The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has approved Disney’s permit for the new Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Project Ro Approved by South Florida Water Management District
As of February 6, 2025, the permit is listed as “active” on the SFWMD’s database. It has an expiration date of February 6, 2030.
The permit, which dubs the work “Project Ro,” covers “infrastructure modifications to support the re-theming” of the former DinoLand U.S.A., as well as details regarding stormwater management and other environmental impacts. After Disney filed the permit last fall, SFWMD asked for additional information. Disney updated the permit accordingly.
Disney recently filed another permit with SFWMD for a backstage contractor lot to support construction. They have also filed several Notices of Commencement for demolition and construction in the area.
Tropical Americas replaces DinoLand, U.S.A. The first half of DinoLand closed on January 12 and Disney officially broke ground on the new land on January 17. The closure included Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, and TriceraTop Spin. The remainder of the land, including DINOSAUR, is expected to close in a year.
DINOSAUR will be reimagined into an Indiana Jones attraction with a new storyline. There will be a new “Encanto” ride focused on Antonio. In the fictional town of Pueblo Esperanza will be a wood-carved carousel of Disney creatures. The land is scheduled to open in 2027.
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