When Disney World announced it was building a Tropical Americas-themed land that included Encanto, I may or may not have shed a tear. Was that tear for the idea of stepping into Casita and meeting the Madrigal family, or for knowing I had to say goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A.? We’ll never know, but Pueblo Esperanza is coming to Animal Kingdom, and we’ll share every update.

The new land is planning to open in 2027, and behind the construction walls, Disney has been hard at work making sure everything gets done. Thanks to our friend Bioreconstruct on X, we get a sense of what’s happening behind those walls, and Disneyis progress is fantastical and magical.

See that big structure? That’s going to be Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, aka the Encanto ride. Bioreconstruct said they’re adding a waterproof barrier to the concrete walls at the base of the frame. This helps determine where the dirt is being placed and puts the house on a hill, similar to the Haunted Mansion.

I don’t know if it looks like Casita yet, and it’s making me wonder how the ride will fit in there! A lot of Disney rides look like they’re in the actual building but lead you to another space that you can’t see from the outside. The Haunted Mansion is another great example. You don’t really go inside the mansion; you go to a warehouse in the back.

Either way, I am so excited to climb in and listen to the incredible music. The cast came back to re-record the ride’s original audio, so it’s going to sound exactly like the movie.

Encanto isn’t the only movie coming to the land. Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent has taken over DINOSAUR, and the outside is coming together very well. Doesn’t it look just like a Mayan temple?

A carousel is coming, too! Check out the structure for El Carrusel de los Animalitos. We can’t wait to pick our favorite Disney animal to ride.

Of course, there’ll be some food, too. All our favorite DinoLand spots are becoming new restaurants, and we’re already dreaming about what food is coming (and why it better be arepas).

Here’s a look at more of the theming pieces that will bring the whole land together. Disney often works on pieces in a warehouse before bringing the almost finished pieces over.

Overall, Pueblo Esperanza is looking spectacular! Disney has not announced an official opening date, but rest assured, we’ll be sharing everything happening with this major project, including milestones, dates, and anything else you’ll need to know before your visit.

Keep following Disney Food Blog for more, and while you’re here, check out some of our favorite snacks you can only get in Animal Kingdom.

YIKES. THIS ANIMAL KINGDOM EXPANSION NEWS IS GOING TO UPSET SOME FOLKS