Fresh roof trusses, steel framing and themed rockwork are now visible inside the future Tropical Americas land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. WDW News Today documented the work during an Aug. 23 on-site report.
Fresh lumber is visible on a building near the future carousel, with exposed roofing over El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a growing steel structure and new rockwork near one of the land's entrances.
Roof Trusses Frame the Carousel-Side Buildings
New wood forms a series of roof trusses on a building positioned in front of the carousel. Angled beams extend from its walls to outline lower roof sections, while the carousel's own circular canopy remains supported by dark wooden beams.
The carousel will be part of Pueblo Esperanza, the fictional town at the center of Tropical Americas. The planned attraction will use hand-carved wooden animals inspired by Disney stories.
Steel Beams Rise Around Antonio's Casita
White steel beams are spreading through the structure for Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto. WDW News Today described the framing as likely support for the guest-facing Casita facade, which will conceal a larger show building behind it.
The announced Encanto ride-through attraction will follow Antonio after he receives the ability to communicate with animals. Guests are expected to travel through the Casita and into his rainforest bedroom.
Rockwork Takes Shape Near a Tropical Americas Entrance
More rockwork has appeared beyond the columns near a side entrance. Scaffolding surrounds the new pieces as crews continue sculpting and finishing the surfaces.
Roofing work continues on buildings being incorporated into Pueblo Esperanza, with lifts, construction equipment and temporary safety barriers still visible across the former DinoLand U.S.A. site.
Disney Still Targets a 2027 Opening
The announced Tropical Americas land covers 11 acres and includes Pueblo Esperanza, the Encanto attraction, an Indiana Jones adventure and the carousel. The land remains scheduled to open in 2027, with no specific opening date announced.
New framing and rockwork move the project from structural work into more visible architectural and scenic work. The observation does not change Disney's announced opening window.
Sources: WDW News Today, Disney Parks Blog's Encanto ride update and Indiana Jones ride update.
The hero image is Disney Parks concept art used for project context; the current construction observations are from WDW News Today's on-site report.