Disney’s Animal Kingdom is moving full steam ahead on one of the biggest park transformations in Walt Disney World history, and the latest construction permits give us another peek at what’s happening behind those walls.
Tropical Americas is officially taking over the former DinoLand U.S.A. area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Walt Disney Imagineering has now filed six more construction permits tied to the upcoming land. While these permits may not reveal flashy attraction names or opening-day details just yet, they do point to several familiar DinoLand locations getting ready for their next chapter, including Restaurantosaurus, former snack stands, and more.
Walt Disney Imagineering filed another round of construction permits for the upcoming Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on June 2, 2026.
According to the filings, all six permits are listed for “General Construction” and are tied to Whiting-Turner, a contractor that is also working on the upcoming Encanto attraction in the new land.
The permits are connected to the following DinoLand U.S.A. addresses and locations:
- 580 DinoLand Drive — backstage pump building
- 590 DinoLand Drive — former Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- 594 DinoLand Drive — former Donald Duck meet and greet
- 672 DinoLand Drive — former Dino-Bite Snacks dining area
- 676 DinoLand Drive — former Trilo-Bites snack stand
- 601 Restaurantosaurus Road — former Restaurantosaurus
Each of these permits expires in one year, which gives us another sign that work is actively moving forward across multiple areas of the land.
These DinoLand Buildings Are Being Re-Themed, Not Demolished
One of the most interesting details from this latest round of Tropical Americas construction permits is that the listed buildings and structures are expected to be re-themed rather than demolished.
That means some of the former DinoLand U.S.A. footprint will live on structurally, even though the theme, story, and guest experience will be completely transformed.
Restaurantosaurus, for example, is expected to become a hacienda-style restaurant as part of the new Tropical Americas land. This is especially notable because Restaurantosaurus was such a recognizable part of DinoLand U.S.A., and its transformation will likely play a major role in shaping the dining experience inside Pueblo Esperanza.
Tropical Americas Is Replacing DinoLand U.S.A.
Tropical Americas is the major new land currently under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, replacing DinoLand U.S.A. The land is set to open in 2027 and will introduce guests to Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village inspired by the Tropical Americas.
Disney has previously shared that Pueblo Esperanza will include new attractions, dining, shopping, and richly themed environments designed to feel like a lived-in village with its own history, culture, and connection to nature.
The new land will feature a new Encanto ride, a reimagined Indiana Jones attraction replacing DINOSAUR, a new carousel, a new playground, and a hacienda-style restaurant.
The Encanto attraction will be the first-ever ride-through attraction themed to the film, taking guests inside Casita after Antonio receives his gift and his room transforms into a rainforest.
Meanwhile, DINOSAUR is being reimagined into a new Indiana Jones adventure. Disney has described this as a brand-new story, not just a copy of an existing Indiana Jones attraction.
More Construction Activity Has Already Been Filed
These six new construction permits are not the first signs of major work happening in the former DinoLand U.S.A. area.
Back in April, nine electrical work permits were also filed for the Tropical Americas construction zone. Now, with additional general construction permits added to the mix, it is clear that Disney is continuing to move through the transformation in phases.
For longtime Animal Kingdom fans, this is one of those updates that feels small on paper but big in meaning. Permits may not be as exciting as concept art or opening announcements, but they are the behind-the-scenes steps that bring a brand-new Disney World land closer to reality.
What This Means for Disney World Guests
For guests planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026 or 2027, Tropical Americas is one of the biggest projects to keep watching.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is already home to major immersive areas like Pandora — The World of Avatar, Africa, and Asia, and Pueblo Esperanza is expected to become the park’s next major destination. With an Encanto ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, a carousel, new dining, and additional themed spaces on the way, this project could significantly change how guests plan their Animal Kingdom park day.
No exact opening date has been announced beyond the 2027 timeline, but with more permits now filed, construction is clearly continuing to ramp up.
Keep checking back here for more Disney World construction updates, Tropical Americas news, Animal Kingdom changes, and everything you need to know before your next trip to Walt Disney World.
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