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Disney’s Josh D’Amaro Keeps His Word as Disney World Redevelopment Expands

Walt Disney World Resort is in the midst of a massive transformation, with exciting changes set to reshape the landscape of its parks in the coming years.

DinoLand U.S.A. front entrance sign inside of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Credit: Disney

Earlier this year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom bid farewell to three attractions in DinoLand U.S.A., making room for a brand-new Tropical Americas-themed land. This reimagined space will feature signature experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

One of the upcoming attractions will transport guests into Antonio Madrigal’s bedroom, after—as seen in the 2021 film—Antonio gains the miraculous ability to communicate with animals. Meanwhile, the former DINOSAUR ride will be revamped into an Indiana Jones adventure, expected to operate similarly to its Disneyland Resort counterpart.

Concept art for entrance to Pueblo Esperanza at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Credit: Disney

At D23 Expo 2024, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro reassured fans that every project announced was actively moving forward. “Dirt is moving,” he promised, a stark contrast to the 2022 Expo, which largely presented “blue sky” concepts without concrete timelines.

True to his word, Disney wasted no time dismantling DinoLand U.S.A. With TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures now closed and the iconic DinoRama entrance sign removed, the park’s evolution is well underway.

Concept art for the all-new area coming to Animal Kingdom inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones
Credit: Disney

A recently filed permit reveals just how extensive this transformation will be. As reported by WDWMagic, Disney has submitted an application to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for a 10-acre development known as the DAK Contractor Lot.

“The permit details infrastructure improvements in an undeveloped area between Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Western Way, near the Walt Disney World Horticulture department,” the report states. “The project includes: contractor parking, sidewalks, stormwater treatment systems, drainage collection, and conveyance systems.”

Concept art for “Zootopia Better Zoogether” at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Credit: Disney

The Tropical Americas expansion is scheduled to debut in 2027, bringing guests an immersive experience in Pueblo Esperanza, complete with an Encanto attraction, an Indiana Jones ride, and a grand fountain. According to Disney Parks Blog, it will also feature “a giant working carousel featuring [a woodcarver’s] favorite animals from Disney stories.”

In addition to these changes, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will soon say goodbye to another long-standing attraction. It’s Tough to be a Bug!, housed inside the Tree of Life Theater since 1998, will close its doors on March 17. The closure makes way for a new Zootopia-themed show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether.

Concept art for the Cars-themed expansion coming to Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Elsewhere, Magic Kingdom is also undergoing a major facelift. The Frontierland area is set to be transformed with a new Pixar Cars-themed expansion. As part of this shift, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has closed indefinitely. The beloved coaster is expected to reopen in 2026, with Disney teasing “a little bit of new magic.”

Until then, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure remains the primary attraction in Frontierland as Disney works to bring its ambitious plans to life.

What do you think about all these changes at Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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