Classic merry-go-rounds have taken unique forms in Disney theme parks for over 70 years. Traditional medieval-themed horses host riders of King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom. Playful creatures inspired by the Woody’s Roundup show-within-the-movie from Toy Story lead Jessie’s Critter Carousel at Disney California Adventure. Now, another iteration of this timeless ride format is joining the group, and Disney shared a new sneak peek. This followed other major theme park news.
Disney revealed 21 adorable ride vehicles shaped like animal characters coming to Walt Disney World‘s new carousel attraction. We have visuals of all the carousel animals and the full list of who’s who to help you identify them all. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including 11 big Disney World ride announcements and 7 huge Disneyland ride reveals.
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New Carousel Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new land called Tropical Americas is under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The area will replace the now-closed DinoLand, U.S.A., and will feature three main attractions.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto will be a family-friendly dark ride through the Casita from Encanto. Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will repurpose the former DINOSAUR ride into a new adventure into the Underworld.
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Read all the details about the Encanto ride here and the Indiana Jones ride here. For the rest of this story, we’re focusing on the third ride of Tropical Americas, El Carrusel de los Animalitos. This may be one of the first of the new rides to open.
El Carrusel de los Animalitos is the carousel ride coming to Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney revealed the name of the attraction and its cute animal characters at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026.
Within the storyline of Tropical Americas, guests visit Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional town in the middle of a rainforest. Pueblo Esperanza’s local woodcarver has created a carousel for all to enjoy, but instead of horse steeds, he’s carved each figure into the shape of an animal from one of his favorite stories. We have the full list below
We got to see an up-close look at models for some of the ride vehicles at D23. Here’s Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. You can see how each of them will be designed to appear to be made of wood, even though they likely won’t be. Each animal will have its own uniquely designed saddle featuring a vibrant floral pattern.
Here’s a close-up look at Chispi, the capybara from Encanto.
All of the carousel animal ride vehicles were revealed during a special Disney Experiences Showcase presentation.
If you need help identifying any of the animals in the image, here are all of their names and what movie they’re from, starting with the top left, then going from left to right, row by row:
- Antonio’s cheetah from Encanto
- Chispi, the capybara from Encanto
- Scuttle, the seagull from The Little Mermaid
- Meeko, the raccoon from Pocahontas
- Nigel, the pelican from Finding Nemo
- The Great Prince, Bambi’s dad from Bambi
- Kevin, the bird from Up
- Pua, the pig from Moana
- Squirt, the sea turtle from Finding Nemo
- Simba from The Lion King
- Timon, the meerkat from The Lion King
- Pascal, the chameleon from Tangled
- Heihei, the chicken from Moana
- Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh
- Heimlich, the caterpillar from A Bug’s Life
- Pumbaa, the warthog from The Lion King
- Bambi
- Kuzco in his llama form from The Emperor’s New Groove
- Owl from Winnie the Pooh
- Kaa, the snake from The Jungle Book
- Thumper, the rabbit from Bambi
Imagineer Michael Hundgen mentioned on stage that there are 22 animals in the ride. There are 21 in this image, so he either misspoke or there is one more mystery animal yet to be revealed. Early concept art showed Sheldon, the seahorse from Finding Nemo, and Abu, the monkey from Aladdin, also included. They are both absent from the image.
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Construction for El Carrusel de los Animalitos is well underway at the Tropical Americas site. The frame for the shelter over the ride is in place, as is the roof over the queue. No animals are installed yet.
El Carrusel de los Animalitos, and all of Tropical Americas, will open in 2027. Disney has not announced an exact opening date or season.
The carousel ride news is one of many Disney theme park announcements just revealed. Other big news includes new looks at the Encanto family ride and Indiana Jones thrill ride. Click here to see all the news revealed at D23 with our ongoing coverage!
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