Walt Disney World is showing visitors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios a miniature of the resort’s expansion plans. It pays homage to three projects, most of which are Tropical America, the land under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Near the back of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at DHS is a terrifying scale model of Tropical America, flanked by a 2D artist’s concept of a “Monsters, Inc.”-inspired land set for Hollywood Studios and an expanded area of Frontierland featuring the Magic Kingdom’s “Cars” attraction.
It’s not newsworthy news. This model was announced at the D23 event in California in August 2024, and WDW visitors will be happy to see it. It’s fun to stare, go into magic eye mode, and imagine where this fits into Animal Kingdom. (Make sure to match the past and present entrances in your head to get a sense of virtual direction.)
It’s fun to eavesdrop on the comments of passersby, who range from the surprised to the knowledgeable, demonstrating a wide range of knowledge about Disney World. There is usually one self-proclaimed expert in each group (and a placard in each land to fill in with important facts).
People often say, “Oh, that’s where DinoLand used to be” (or “there is”). That’s not a mistake. The future of Tropical America will be in the footsteps of the defunct DinoLand USA. Some of them have already been demolished or closed, including the Tricera Top Spin ride, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures Store and the Boneyard Play Area. According to Disney, the last day to experience the current dinosaur simulator attraction and restaurant Saurus is February 1st.
Sharp comments focused on the boxy show building behind the Encanto ride-through attraction’s house. It looks relatively large and indicates “important things.”
A few people stood up and shouted that there must be elements of Indiana Jones. Then, two beats later, “Oh, there it is!” …It’s the temple-like structure in the back – think Mexico at Epcot – that reaffirms that Dinosaur’s exterior will receive a tropical makeover.
“This is going to be amazing,” said a passing cast member.
My personal impression is that although it does seem like there are a lot of trees, we are here for the shade that the trees provide. But this is a good time to remember that this is a model, not a blueprint. Meanwhile, a sign near the model says the land will be “green” so keep the trees across.
Among other elements to be monitored is a covered merry-go-round, which Disney says will feature “hand-carved” animals from the company’s catalog. A small fountain near the entrance. And dozens of future DAK visitors are walking around.
The presentation of Monstropolis and the Frontierland expansion is less elaborate, mostly flat renderings with hints of the future. Most interesting are the previously released photos of the door-themed ride, which will be Disney’s first globally suspended coaster.
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On the Frontierland side, there is a cartoon-style enlarged map of Piston Peak National Park, the “Cars” area currently under development. Although unmarked, evident in the image are the existing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Frontierland storefronts.
It is depicted as if the drone was flying over the presidential palace and aiming for the former Tom Sawyer Island. Because the American River is being drained, there could be a surprising amount of water in it. This area also seems more accessible than the island, which is part of its charm, isn’t it?
It’s a bit disappointing that the display is behind glass and people can’t walk around to the back. (A nod to Universal CityWalk’s Epic Universe walkaround model.)
The release date for Disney’s “Tropical America” remains set for 2027.
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The exhibit does not include the reinvented animation area at Hollywood Studios, just a few steps away, or the Disney villain area planned for the Magic Kingdom beyond Big Thunder. Expect Disney to spread these treats for years to come.
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