Since its debut in 2021, Walt Disney Animation Studios' Encanto has become one of Disney's most popular movies. While Covid cut its theatrical run short, the Madrigals found a second home on Disney+ where the CG-animated musical blew up in popularity.
So it's no surprise then that Disney recently announced plans to incorporate the film into its theme parks. This fall, Disney World visitors will be able to meet Mirabel in the Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom. Previously, Mirabel had only occasionally been spotted at one-off meet-and-greets at EPCOT and in cavalcades at Magic Kingdom. Finally, fans will be able to get up close with the main character from Encanto.
For those unfamiliar with Magic Kingdom's layout, the Fairytale Garden is located directly across from Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. You'll pass it as you enter Tomorrowland from the pathway closest to the castle. The Fairytale Garden will also be transformed with "whimsical decor inspired by la Familia Madrigal," according to Disney.
Right now, the Fairytale Garden is where guests can meet Merida from the movie Brave. It's unclear where Disney will move the Princess of DunBroch.
The arrival of Mirabel at Walt Disney World is sure to be met with excitement from park visitors, but one can't help but hope that Disney incorporates more of Encanto into its parks. The film features a colorful cast of interesting characters. I'd love to see the entire Madrigal family eventually make their way into the park, or at least some of the more popular characters, like Luisia or Isabela.
Hopefully, Disney goes all-out with the decorations for the area as well. The Madrigal house is full of magic that would make for a perfect backdrop for meeting Mirabel and her family.
Released in 2021, Encanto is a computer-animated musical comedy that follows a multigenerational Colombian family, the Madrigals, who have been blessed with magical gifts that they use to serve the people in their rural community. The synopsis reads:
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.
One of the reasons Encanto has become so popular is its music. The film features eight original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" actually surpassed Frozen's "Let It Go," reaching No. 4 on Billboard's Hot 100 song chart. Despite its popularity though, it did not receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.