Walt Disney World has received the green light to proceed on the retheme of DinoLand USA into a Tropical Americas-themed land. The permit approval from the South Florida Water Management District should allow Disney to begin a proper demolition of the closed Dino-Rama section of DinoLand USA, along with necessary land clearing for an all-new Encanto-themed attraction. We recently reported on the stall in visible work as Disney awaited final permit approval. Now, the permit has been approved. Here’s what that means.
Tropical Americas Permit Approved
The project name on the permit is Project RO, and it covers nearly 13 acres in DinoLand USA and backstage areas. In press materials, Disney has called the Tropical Americas project an 11-acre project.
The permit was issued on February 6th, and it expires on that same date in 2030. Walt Disney World has previously announced a 2027 opening date for the entire Tropical Americas project, and work is already underway on phase one.
Disney held a groundbreaking ceremony on January 17th.
In the screenshot above, you can see the before and after of DinoLand USA as it is transformed into a Tropical Americas-themed land. The biggest changes will be the addition of two rides – an Encanto-themed attraction and a carousel. Other modifications to the theming of existing buildings such as Restaurantosaurus and the former Dinosaur Treasures gift shop are also within the scope of the work to be completed.
Changes outlined in the permit include the relocation of parking, sidewalks, and utilities, along with changes in the drainage collection with the new hardscape and buildings. No wetlands or other surface waters will be impacted due to the nature of the work being contained within the existing theme park and backstage areas.
For everything you need to know about the Tropical Americas retheme project for DinoLand USA, check out our article below!
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