We may not talk about Bruno here on Disney Parks Blog, but we certainly can talk about the Encanto attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World! This new development will be one of two headlining attractions that will find a home in the new land, Tropical Americas, and we just received an abundance of updates from “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa.
Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation Studios Jared Bush, who also happens to be the writer and director of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, took to the Honda Center stage, giving fans a preview into how this lively land is coming together, including brand new details about the story and inspiration behind the Encanto attraction.
New Details About the Encanto Attraction at Animal Kingdom
Jared reflected on the events of last night’s Studios showcase, where a sensational slate of upcoming films was shared with an enthusiastic audience. When asked by actor Skylar Astin what it’s like bringing those movies to life in the form of theme park experiences, he fondly recalled a legacy that traces all the way back to Walt Disney’s original dream for Disneyland. Walt wanted a place where films could be pulled from the screen and into the real world in a transformative, tangible way, and credits the new Encanto attraction as being a key part of this rich history.
The first big reveal came with confirmation of the attraction’s official name: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. As previously shared, guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift, which is the ability to communicate with animals. And the heartwarming message of this adventure is that we are all part of the familia of living things, regardless of our special gifts or abilities.
Voice actors from Disney Animation’s Encanto return to Casita to lend their voices, including Stephanie Beatriz, Jessica Darrow, and Diane Guerrero, playing the roles of Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabella, respectively. A behind-the-scenes video of them recording was shared for the crowd, with Jessica explaining that “it’s sort of a perfect film to take all these colors and excitement out of and allow audiences to immerse themselves in it.”
Another helpful tidbit we learned? There will be no height requirement for the attraction, so it’s a fun family-friendly item to add to your Animal Kingdom itinerary.
What Will the Encanto Attraction Be Like?
Jared shared that one of the most fun parts of working with Imagineers on this project has been to expand the world of Encanto as we know it by creating new parts of the Madrigal house you never see in the film. Since the attraction takes place on Antonio’s gift day, a sacred and special occasion for the family, riders are invited to Casita as part of a cheerful celebration.
When you enter the house, you’ll board a ride vehicle meant to represent the different pieces of furniture assembled by the power of Casita to carry you through the rooms. They feel lively and dynamic, reacting like characters themselves to the scenes unfolding around you, which feels so perfectly representative of what we felt from the film.
Jared showed a new rendering that details how you’ll move through the house, eventually ending upstairs in Antonio’s room. The space has been transformed into a verdant rainforest, overflowing with animal species of many shapes and sizes. In total, there are more than 50 animals represented inside the attraction, and we got to see a first glimpse at some of them in action, including a very cute capybara receiving a hair trim, along with a toucan and donkey.
Imagineer Joan Hartwig had previously given us an inside look at the research trip that the team had taken to Colombia, where they saw firsthand how certain colors, materials, and structures interact with things like climate, terrain, and the overall culture of the region. This mission of telling authentic stories with extreme care and attention to detail is present throughout the entire project process – we learned today that Walt Disney Ima gineering partnered with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Team to make sure all of the animals included in the attraction are accurate to Colombia.
Learn More About El Carrusel de los Animalitos
New photos revealed during the presentation showed the progress on construction in the Tropical Americas land, with things starting to really take shape. One of the other attractions that guests of all ages can experience here is the beautiful animal-themed carousel, which was announced today as officially being called El Carrusel de los Animalitos.
22 figures of hand-carved animals from beloved Disney and Pixar stories will make up this relaxing ride, and you may have spotted some in the Walt Disney Imagineering pavilion on the show floor this weekend. El Carrusel de los Animalitos is a uniquely Animal Kingdom-inspired adaptation of a classic Disney attraction, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.
What Else Can I Expect From Tropical Americas?
As previously announced during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024, Tropical Americas is the newest land being built in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrating the myths and magic of the rainforest.
In addition to Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto and El Carrusel de los Animalitos, an all-new Indiana Jones adventure called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will be a highlight of the land for guests who love a good adventure. You can read more about this exhilarating experience here on Disney Parks Blog.
Final food and beverage plans are still being cooked up, but guests will enjoy eating at a large hacienda, which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants in all of Walt Disney World Resort property. And we can of course expect some spots for souvenir shopping as well, along with a play area inspired by the Maya, where young explorers can unearth artifacts through hands-on play.
Don’t miss out on more updates and news from D23 2026 and stay tuned for future news as Tropical Americas continues to blossom at Animal Kingdom.
