Credit: DisneyMirabel Madrigal is officially returning.
How Encanto Became One of Disney’s Biggest Hits
Encanto is a 2021 animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in the mountains of Colombia, the story follows the Madrigal family, who live in a magical house and each possesses a unique magical gift, except for Mirabel, the only one without powers.
When the family’s magic starts to fade, Mirabel, played by Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Stephanie Beatriz, takes it upon herself to uncover the mystery and save their miracle. The film explores themes of family expectations, self-worth, and embracing individuality.
Directed by Byron Howard, Jared Bush, and Charise Castro Smith, and featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Encanto features a vibrant soundtrack, including the viral hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and has been widely praised for its animation, cultural authenticity, and emotional storytelling.
Despite a modest box office debut, Disney’s Encanto found its true magic after hitting Disney+. The animated film opened over Thanksgiving 2021 with $40.6 million domestically across five days, ultimately earning $96.1 million in North America and $256.5 million globally, solid numbers but underwhelming compared to pre-pandemic Disney hits.
Industry analysts noted the film didn’t break even theatrically, but its unique story, colorful visuals, and emotional themes laid the groundwork for something bigger.
When Encanto arrived on Disney+ just a month later, on December 24, its popularity exploded. The film racked up over 2.2 billion streaming minutes in its first full week and maintained a strong presence on Nielsen’s top 10 for weeks. That surge turned “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” into a chart-topping anthem, driving TikTok trends and earning billions of hashtag views.
Families embraced repeat viewings, the soundtrack became a cultural moment, and Encanto quietly evolved into one of Disney’s most successful streaming-era releases, proof that sometimes a miracle just needs the right platform.
During its rise to prominence, former Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek revealed that the House of Mouse saw Encanto as a franchise.
The Madrigal Family Returns–Just Not in a Sequel (Yet)
While its popularity has yet to translate into a sequel movie, the Madrigal family will return to the pop culture forefront in 2027 when a new attraction debuts at the Walt Disney World Resort. Opening alongside an Indiana Jones-themed ride in the new Tropical Americas Pueblo Esparanza land, the Encanto ride will be based on Antonio Madrigal’s bedroom from the 2021 movie.
Replacing DinoLand U.S.A., the immersive ride will take guests through the enchanted Casa Madrigal. Disney has indicated that the attraction may feature trackless ride technology, the Madrigal family, and rich Latin American design influences. Ground broke in early 2025, and as of mid-2025, construction is visibly underway with land clearing, cranes, and staging already active. With an expected opening in 2027, Encanto is steadily stepping into the spotlight, one magical brick at a time.
Now, a new update has arrived from The Direct, who shared that Stephanie Beatriz is returning to voice Mirabel Madrigal on the new attraction.
“I will say I’m very excited to do some of the voice recordings for the ride that will be going into Walt Disney World,” Beatriz told the outlet while promoting Twisted Metal Season 2. “I believe they announced that it’s going to be ready in 2027. I cannot believe it’s happening.”
Like many other theme park attractions, such as the most recent Disney World addition, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, voice actors from the related IP often return.
“I remember being at Disneyland Paris and riding the Ratatouille ride and just like, kind of looking around and going like, I bet Patton Oswald was so keyed up when he got to do the voice for this,” the actress added. “I can’t even imagine what that’s like. Gosh, I wish I could do that someday. And now here we are. I’m gonna get to do that. So I’m really, really thrilled. And I just love everyone at Disney Animation. They’re some of the most talented, most lovely human beings.”
While an official opening date has not yet been revealed, Disney initially said that the new area at Animal Kingdom would open in 2027. Considering the extensive work already underway, it seems likely that Imagineers will meet the deadline.
As for an Encanto 2, it seems a near dead cert that Disney will bring the Madrigals back on screen due to their popularity. With sequels like Zootopia 2 and Toy Story 5 on the docket, the return of the miracle-wielding family is undoubtedly on the horizon.
How do you feel about the new Encanto ride coming to the Walt Disney World Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!