Exciting news for Disney fans and theme park enthusiasts alike: Walt Disney Imagineering is taking a giant leap forward with the Encanto attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and it’s a moment that’s been years in the making. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling—the latest permit filing reveals that the project is transitioning from structural construction to the magical interior fit-out phase. This means the enchanting world of Casita and the Madrigal family is finally coming to life, piece by piece.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, WDWMAGIC Staff reported that Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a Notice of Commencement for set element installation at the Encanto attraction, currently under construction in the Tropical Americas section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. The permit identifies Scenario as the contractor responsible for bringing the attraction’s interior to life. While Scenario isn’t a household name in Disney’s vendor lineup, they’re no strangers to creating immersive experiences—having previously worked on the latest iteration of Test Track at EPCOT. Specializing in show sets, props, animated figures, rockwork, and scenic painting, Scenario is the perfect fit to craft the whimsical details of the Madrigal family’s magical home.
And this is the part most people miss: the shift to interior fit-out is a major milestone, signaling that the attraction is one step closer to welcoming guests into Antonio Madrigal’s gift-receiving celebration. Imagine stepping into Casita, the family’s living, breathing home, on the very day Antonio discovers his ability to communicate with animals. It’s not just a ride—it’s an immersive story brought to life through large-scale scenic pieces, intricate props, and environmental details that will make you feel like part of the Madrigal family.
Construction on the main show building is well underway, with the steel framework and roof already in place. Crews are now focusing on the queue area, ensuring guests will have a seamless experience from the moment they enter. But the Encanto attraction is just one part of the 11-acre Tropical Americas expansion, which also includes a thrilling Indiana Jones adventure set inside a Mayan temple and a charming animal-themed carousel. At the heart of this new land is Pueblo Esperanza, a vibrant Latin American-inspired town complete with an open-air market and a spacious quick-service restaurant.
Scheduled to open in 2027, Tropical Americas promises to be a game-changer for Disney's Animal Kingdom, blending adventure, culture, and imagination in ways only Disney can. But here’s the controversial part: with so much focus on the Encanto attraction, will the other elements of Tropical Americas get the attention they deserve? Or will Encanto’s magical allure overshadow the rest of the expansion?
What do you think? Are you excited to step into the world of Encanto, or are you more intrigued by the Indiana Jones adventure? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Discuss on the Forums
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox
