construction crews full access to the site. This new permit is likely for preliminary work that can begin once the area is fully closed to guests. The focus on the courtyard suggests that Imagineering is planning to transform the entire guest approach to the ride, not just the interior.
Concept art and a scale model displayed at Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios show that the entrance will be redesigned to resemble an ancient Maya temple. The existing structure of the Dino Institute will be overhauled to create a more immersive and mysterious facade, inviting guests to explore the temple alongside Indiana Jones. The permit for courtyard work is the first official step in making that vision a reality. It lays the groundwork for demolishing the existing features and preparing the area for the new rockwork, foliage, and architectural elements that will define the attraction’s exterior.
The Tropical Americas Project Context
The Indiana Jones attraction is a cornerstone of the larger Tropical Americas land, which will replace the entirety of DinoLand U.S.A. This ambitious project aims to create a vibrant and immersive area inspired by the regions of Central and South America. Alongside the Indiana Jones ride, the land will feature an attraction based on Disney’s Encanto, new dining locations, and exploratory play areas.
The filing of this permit, following the recent visibility of vertical construction on the Encanto show building, demonstrates that work is progressing on multiple fronts. While the Encanto ride is being built from the ground up, the Indiana Jones attraction involves a complex retheming of an existing ride system and building. This permit signals that the timeline for that transformation is advancing as planned, with major work expected to ramp up after the final closure of DinoLand attractions early next year.
Conclusion
While a permit for “general construction” might not seem like major news, its specific location and timing provide a glimpse into the progress of the Tropical Americas project. It confirms that Walt Disney Imagineering is moving forward with the intricate process of converting the DINOSAUR attraction into a new adventure with Indiana Jones.
As DinoLand U.S.A. prepares for its final chapter, this development marks the beginning of a new era of exploration and storytelling at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We will continue to watch for more permits and visible construction as this exciting project takes shape so be sure to stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest developments from inside the Disney parks and around the Disney Vacation Club resorts!
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.
