Home » Theme Parks » Disney Parks

Updates Given Regarding Disney’s New ‘Encanto’ Franchise Addition

in Disney Parks, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Thomas Hitchen 3 Comments
Concept art for the Encanto area in the Tropical Americas land at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park at Disney World.

Credit: Disney

New updates as the Encanto franchise is brought to life at the Walt Disney World Resort.

A large crowd of guests gathers in front of Cinderella Castle at Disney World.
Credit: Inside the Magic

This year has brought a major sight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as cranes, redirected pathways, and construction walls began reshaping the former DinoLand U.S.A. Guests walking near the area can now see large portions of the site locked behind barriers, marking physical steps toward the arrival of Tropical Americas.

The Boneyard playground officially closed on September 1, 2025, launching another project milestone, while DINOSAUR is confirmed to remain open until February 1, 2026.

Beyond the construction zone, Imagineering has offered its first public preview of the land. Inside the Walt Disney Presents gallery, fans will find a detailed model showcasing three upcoming projects across Walt Disney World: the Tropical Americas addition at Animal Kingdom, a new Monsters, Inc. coaster coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and an expanded Cars area being developed for Magic Kingdom.

The Tropical Americas model features walkways, foliage, a Pueblo Esperanza plaza with a decorative fountain, and a hand-carved animal carousel drawing inspiration from classic Disney films.

Guests walking in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr

The model also confirms that the current DINOSAUR ride system will be reused to power a brand-new Indiana Jones-themed attraction, while the Encanto ride will serve as the land’s signature experience. New dining options are also included alongside elements that have not yet been announced.

According to the display’s placard: “A vibrant new land is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transporting guests into the lush rainforests and exciting stories of the Tropical Americas.”

The message continues, highlighting Imagineering’s research and confirming the land will include a quick-service restaurant, hand-carved carousel, central fountain, and two headline attractions.

Progress on the Encanto project has accelerated thanks to recent developments onsite. In October, aerial imagery showed that the ride had entered vertical construction, with steel framing, concrete walls, and groundwork forming the early core of what is believed to be the show building. Some fans have noted deep excavation areas within the site, possibly linked to the finale or an advanced ride system.

Now, more images have been shared by the frequent flyer.

Aerial photos of development of the Encanto ride in Animal Kingdom.

Aerial overview of the Encanto site in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.

The account also shared images of the site, which will be home to the woodcarver’s carousel.

Aerial photos of site work where a carousel will be in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.

One of the most notable creative updates comes from Encanto filmmaker Jared Bush, who has joined Imagineering to collaborate on new dialogue written exclusively for the attraction. Instead of retelling the film directly, the ride is expected to introduce fresh moments and original lines—possibly leaning into a design approach similar to the enhancements seen in past ride transformations.

The broader Tropical Americas land aims to highlight the landscapes and traditions of Central and South America, further supporting the park’s identity. Animal Kingdom was once considered a “half-day park” by some guests, but successful additions like Pandora–The World of Avatar shifted that perception. Disney appears to be building on that momentum as construction expands and concept art comes to life.

Guests visiting Pandora The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom during the day at this Disney World park.
Credit: Disney

Even with enthusiasm building, nostalgia remains for the old DinoLand U.S.A. era. Some longtime visitors recall its unusual theming with affection, and its gradual disappearance has sparked mixed reactions. Still, there’s growing expectation as fans watch Disney move from blueprints to real structures, witnessing the park’s transformation in real time.

The future of Animal Kingdom is unfolding day by day, and while dinosaurs may be exiting the stage, a world inspired by family and imagination is taking their place. As cranes rise and Imagineers continue their work, the promise of a fresh chapter becomes easier to see with every update.

How do you feel about these huge Animal Kingdom developments? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments below!

in Disney Parks, Walt Disney World

Tagged:Disney's Animal Kingdom

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

View Comments (3)