During a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom today, we spotted new steel framing on the Chester & Hester’s building. Disney has not yet announced what the building will become, but our sources say it will serve as a meet-and-greet location when Tropical Americas opens in 2027. Here’s a look at the latest progress, including some aerial coverage from friend of the site Bioreconstruct.
Steel Framing Rises on the Former Chester & Hester’s Structure
IN THIS ARTICLE
- In-person look at the latest construction
- What our sources say about the building’s future use
- Where this fits in the broader Tropical Americas timeline
WHAT WE SAW TODAY
New steel framing is now visible on the former Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures building. Metal columns and crossbeams span a covered porch-style section of the structure. Corrugated roof decking sits overhead, and red-framed window openings line the exterior walls. Weatherproofing barriers cover the facade as work continues inside. Crews were active on-site today, as has been the case on many days when we’ve visited.
One remnant of the old gift shop is still visible: the word “SOUVENIR” remains on the roof. It almost certainly won’t survive the metheme as the area transforms into a Tropical Americas-themed land.
Here’s a look at the area from a recent Bioreconstruct aerial photo. In the photo, we can see Disney’s efforts to enclose the building.
A MEET AND GREET, YOU SAY?
Disney has not confirmed the meet-and-greet plans for this location. But our sources say the former Chester & Hester’s building will become a dedicated meet and greet space. We expect that the restrooms will remain in place, and the work taking place now will extend some of the under-air portions of the building to support an interior queue.
In fact, it may be possible that multiple characters will meet here. As in, this building could be home to two meet and greets, but it’s too early to know how Disney will use the space.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!