Imagine running a marathon through Walt Disney World and getting a sneak peek at something incredibly exciting – a brand-new ride based on the beloved movie Encanto! That's exactly what happened to runners participating in this weekend's Walt Disney World Marathon. They got an unprecedented ground-level view of the Encanto ride's construction site in Animal Kingdom, offering a fresh perspective that most park guests don't get.
Our reporter, present at the race on January 11th, captured some amazing photos. These shots reveal runners passing alongside the construction fencing, with the steel framework of the Encanto show building clearly visible. Through the fence, you can spot the crane, various construction vehicles, and even remnants of the former DinoLand, U.S.A. area. It's a fascinating glimpse into the creation of something truly magical.
But here's where it gets controversial... some Disney purists are already lamenting the loss of DinoLand, U.S.A., a fan favorite. Is the promise of Encanto enough to soothe the sting of losing a classic? Let us know what you think in the comments!
We also have to give a shout-out to bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter), known for their stunning aerial photography of construction projects at Disney and Universal parks. They also shared ground-level images, giving us another angle on the progress. You can check out their original post here: https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/2010358929805525473
Their caption perfectly sums it up: "Rare ground level view of structural frame for the Encanto ride show building in Animal Kingdom. Seen during the Walt Disney World Marathon."
The Encanto ride building has been going up incredibly fast! Since construction officially went vertical in December 2025, steel has been added almost nightly. A towering crane is a constant presence, visible to park guests during the day as it carefully moves pieces of steel into place. You might even catch a glimpse of it in action when visiting the Tropical Americas construction area.
And this is the part most people miss... the speed of construction is impressive, but it also raises questions about the overall design and theming. Will the ride seamlessly blend into the Animal Kingdom aesthetic, or will it feel like a separate, less immersive experience?
This exciting Encanto attraction is scheduled to open in 2027 with the debut of the Tropical Americas land, completely transforming the former DinoLand, U.S.A. area. It's a massive undertaking, promising to bring a new level of immersion and storytelling to Animal Kingdom.
So, what can we expect from this Encanto ride? Well, it will be the first-ever attraction based on the film, inviting guests to step inside Casita on the very day Antonio receives his gift of communicating with animals. The ride's façade will be the iconic Casita, nestled within the fictional Pueblo Esperanza village. Get ready to ride on furniture brought to life by Casita's magic!
Did you get a glimpse of the construction while participating in the marathon? Or perhaps you have strong feelings about the DinoLand, U.S.A. replacement? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below and on social media! We want to know what you think about this new addition to Animal Kingdom. Are you excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between? Let's start a conversation!
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