Florida - During the recent D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney announced a major new addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
As part of the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences at the Walt Disney Company, confirmed the development of a new themed area called Tropical Americas, which will include the first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride.
This 11-acre expansion, named Pueblo Esperanza, is set to bring the vibrant world of the Madrigal family from the popular Disney film Encanto to life in a lush, immersive environment.
Pueblo Esperanza will be designed to reflect the rich culture and natural beauty of the Tropical Americas, much like how the Harambe village in the park’s Africa section evokes a sense of history and lived-in charm.
A central feature of this new area will be a large fountain where villagers gather to share stories, capturing the communal spirit depicted in Encanto. Additionally, a new quick-service restaurant, housed within a large hacienda, is expected to be one of the largest dining locations in Walt Disney World Resort.
One of the unique attractions in Pueblo Esperanza will be a carousel created by a local woodcarver, featuring animals from various Disney stories. This attraction, reimagining a classic carousel, is tailored for young families and is expected to become a favorite among park visitors.
The centerpiece of this expansion, however, is the first-ever Encanto ride-through attraction. This new experience will invite guests inside the magical Casita of the Madrigal family. The storyline will focus on Antonio, the youngest member of the family, who has just received his special gift—communicating with animals.
His room within the Casita will have transformed into a vibrant rainforest, setting the stage for an interactive adventure where guests can explore alongside Antonio and possibly encounter other members of the Madrigal family.
Encanto, released in 2021 by Walt Disney Animation Studios, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its vibrant storytelling, rich characters, and memorable music. The film tells the story of the Madrigal family, who live in a magical house known as the Casita in a secluded village in Colombia. Each family member, except for the protagonist Mirabel, is blessed with a unique magical gift that they use to help their community.
The film explores themes of family, identity, and the pressures of living up to expectations, all set against the backdrop of Colombian culture. The music, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, including hits like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” played a significant role in the film’s success, with its soundtrack topping charts globally. Encanto was both a critical and commercial success, earning several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The film’s popularity has led to its characters and themes being integrated into Disney Parks, with the upcoming attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom marking the first major theme park ride based on the movie.
Construction on the Tropical Americas section is slated to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
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