Disney Officially Breaks Ground on Tropical Americas Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Just days after Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama permanently closed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, construction has begun on the park’s upcoming Tropical Americas land.
As a quick recap, at 2023’s Destination D23, Disney announced that a new Tropical Americas land would be coming to Animal Kingdom. Replacing DinoLand U.S.A., the new land will transport guests to Pueblo Esperanza, whose name translates to “Village of Hope.”
At last year’s D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Disney gave fans a closer look at the new land, revealing that it will be comprised of an Encanto boat ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a Disney critter carousel.
Photo: Disney
Subsequently, Disney announced that DinoLand would be closing in phases. This decision will give fans a chance to say goodbye to the land, even as Imagineers begin bringing Pueblo Esperanza to life.
Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama Closed on January 12
To that end, on January 12, 2025, Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama officially closed. The miniature land included the Fossil Fun Games, TriceraTop Spin, and Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures.
The next day, planters and construction walls blocked the area off from the rest of DinoLand.
Construction on Tropical Americas Officially Began This Morning
Just five days after the closure, Walt Disney Imagineering had a groundbreaking ceremony this morning to mark the official start of construction on Tropical Americas.
Photo: Disney
While Disney is certainly wasting no time in beginning work on the project, it should probably be noted that the Fossil Fun Games can be seen in the new image.
Additionally, a pile of dirt seems to have been plopped on the Dino-Rama cement.
Nevertheless, a new era in Animal Kingdom history will soon be unfolding before our eyes.
As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news coming out of Walt Disney World!
