The new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park has now cleared a major regulatory hurdle!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In 2023, Disney announced that the DinoLand, U.S.A. area of Animal Kingdom would be transformed into a new land themed to the Tropical Americas. Some DinoLand, U.S.A. closures have already begun, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new land — officially named Pueblo Esperanza — took place earlier this year. And now, Pueblo Esperanza has cleared an important regulatory hurdle in development!

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has officially approved an Individual Environmental Resource Permit for the new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom. The permit was issued on February 6th, 2025, and has an expiration date of February 6th, 2030.

©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom

The permit is for Project Ro and encompasses 12.87 acres of land in Orange County.  Project Ro will modify existing infrastructure to support the renovations of DinoLand, U.S.A. The project will enhance and retheme the existing area, including the relocation of parking, sidewalks, utilities, and drainage collection/conveyance systems. 

DinoLand, U.S.A.

The first round of DinoLand, U.S.A. closures began on January 13th, 2025, when TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun games closed. Construction walls quickly went up and we have seen TriceraTop Spin being dismantled.

Goodbye, TriceraTop Spin!

Disney can now proceed with its drainage modifications and construction on the DinoLand, U.S.A. area in preparation for Pueblo Esperanza. Pueblo Esperanza will be a brand-new Tropical Americas-themed land that will include two major attractions, a carousel, and one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World. 

Pueblo Esperanza Market Concept Art ©Disney

The major attractions will be an Encanto ride, as well as a new Indiana Jones ride. The Encanto ride will take riders inside the enchanted Casita with family Madrigal. The Indiana Jones attraction will feature a brand-new story as Indiana Jones discovers a perfectly preserved Maya temple.

©Disney

While closures have begun for parts of DinoLand, U.S.A., there is still SO much to do in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Check out our ultimate guide to Animal Kingdom in 2025:

Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news and updates on the construction of Pueblo Esperanza!

Check out Animal Kingdom’s announcement, which is the best thing we’ve seen all week!

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What part of Pueblo Esperanza are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!