Construction Well Underway at Disney World’s New Headline Animal Kingdom Attraction
Aerial photographs taken November 8 by parks photographer Bioreconstruct show a tall steel frame for the Madrigal family’s magical home rising in front of the show building for Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, the most striking change in the latest images from Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The land, which replaces DinoLand U.S.A., had its lineup locked in at the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase during D23 Expo 2026. Disney confirmed three attractions: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, and El Carrusel de los Animalitos, with Encanto and Indiana Jones billed as the headliners.
A Closer Look at the Casita Site
Behind the steel framework, a rolling hill is forming, its rockwork wrapped and encased in scaffolding. The attraction’s entrance sits on the left side of the structure, identifiable by a distinctive peaked roofline.
At ground level, crews are building a series of concrete walls in front of Casita. According to Bioreconstruct, these will contain tiered berms with landscaping, using forced perspective so the house appears perched high on a hill, as it does in the film. Several curved and angular sections already stand, surrounded by workers, rebar, and building materials.
A wider view shows cranes, heavy machinery, and freshly graded pathways across Tropical Americas. The show building’s roof is fully fitted with mechanical equipment, a sign that the enclosed portion of the ride is well advanced while exterior theming catches up.
What Riders Will Find Inside
Disney has confirmed the attraction will carry guests through Casita to celebrate Antonio Madrigal’s gift, with the film’s voice cast returning. “When you enter the house, you’ll board a ride vehicle meant to represent the different pieces of furniture assembled by the power of Casita to carry you through the rooms,” Disney Parks Blog wrote.
The ride concludes in Antonio’s room. “The space has been transformed into a verdant rainforest, overflowing with animal species of many shapes and sizes,” the blog added. “In total, there are more than 50 animals represented inside the attraction.”
Indiana Jones Is Moving Along Too
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent occupies the former DINOSAUR footprint. In the story, Indy uncovers a concealed temple passage believed to lead into the Mayan underworld, a realm guarded by the mythological creature Tsukán. Riders are then dragged through a portal into an escape through bats, scorpions, fire, and snakes, ending face to face with Tsukán. According to Disney Parks Blog, that finale “will probably solidify your fear of snakes for the rest of time.” The ride’s Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic will also be the first sculpted in Harrison Ford’s likeness.
Late-September aerials from Bioreconstruct captured the temple’s colorful facade taking shape, with sections sculpted and painted backstage before being craned into place above the rockwork.
Credit: Disney
Guests visiting Animal Kingdom should expect construction to remain a fixture in the former DinoLand area for some time while Tropical Americas comes together. For now, the clearest progress markers are onsite: a steel Casita frame, a temple facade going up piece by piece, and a construction filing valid for a full year.
How do you feel about the erasure of DinoLand with the upcoming Tropical Americas? Let us know in the comments below!
