Disney’s Animal Kingdom is finally getting a carousel, and we now know almost every Disney critter you’ll be able to ride!
At this past weekend’s D23: Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the attraction name and 21 of the 22 unique animal figures were revealed for El Carrusel de los Animalitos, or “The Carousel of Animals,” coming to the new Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027.
We got a closer look at the lineup during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, along with several of the actual carousel carvings displayed in the Imagineering pavilion.
Meet the Animals of El Carrusel de los Animalitos
Kevin from Up was the first figure revealed back at D23 in 2024, but the full group pulls from Disney and Pixar films spanning several decades:
- Parce the leopard – Encanto
- Chispi the capybara – Encanto
- Scuttle – The Little Mermaid
- Meeko – Pocahontas, complete with a little biscuit!
- Nigel – Finding Nemo
- The Great Prince of the Forest – Bambi
- Kevin – Up
- Pua – Moana
- Squirt – Finding Nemo
- Timon – The Lion King
- Simba – The Lion King
- Pascal – Tangled
- Heihei – Moana
- Eeyore – Winnie the Pooh
- Heimlich – A Bug’s Life
- Pumbaa – The Lion King
- Bambi – Bambi
- Owl – Winnie the Pooh
- Kuzco – The Emperor’s New Groove
- Kaa – The Jungle Book
- Thumper – Bambi
When talking about this attraction on stage, Imagineers mentioned there will be 22 characters. With 21 animals revealed, that still leaves one mysterious 22nd animal… There are a few interesting omissions. Early maquettes of Ray from The Princess and the Frog and Nala from The Lion King appeared in video shown at the Imagineering pavilion, but neither character appears in the 21-character lineup presented at D23.
The finished attraction will be presented as the creation of a local woodcarver in Pueblo Esperanza, which explains the handmade appearance of its Disney animals. Each figure is being carved with plenty of individual detail, including saddles decorated with flora and fauna patterns suited to the character.
An Animal Kingdom Idea Nearly 30 Years in the Making
What I find especially interesting about this project is how it circles back to some of the earliest ideas for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During the park’s development, one concept called for an enormous, multi-level carousel filled with animals that could have served as a centerpiece for the park. It was among several early ideas considered for a park icon.
Nearly 30 years after Animal Kingdom opened, the park will finally have its own animal carousel, although this time its creatures come from Disney films. The character choices are interesting – Disney seems to have leaned toward animals from stories with more natural settings, particularly forests, jungles, and oceans. There are no puppies from 101 Dalmatians, cats or kittens from The Aristocats, mice from The Rescuers, or any of the highly anthropomorphic residents of Zootopia.
I also love seeing some theme park representation for Disney films that don’t get nearly as much attention. Kuzco, Bambi, Thumper, and the Great Prince of the Forest are all particularly fun choices. But I have to say… Heimlich is my favorite of the bunch!
Remember Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train at Disney California Adventure’s former A Bug’s Land? Interestingly, the beloved caterpillar never appeared in Animal Kingdom’s own It’s Tough to Be a Bug! inside the Tree of Life. That means El Carrusel de los Animalitos will finally bring Heimlich to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! And, as we all know, he’s a beautiful butterfly.
Squirt the young sea turtle is another one I’ll definitely be seeking out when the carousel opens. Which animal are you riding first?
El Carrusel de los Animalitos will be one of three attractions in Tropical Americas, alongside new Encanto and Indiana Jones experiences. The new land is replacing the now-closed DinoLand U.S.A. and is scheduled to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027.
