If you’ve been paying attention to Animal Kingdom recently, you’ll know that they’re planning one of their most exciting projects yet – a Tropical Americas-themed land. This new area will feature attractions where you’ll explore a temple alongside Indiana Jones and tour the Magdrigal’s house from Encanto. We’ve been following the latest news to keep you updated, and we stumbled upon a sentimental post.

Jeff Vahle & Animal Kingdom Cast Members ©Disney

Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World, took to Instagram today and posted an update on the expansion called Pueblo Esperanza, which brought up all the feels. Cast members across Animal Kingdom have signed a steel beam that will be inside the new Encanto ride! Here’s the Disney history behind this special moment and everything you need to know about the new ride.

Historically, Disney rides have been signed by Imagineers who created the ride. In “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” at Hollywood Studios, the dumpster outside of Daisy’s dance studio is covered in the signatures of Disney Imagineers involved with the ride’s creation. There are also more hidden signatures – the handprints in the cave of the Avatar: Flight of Passage queue have the handprints of legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde and “Avatar” director James Cameron.

Signed “Encanto” ride beam ©Disney

What’s special about this Encanto beam is that it doesn’t just have Imagineers’ and celebrities’ signatures. The signatures belong to Cast Members all around the park, from ride operators to custodians. This is a big deal for Disney – the worker serving popcorn has left their mark on Disney history. Things like this are usually kept behind the scenes, so Jeff Vahle’s post publicizing the moment made it even more special.

Jeff Vahle’s signature ©Disney

The upcoming Encanto ride will take guests inside the Casita, the Madrigal family’s magical home. Riders will explore the iconic house and encounter their favorite characters in a story that expands on the film.

The Casita ©Disney

While we’re still waiting to hear even more from Disney, stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more updates!

When Is Disney World’s Encanto Ride Opening?

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Are you excited for the new Encanto ride? Comment below!