Walt Disney World is preparing for a bold new era at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the park moves forward with its highly anticipated Tropical Americas expansion. Even as major changes are set in motion, the park must continue delivering unforgettable experiences to guests each day.
Extended Evening Hours Come to Animal Kingdom
Magic Kingdom’s popular Disney After Hours event is back for 2025, giving guests the chance to enjoy select nights from January 6 through May 19 with reduced crowds, shorter wait times, and special perks. This sought-after experience is available on January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 28; and May 5, 12, 19.
However, one of the most surprising developments is that Extended Evening Hours will be offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom instead of EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 5. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and other select hotels can stay late and enjoy select attractions.
The lineup of attractions available includes fan-favorites like Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and DINOSAUR, as well as Na’vi River Journey and It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Animal Kingdom’s Transformation Takes Shape
On February 6, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) officially granted a permit for the expansion project, internally referred to as Project Ro. The permit outlines key infrastructure updates, including “relocation of parking, sidewalks, and utilities; updates to the stormwater drainage system to integrate with the existing wet detention system; and compliance with state water quality standards under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.”
Importantly, it also confirms that “no wetlands will be altered or removed,” with protective measures in place to safeguard local wildlife. The permit remains valid until February 2030, giving Disney flexibility to execute its vision.
One of the most significant aspects of the expansion is the complete reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. The area, which has already seen the closure of attractions like TriceraTop Spin, will be replaced with Tropical Americas—a land that immerses guests in vibrant new cultures and environments.
A major highlight of the new land is an Encanto-themed attraction, which will bring guests inside Antonio Madrigal’s magical bedroom within Casa Madrigal. Additionally, a woodcarver’s carousel featuring iconic Disney animals is set to become a new park staple.
Meanwhile, changes at Animal Kingdom go beyond the expansion. On March 16, the long-running It’s Tough to be a Bug! show inside the Tree of Life Theater will close permanently. In its place, Disney is introducing Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a new attraction featuring beloved characters Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and others from the Oscar-winning animated film. The show is expected to debut in winter 2025.
While Animal Kingdom is set for a dramatic transformation, Magic Kingdom is also undergoing a major shift. The park’s iconic Frontierland is being reimagined, with plans in motion to remove Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America in favor of a brand-new land inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise.
As part of this overhaul, the beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has closed indefinitely. While Disney has not provided an official reopening date, the attraction is expected to return in 2026 as part of the first phase of the new land.
Despite Disney setting a tentative 2027 opening date for Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas expansion, the scale of the project makes delays possible. Even Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro’s assurance that all announced projects are moving forward does not change the extensive effort required to bring these ambitious updates to life.
With these changes coming to both Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, how do you feel about Disney’s vision for the parks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
