Disney’s NEW ‘Encanto’ Ride Takes Shape as Animal Kingdom Construction Intensifies
Across Walt Disney World, there’s a growing sense that plans are turning into reality quicker than anyone anticipated. Construction walls feel more permanent. Cranes are no longer occasional visitors. Progress is visible enough that guests don’t need an announcement to know something major is unfolding.
One project in particular is quietly stealing attention, and even without official confirmation, it’s clear that Disney’s new Encanto attraction is advancing faster than many expected.
That momentum matters because it’s happening in a park that has long been waiting for its next defining chapter.
Why Animal Kingdom Needed a Spark
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always been different, but not always in ways that worked in its favor. For years, it was known as the “half-day park.” Guests admired the animals and theming, yet many felt it didn’t offer enough attractions to justify a full day compared to the rest of Walt Disney World.
Shorter operating hours and fewer nighttime experiences added to that perception. The park leaned into conservation and education, which resonated with some visitors but left others craving more ride-focused excitement. Disney eventually acknowledged that imbalance—and then everything changed.
Pandora Proved the Park’s Potential
Pandora – The World of Avatar reshaped Animal Kingdom almost overnight. With immersive design and Flight of Passage becoming a top-tier attraction, crowds followed. The park suddenly stayed busy after dark, and Animal Kingdom became a destination rather than an afterthought.
Pandora showed that large intellectual property could thrive in the park without overwhelming its identity. That success quietly laid the groundwork for what’s happening now.
Pueblo Esperanza Takes Shape
The next step forward is Pueblo Esperanza, a new land inspired by the Tropical Americas. Rather than relying solely on fantasy, this area blends real-world cultural influences with Disney storytelling. Architecture, music, and shared spaces aim to make the land feel alive, rather than staged.
Disney has confirmed that Pueblo Esperanza will tie together Encanto and Indiana Jones. Instead of relying on a single attraction, the land spreads its focus across multiple experiences, signaling a more layered approach to expansion.
The Encanto Attraction Breaks Ground—Literally
Until recently, the Encanto attraction lived mostly in concept art. Now, guests can see real progress. Construction walls are up, the framework is visible above them, and cranes are actively shaping the site.
The structure’s size and outline suggest the beginnings of Casa Madrigal. From what’s visible, the building could rise even higher as construction continues. Seeing this level of progress so early has caught the attention of longtime park watchers, especially given how carefully Disney usually controls what guests can see.
More Than Just One New Ride
Pueblo Esperanza won’t revolve around Encanto alone. The land will also introduce a new Indiana Jones attraction, replacing DINOSAUR, which closed permanently on February 2, 2026. Disney has emphasized that this version won’t mirror Indiana Jones attractions found elsewhere.
Alongside those headliners, a magical carousel will anchor the land with a gentler experience, reinforcing Pueblo Esperanza’s appeal to families and guests of all ages.
A Real Shift for Animal Kingdom
What stands out most isn’t just what’s coming—it’s how fast it’s happening. Visible framework, steady crane activity, and clear progress point to a project moving confidently forward.
With Pueblo Esperanza on the way and Pandora still drawing crowds, Animal Kingdom feels poised for a long-overdue transformation. Disney expects the land to open in 2027, and if construction continues at this pace, that goal feels increasingly realistic. Animal Kingdom isn’t catching up anymore—it’s carving out a bold new identity.
