Disney Files a Permit For “Animal Kingdom Contractor Lot” Ahead of Tropical Americas Construction
With Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama now extinct, work on the new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom has officially begun.
So far, construction has been contained to the former Chester and Hester area, while the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. remains operational. Beginning next year, however, that will change, and the scope of the project will be expanded.


Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama closed last month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In preparation for the massive construction project, Disney filed a new permit with the South Florida Water Management District to develop a 10-acre contractor lot.
According to the permit, the lot will include parking, sidewalks, and draining collection and conveyance systems.
Construction Will Ramp Up Next Year
While construction on much of Tropical Americas will not begin for eight more months, Disney is preparing for a massive project. Currently, the rest of DinoLand U.S.A., including DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus, are expected to close at the end of the year.


The end is indeed near for DinoLand. Photo: Yesterland
As previously noted, the demolition of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama is underway.
Tropical Americas Will Debut in 2026
When completed, the new land will transport guests to Pueblo Esperanza, which will house an Indiana Jones dark ride, Walt Disney World’s first Encanto ride, and a new carousel.
Tropical Americas is expected to open in 2027.


Tropical Americas will open in 2027. Photo: Disney
As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news coming out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the park’s transformation continues.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below. One of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond-level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Also, Thanks for reading!