Walt Disney Imagineering shared a new batch of details at D23 2026, giving fans a closer look at the carousel coming to Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Four more animal figures were revealed, each pulled from a beloved Disney or Pixar film. Here is a rundown of the new characters, the maquettes on display, and the story behind this hand-crafted ride.
The Four Newly Revealed Animals
At D23 2026, Imagineering shared four more creatures that guests will be able to ride. Each one comes from a different film, giving the carousel a varied and recognizable cast:
- Eeyore, the gentle donkey from the Winnie the Pooh stories
- Chispi, the capybara from Encanto
- Pua, the pig from Moana
- Nigel, the pelican from Finding Nemo
The selection spans several eras and styles of Disney and Pixar animation, which should give guests of all ages a character they recognize and enjoy.
The Story Behind the Carousel
Every part of Tropical Americas carries its own backstory, and the carousel is no exception. According to the land’s lore, the ride was crafted by a local wood carver, which explains the warm, handmade look of each figure.
That detail shapes the entire design. Rather than the polished, uniform animals you might find on a standard carousel, these figures carry the character of a piece made by hand. It ties the attraction into the larger sense of place that Imagineering is building throughout the land.
A Look Back at the First Reveal
The carousel is not entirely new to fans who have been following the project. When the ride was first announced at D23 2024, Imagineering revealed a mix of familiar Disney and Pixar animals reimagined in a wood-carved style. The four figures shown this year build on that foundation and give a fuller picture of the lineup guests can expect.
Final Thoughts
The four newly revealed figures give fans a clearer sense of what the Tropical Americas carousel will offer, from Eeyore and Chispi to Pua and Nigel, all joining the Kevin figure shown back in 2024. With a hand-carved look, character-themed saddles, and a backstory rooted in the land’s lore, the ride is shaping up to be a charming fit for the new area. It is worth keeping an eye on Disney’s Animal Kingdom as Tropical Americas moves toward its 2027 opening.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
