Exciting Details on New 'Encanto' and 'Monsters Inc.' Attractions Coming to Disney World
Here's what we learned about the upcoming Encanto and Monsters Inc. attractions coming to Walt Disney World . Between the "Horizons" and " Disney Worldbuilders " panels at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Imagineering and the creative teams have shared more details about how they're working together to bring truly special experiences for park guests.
Encanto in Tropical Americas – Animal Kingdom Park
Courtesy of: Walt Disney ImagineeringCourtesy of: Walt Disney Imagineering
During the Horizons presentation last night, we learned the Encanto ride will be called Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto and will take fans of all ages on a journey through Casita. Like the Coco ride, it will not have a height requirement, which is such a win for park guest accessibility in Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Families will climb aboard furniture-inspired trackless ride vehicles as they make their way to Antonio's room, which has transformed into a rainforest filled with animals. There, we get to see his gift light up the house with magical animal interactions with wildlife native to Colombia. And yes, there will be donkeys.
On hand during the Horizons presentation, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jared Bushdescribed the premise of the ride. "[It's] Antonio's gift day," he revealed of the celebration you're invited to take part in with the Madrigal family. "Antonio's gift is communicating with animals, which is perfect for Animal Kingdom."
The filmmaker continued, "We are invited into Casita to celebrate Antonio with all of his family and now his extended animal family. One of my favorite parts was working with the Imagineers to explore the house [ride] through Casita, hearing the music of Encanto , seeing the family using their gifts [and] getting to celebrate with Antonio." It was also revealed that the original cast would return to reprise their roles, including Madrigal sisters Stephanie Beatrizas Mirabel, Dianne Guerreroas Isabela, and Jessica Darrowas Luisa.
Guerrero expressed the family's excitement in a video reveal: "I think it's so cool that there is an actual physical place where people can experience the story." There was also a design reveal for El Carrusel de Animalitos, a classic ride reimagined with Pixar and Disney sidekicks in a uniquely Animal Kingdom way.
Later at D23, Bush shared his feelings about seeing films he has worked on come to life as Disney Experiences: "These are imagined places. There's no set that we go to shoot something on. This is all first in people's heads, and it goes to drawings on a piece of paper, and eventually becomes this realized place."
The co-director of Encanto recounted during the Worldbuilders panel, "And then to have the fans that you made the movie for show up and enjoy the same things that you are at the same time. It's kind of an unbelievable surreal moment," he said of his reaction to seeing eras of Disney Animation under his leadership, starting with Zootopia, having a presence in the parks.
Monsters Inc. in Monstropolis – Disney Hollywood Studios Park
Walt Disney World will be welcoming park guests to Monstropolis sooner than anticipated. Imagineers revealed during the Horizons panel that the Monsters Inc. land will be opening in 2027, while progress continues on its highly anticipated coaster.
Park guests will be able to experience the other two features of the Hollywood Studios land, including a new show at the Glob Theater, called "Welcome to Monstropolis," which will feature a new song by the same name from legendary singer/songwriter Randy Newman, marking his first composition for the parks. In the show, Mike and Sully will lead the monsters in welcoming humans to Monstropolis for H.U.M.A.N. Day.
Related: Chic Travel Gear That Will Instantly Bring Back Your Childhood Disney Vacation Nostalgia
The introduction sets the stage for park guests to see the ways monsters have discovered that the power of laughter brings all kinds together through experiences in the area. Additionally, you'll be able to grab a bite at Archie's Scare Pig Pizza, visit the Monsters University Alumni Club, and shop at the Scareporium.
A big highlight of the area will be a restaurant that brings to life the very place where Mike and Celia's date goes so wrong from the movie. That's right, Harryhausen's Restaurant is coming, and Imagineer Michael Hundgen described the in-universe experience as having "a menu unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World. It will be a great place to bring your Schmoopsie-poo for a romantic meal." The iconic spot will have an audio-animatronic of the film's famed tentacled chef.
During the Worldbuilders panel, Pixar director and CCO Pete Doctertalked about seeing the environments come to life since their CG origins: "It's all in the computer. None of it is real. You've seen it only two-dimensionally on the screen." He looked back at Pixar's start as lands in the parks, which began with A Bug's Life , saying, "And just being in that space and being in the movie was, I mean, overwhelming."
The Pixar CCO, who started as a filmmaker in the studio's creative stable, recalled, "I remember working on Monsters Incorporated with literally a second after we said, 'Okay, they work; the monsters are scaring through these doors. They must store all the doors somewhere. They must have, like, this giant vault,' and I was like, 'That would be a great ride at Disneyland,' and now finally we're gonna get it," he said, talking about Walt Disney World's upcoming main E-ticket coaster, despite having imagined it on the opposite coast.
Even though it will open on an undetermined date, Imagineers tease that fans will launch 40 feet in the air in 4 seconds before taking off above the Scare Floor through the franchise's iconic doors to other worlds.
This story was originally published by Parade on Aug 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
