Project Ro Approved: Disney's Animal Kingdom Tropical Americas Expansion Clears Key Regulatory Hurdle

4 days ago in "Tropical Americas"

Posted: Friday February 7, 2025 12:45pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has officially approved an Individual Environmental Resource Permit for Project Ro, Disney's Tropical Americas expansion at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The permit, issued on February 6, 2025, authorizes modifications to existing infrastructure, including stormwater management enhancements, to support the redevelopment of Dinoland U.S.A. The project is set to encompass 12.87 acres.

Tropical Americas Concept Art

Permit Details and Project Scope

The approved permit (No. 48-111978-P) allows Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US, Inc. to proceed with infrastructure updates necessary for the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A. into a Tropical Americas-themed area.

Modifications include:

Relocation of parking, sidewalks, and utilities.
Updates to the stormwater drainage system to integrate with the existing wet detention system.
Compliance with state water quality standards under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

Operational and Environmental Considerations

No new land use changes: The project strictly involves renovations to existing infrastructure without additional land development.
Wetland protections: No wetlands are impacted, and the permit aligns with existing Disney Wilderness Preserve conservation efforts.
Wildlife safeguards: The area has been reviewed for potential impacts on protected species, with mitigation measures in place should any be discovered.
Water and wastewater: Reedy Creek Energy Services will supply water and wastewater services, while reclaimed public water will be used for irrigation.

Next Steps for Disney

With the permit now in place, Disney can move forward with construction and drainage modifications for the Tropical Americas expansion. The permit remains valid through February 6, 2030, unless modified or challenged through a public hearing request.

What to Expect from Tropical Americas

The Tropical Americas expansion promises to be a significant addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom, featuring:

An Encanto-themed attraction: Guests will step inside the magical casita to celebrate Antonio's gift of communicating with animals, exploring the Madrigal family's extraordinary world
An Indiana Jones adventure: Set to replace the DINOSAUR attraction after it closes in early 2026, this thrilling ride will take guests on an archaeological journey through a newly discovered Maya temple.

The new land will also include themed dining, entertainment, and lush environments inspired by the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

Tropical Americas Concept Model

Discuss on the Forums

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Agent H4 minutes ago

Well depends are we talking tropical Americas gets done without Indiana Jones and monsters gets done without the show? Because that seems like a thematic nightmare to me

Gusey17 minutes ago

If something was to be cut at each domestic resort, I fear that the 2nd Cars attraction would get cut and the Coco attraction at DCA

Gremlin Gus54 minutes ago

Honestly, I don't think there are going to be any major cuts from TA because of these tariffs, yeah sure it'll probably increase the cost of it which can lead to some things being downgraded at worst, but I really doubt that the tariffs will tank the economy or cause a shutdown like what we saw with Covid-19 back in 2020-2022 where it affected the entirety of Disney in some way.

TheMaxRebo2 hours ago

Which might be the worst outcome, long term for guests I'd rather 3 things get done fully than 5 things get done partway So hoping more they just stretch out the timing but everything still gets done to it's fullest

Agent H10 hours ago

I try to have faith but they are not immune to real world problems I don’t think anything will be canceled but budget cuts could be in order

Fox&Hound10 hours ago

Why are we acting like Disney is not a multi-billion dollar corporation? Things might get stretched out but increases in steal and other materials is not going to cancel all of these plans. Have faith…

Animaniac93-9811 hours ago

If anything they could close the Riverboat, delay construction indefinitely, and turn the dock into the Liberty Square Character Festival

lazyboy97o11 hours ago

Epic Universe is opening in a few months. Things opening in a couple of years aren’t really competing with it. And Disney has known what Universal is planning for Epic Universe.

TrainsOfDisney11 hours ago

Yes, but with some reality. If I could save one thing it’s the riverboat - but that’s probably the least likely to be saved. But there is potential for some of these projects to get cancelled. And that might not be the worst thing.

Nobody nobody12 hours ago

Yeah. Very fan service y this year. We should feel lucky we are even getting a big villains land. Still doesn’t feel real. Ugh. Someday. Hopefully. Though at this point I’m kidna tired of getting my hopes up for figment year after year. Lucy yanks the football away every time. Just depressing and frustrating to me. Close to giving up on the pavilion. Yes, this is a bit dramatic.

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ12 hours ago

Part of that, I feel, stems from Disney's "fan service" D23 attraction lineup and land announcements. Figment of course being the ultimate fan service, dream revival.

The Leader of the Club13 hours ago

I really love the fanfiction where Disney doesn’t have enough money to retheme this attraction to Indy, but they do have enough to retheme the attraction to a different version of Dinosaur.

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ13 hours ago

Unless things have drastically changed Indy is still a go. They've invested too much to turn back now. Encanto may have cinched the deal but Indy was alway part of the plans. IF they are scaling back, look for it in the Encanto attraction, where the name alone is enough to drive LLs. They can value that down to Tiana levels and it'd still bring folks to DAK. I don't think Indiana Jones is going anywhere. I'll eat crow if it doesn't make the final cut.

Disnutz31113 hours ago

So doomsday around here with the upcoming projects. No one knows anything for sure. Hell, that added 3 billion that they announced the other day could be for overruns and contingency purposes. Disney would be stupid not to compete with Epic Universe. More and more is coming out and they have more under their sleeve like the Dragon animatronic I am sure. Everyone chill and let's see where this goes.