Construction at Tropical Americas keeps moving, and the building set to house the Encanto ride just passed another visible step. Crews are now shaping the mountainous scenery that will crown the structure, giving fans a clearer sense of how the finished setting will look. Here is a rundown of the latest progress and how it fits into the wider land.
Steel Structures Take Shape on Top
The top of the Encanto ride building has reached a new stage. Crews have started installing steel structures that will form the base for mountainous-style rockwork. As of the most recent look, roughly half of one side is in place, so the shapes are beginning to take form but still have a way to go.
This kind of framework is a common starting point for large themed rock formations. The steel provides the skeleton, and the detailed surface work follows once the underlying shapes are set.
Mesh Netting Sets Up the Rock Shapes
Alongside the steel, crews have added mesh netting in a range of sizes. This netting acts as the base layer that gives the rockwork its natural, uneven contours before any surface material goes on.
The varied sizes of the mesh help builders sculpt the different bumps, ridges, and slopes that make artificial rock look believable. It is a behind-the-scenes step that guests will never see directly, but it plays a big role in the final result.
How the Rockwork Compares to the Concept Art
Looking at the concept art and the model for the land, the mountains sit in the background of the scene rather than serving as the main visual anchor. That lines up with what is going in now.
Rather than acting as a focal point, this rockwork will function as background theming. It helps frame the setting and adds depth to the environment around the ride building without pulling attention away from the casita and other central elements.
Progress on the Main Entrance Tower
Work is also continuing on the structure that will serve as the main entrance from Discovery Island. The steel tower and peaked roof framework have been standing for a while, and crews have now started filling in the gaps of the steel with wood additions.
That shift from bare steel to filled-in framing is a sign the entrance is moving from its structural phase toward something closer to its themed appearance. It gives a better preview of the shape and scale guests will pass through when the land opens.
A Look at Tropical Americas
All of this work is part of Tropical Americas, the new land planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is set to open in 2027 and centers on the fictional village of Pueblo Esperanza.
The land will include several attractions and features for guests to enjoy:
- The Encanto ride, the attraction tied to the building now receiving its rockwork
- An Indiana Jones ride, which reimagines the space currently home to DINOSAUR
- A new carousel within the village
- A new playground added to the area
Together, these additions give Tropical Americas a mix of rides and open play space, replacing the former DinoLand section with a fresh setting and story.
Conclusion
The steel and mesh going up on the Encanto ride building mark another step toward a finished Tropical Americas. With background rockwork taking shape and the entrance tower gaining its wood framing, the land is slowly moving from raw construction toward the themed environment guests will explore in 2027. We will keep watching as more of Pueblo Esperanza comes together.
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.
