We’ve got very exciting news out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom! With so much construction happening around the park, any bit of news that means those projects are moving along is a fist-pump moment in our eyes.

©Disney

We know we’ve got a long way to go still until the new Casita ride, inspired by Encanto, opens in Pueblo Esperanza, but we’re enjoying seeing what’s going on behind the walls, thanks to the aerial views from @bioreconstruct. Now, though, we’ve got another piece of evidence that shows us construction is continuing to move along — a new permit has been filed!

The new permit is to “install set elements” at 504 Dinoland Drive, Bay Lake, FL (now that name is a throwback! We wonder if it’ll change with the new retheme, or stay part of Dinoland forever), which is indeed where the new Encanto ride is being built.

©Disney

The contractor on the permit is Mecca Productions, LLC, which is a “full-service design, fabrication, and installation firm” located in Central Florida, according to their website. They’re brought on to create both props and scenery for theme park attractions, museums, corporate events, and more. Their website also mentions some of the companies they’ve worked with, which include, but aren’t limited to, Disney, NBCUniversal, Disney Cruise Line, SeaWorld, Dollywood, Busch Gardens, Google, The Food Network, and more.

©Mecca Productions

Pueblo Esperanza, where the new Encanto ride is going, is expected to open in 2027. The area as a whole is themed to the Tropical Americas, and will also feature a carousel attraction, as well as a new Indiana Jones ride. The whole land will feature Spanish-style architecture, and we’ll be able to dine at a large hacienda that will become one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World.

©Disney

Looking for more recent Animal Kingdom news? Check out our posts below!

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