Joe Rohde Reveals History of Tropical Americas and the Legacy of DinoLand U.S.A.

Disney Legend Joe Rohde shared a rare and candid reflection on the evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the sun finally sets on DinoLand U.S.A. to make way for the upcoming Tropical Americas expansion.

What’s Happening:

• The creator behind the original vision of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is speaking out about the transition from the prehistoric to the tropical, offering a veteran's perspective on the land known as Pueblo Esperanza.
• Rohde revealed that his team spent over a decade attempting to bring a Tropical Americas land to the park, with many designs specifically involving the replacement of DinoLand.
• While this final version post-dates his career, Rohde has served as a consultant and vouched for the current Imagineers, many of whom are veterans of the park’s original construction.
• Rohde specifically highlighted the Maya pyramid seen in recent D23 models and marketing renderings, noting that for fans of pre-Columbian cultures, "if ya know, ya know."
• He's probably referring to the fact that in popular culture, Maya pyramids are almost always depicted as gray, weathered stone.
• However, in their prime, many Maya structures were covered in polished lime plaster and painted in vibrant colors, most notably a deep mercury-sulfide red (cinnabar).
• Rohde reminded fans that while the physical properties change, the true product of the parks is the memories created within them, whether they be of Dino-aficionados or future guests of Pueblo Esperanza.
• Joe Rhode previously shared some thoughts about DinoLand U.S.A.

Tropical Americas:

• We've been covering the construction of Tropical Americas:
• Photos: "Encanto" Attraction Show Building Expands as Permanent Closure of DinoLand USA Nears
• Photos: Encanto Attraction Rises as Vertical Construction Accelerates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• “Encanto” Show Building Now Visible from Within Disney’s Animal Kingdom as Vertical Construction Rapidly Continues
• Walt Disney Presents Debuts Sneak Peek at the Future of Walt Disney World — Including a Model of Tropical Americas