Disney’s Animal Kingdom is no stranger to transformation, but what’s happening now feels bigger than anything in recent memory. At the heart of it all is the highly anticipated Encanto attraction, which has quickly gone from rumor to reality—and the latest updates prove it’s going to be a game-changer.
Big Moves on Construction
Guests visiting Animal Kingdom have noticed cranes rising high above the construction walls where DinoLand U.S.A. once stood. Disney has officially confirmed the machinery is on-site to accelerate progress on the new Tropical Americas land, which will feature the first-ever Encanto ride. It’s one thing to hear about a project, but seeing it physically take shape adds an extra buzz for fans.
A Creative Powerhouse Joins the Team
Perhaps the most thrilling update comes straight from Jared Bush, the co-director and writer of Encanto (2021). Bush revealed he’s already crafting brand-new dialogue exclusively for the attraction. Instead of reusing movie clips or recycled lines, guests will get fresh, original content from the mind behind the film itself. That level of creative input signals Disney’s commitment to making this ride more than just a screen-to-park adaptation—it’s an immersive storytelling experience.
Saying Goodbye to DinoLand
Of course, the expansion means the end of an era. DinoLand U.S.A. officially began its phased closure earlier this month. The Boneyard has closed, construction walls are up, and while DINOSAUR remains open for now, guests must navigate winding detours just to reach it. Disney has promised early 2026 will be the final curtain call for the beloved ride, leaving fans to grab their last rides before it’s gone.
A Park in Transition
Animal Kingdom is in the middle of massive change, and for some visitors, that has meant more construction walls than attractions. Still, Disney’s bold vision aims to reposition the park from what some once called a “half-day” experience into a must-visit destination. The success of Pandora: The World of Avatar proved how a single land could reshape the park’s reputation. Now, with Encanto anchoring Tropical Americas alongside a planned Indiana Jones adventure, Animal Kingdom is set to reinvent itself again.
A Bright Future
The combination of visible construction progress and Bush’s creative fingerprints has left fans stunned with excitement. For years, they hoped for a way to step into the magical world of Casita, and now it’s happening with all the care and detail Disney can offer. One land is fading away, but a whole new era—bursting with color, music, and magic—is just around the corner.
