Disney Imagineering Files Notice of Commencement for Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom

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Tropical Americas Concept Art

Posted: Friday December 13, 2024 1:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has taken another step toward the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Today, WDI filed a Notice of Commencement for the site previously occupied by Primeval Whirl, signaling progress in the park's highly anticipated Tropical Americas expansion.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Key Details from the Filing

Location: Former Primeval Whirl site
Contractor: Whiting-Turner, a firm known for managing large-scale construction projects for Disney
Expiration Date: December 30, 2025
Description: "Area Development"

The filing suggests work will soon begin on preparing the area for redevelopment, aligning with Disney's plans to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. into a land inspired by Central and South American cultures and ecosystems.

The former Primeval Whirl area in DinoLand U.S.A.

What Does "Area Development" Mean?

While Disney has not provided specifics about this filing, "Area Development" typically encompasses site preparation, infrastructure work, and landscaping to support future attractions. This could include clearing land, installing utilities, and creating the thematic groundwork for the new land's immersive experiences.

The former Primeval Whirl site has remained inactive since the ride's permanent closure in 2020. The Tropical Americas expansion will feature attractions themed to Disney's Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

Timeline for the Expansion

The expiration date of December 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for this phase of the project, though construction on individual attractions and experiences is likely to extend beyond that. The Tropical Americas land is expected to open in phases, with a full debut anticipated around 2027.

Find out more about the Tropical Americas expansion and the land's attractions.

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MisterPenguin25 minutes ago

They're going to drop a giant rock on it.

Disstevefan11 hour ago

EagleScout6101 hour ago

MisterPenguin1 hour ago

OK... "franchise." ;)

Disstevefan12 hours ago

The Leader of the Club2 hours ago

I’d assume something will, but I don’t know for certain.

Moth2 hours ago

Does anyone know if anything from Dino-Rama is heading to archives?

wdwmagic2 hours ago

New ECO-RYTHMICS Show Brings Recycled Beats to Disney's Animal Kingdom https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/eco-rythmics/news/14jan2025-new-eco-rythmics-show-brings-recycled-beats-to-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm

Sorcerer Mickey2 hours ago

Good thing Dinosaur is being replaced by a franchise with a recent successful movie.

TheCoasterNerd2 hours ago

Or Disneyland!

JackCH2 hours ago

They were never going to be able to out "Jurassic Park" Jurassic Park.

MisterPenguin2 hours ago

The latter. Because they tried and failed. After two dinosaur movies and a Dinoland that was not lovingly embraced, it was time to call it quits. Especially, since Universal did make successful dino movies. If Disney tried *another* dino movie, they'd be called out for for just following Uni. And imagine if that movie failed... yikes. This was a time when Disney failed with regard to a specific genre. Uni wins on dinos. Disney wins on princesses. You play the hand you have. And if you want Disney to double down on dinos in the parks without a merchandising theatrical tie-in... well... that's not going to happen. There are plenty of successful movies that suffice for park tie-ins and merchandising and franchising without using dinos.

JackCH2 hours ago

I feel the opposite. It seems Disney is moving away from that. There were no clones announced at the last D23. Magic Kingdom is going to feel the most different from Disneyland it ever has, rather than the relatively worse version it has been for most of its existence. Even if people don't like the additions, there were definitely options for cloning they intentionally chose not to do.

HauntedPirate2 hours ago

I've gotten in line when it's said 45 and 60 minutes and it's been 20, last September was my most recent ride. You also went during what has become a rather busy time of year. Was it an actual 90 minute wait or was that just what you saw as you walked by? Curious, not accusing.