Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a permit extension connected to construction of the upcoming Encanto ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Public records show the updated permit timeline now extends to late spring of 2027.
The Disney Encanto ride permit extension involves an amended Notice of Commencement tied to the address 610 DinoLand Drive. The location sits within the former Dino-Rama section of DinoLand U.S.A., which Disney is redeveloping into the new Tropical Americas land.
According to public records first highlighted by BlogMickey, the amended filing was recorded in May 2026 and now carries an expiration date of May 19, 2027. The permit still lists Whiting-Turner as the contractor and describes the work scope as “Area Development.”
Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Concept Art. Credit: Disney Parks Blog
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This latest Disney Encanto ride permit extension updates an earlier filing submitted in 2024 and revised again in 2025. Disney has not announced any change to the previously stated 2027 opening timeframe for the Tropical Americas expansion.
Construction Continues on Tropical Americas Expansion
Construction crews have continued visible work throughout the former DinoLand U.S.A. area during 2026. Recent aerial photos and construction updates show large steel structures rising behind construction walls.
Crews installed the final steel beam for the “Encanto” attraction building in February earlier this year. Work has since expanded around the future queue area and nearby infrastructure.
WDWNT also reported in April that Disney filed several additional permits tied to the Tropical Americas project. Those permits covered electrical work connected to future attraction sites, including the “Encanto” ride and the planned Indiana Jones attraction replacing DINOSAUR.
Disney first announced Tropical Americas during Destination D23 in 2023. The project will replace DinoLand U.S.A. with a new land inspired by regions and cultures from the Americas. The re-themed area will also include a carousel.
Official concept art for the new Indiana Jones attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Credit: Disney Parks Blog
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The company previously stated that the “Encanto” attraction would take guests inside the Madrigal family’s Casita on the day after Antonio receives his magical gift. Disney said guests would encounter the animals Antonio communicates with as he learns to use his new abilities.
Permit Activity Continues Across Animal Kingdom Project
Permit filings have continued steadily as Disney advances work on the Animal Kingdom expansion. Earlier filings covered infrastructure upgrades, utility work, and stormwater management improvements tied to Tropical Americas.
In February 2025, the South Florida Water Management District approved a major permit connected to the redevelopment project. That approval covered drainage modifications and utility updates across the construction area.
Concept Art for the Tropical Americas Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Credit: Disney Parks Blog
The updated filing marks another administrative step tied to ongoing development. Public records do not currently show any announced shift in Disney’s expected 2027 opening window for Tropical Americas.
Disney has not released a more specific opening date for the “Encanto” attraction. Construction remains underway across multiple sections of the future land as crews continue vertical development and site preparation work.
What do you think of the upcoming Encanto attraction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
