Collage by Inside the MagicDisney’s Animal Kingdom is in the middle of one of its biggest transformations ever, and fans can’t stop buzzing about the latest update. The spotlight right now? The brand-new Encanto ride that’s taking shape inside the future Tropical Americas land.
What makes this update so massive is that Disney just confirmed two game-changing details: a huge crane has moved on site to push construction forward, and Jared Bush, co-director and writer of Encanto (2021), has officially joined the project to create brand-new dialogue for the attraction.
The First-Ever Encanto Attraction
For years, fans have asked Disney to bring the magic of the Madrigal family into the parks. Now it’s happening in a way that feels bigger than anyone imagined. The Encanto ride is one of the headliners of the new Tropical Americas land, which will replace DinoLand U.S.A. This means guests will finally be able to step inside the world of Casita, meet the beloved characters, and experience the film’s magic beyond the screen.
The most exciting piece of news is Jared Bush’s involvement. On social media, he revealed that his “plane homework” was writing brand-new dialogue for the attraction. That means we’re not just getting recycled film clips or reused quotes—Disney is building something fresh, with original lines crafted specifically for this ride. For fans, it’s a sign that Imagineers want this to be an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience.
Tropical Americas: A New Chapter for Animal Kingdom
The Encanto attraction isn’t happening in isolation. Disney is completely reimagining the former DinoLand area into a lush, colorful space themed to the Tropical Americas. While Encanto will be the anchor, the land promises even more, from dining experiences inspired by Central and South American culture to other attractions yet to be revealed.
If you’ve visited Animal Kingdom lately, you’ve probably noticed the massive construction walls, rerouted pathways, and now the crane that towers above the skyline. These changes mark the scale of the project. Disney is leaning into Walt’s original vision of parks never being “complete,” always evolving to meet new storytelling opportunities.
Saying Goodbye to DinoLand
Of course, all this progress comes with a bit of nostalgia. DinoLand U.S.A. officially began its phased closure earlier this month. The Boneyard closed on September 1, 2025, and construction walls went up immediately after. While the DINOSAUR ride is still technically open for now, guests must navigate a winding maze of temporary pathways to reach it. Disney promised early 2026 would be the last chance to experience the attraction before it disappears, and that reality is becoming more obvious every day.
For longtime fans, losing DinoLand is bittersweet. But for others, it feels like a natural step forward. The land had aged, and despite its quirks, it never reached the popularity of Animal Kingdom’s other areas like Pandora or Asia.
Animal Kingdom in Transition
Beyond Encanto and Tropical Americas, the entire park is in flux. Animal Kingdom has been juggling closures, construction, and shifting crowd patterns all year. While this can be frustrating for guests who miss the ease of exploring the park, it also signals Disney’s commitment to making Animal Kingdom more relevant for the future.
With Tropical Americas on the horizon, Disney is positioning Animal Kingdom to become more than just the “half-day park” some guests used to call it. Pandora: The World of Avatar already proved that bold expansions can change everything for this park. The hope is that Encanto and Indiana Jones, as its neighbor, will do the same.
Why Fans Are Stunned
The biggest surprise here isn’t just the construction progress—it’s the creative commitment. Jared Bush’s involvement makes this attraction feel personal and authentic. When the original creator steps in to help shape the dialogue, you know Disney isn’t cutting corners. Add in the physical proof of construction cranes looming above the park, and it’s clear this project isn’t stuck in limbo. It’s moving fast.
For fans, this is the reassurance they’ve been waiting for. Disney isn’t just promising Encanto magic—they’re actively building it. And that’s enough to leave people stunned with excitement.
Conclusion: A Magical Tomorrow Ahead
Right now, Animal Kingdom feels like it’s in the middle of a storm—walls up, pathways blocked, and longtime favorites fading away. But through the dust and cranes, the vision of something spectacular is coming into focus.
The Encanto ride, backed by Jared Bush’s creative input and Disney’s full construction momentum, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting additions the park has ever seen. Combined with the broader Tropical Americas project, it’s clear Disney is laying the foundation for a whole new era at Animal Kingdom.
One chapter is closing, but another—filled with color, music, and magic—is just beginning. And fans can’t wait to walk through the doors of Casita when it finally opens.