Jaw-Dropping First Look: Animal Kingdom’s Indy Ride
Disney Unveils New Indiana Jones Adventure at Animal Kingdom: Everything You Need to Know
The Big Announcement at D23
During D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Imagineers pulled back the curtain on a brand‑new Indiana Jones attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Think of it like opening a dusty old map—except this map leads to a high‑tech, story‑driven ride that puts you right beside Indy himself.
Important Callout
This attraction is part of the largest expansion project in Disney World’s history—an 11‑acre new land called Tropical Americas.
Where Will the Ride Live?
- Park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- New Land: Tropical Americas (opening in phases)
- Neighbors: An Encanto‑themed attraction, a hand‑carved carousel, and a Maya‑inspired play area for kids.
What Is the Ride Called?
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
That’s the official title—first revealed publicly at the D23 showcase by Imagineers Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty.
Harrison Ford Is the Face of the Animatronic
- First time ever: Harrison Ford himself served as the living model for the Indiana Jones Audio‑Animatronics figure.
- Disney Legend Ford sent a video message confirming he’ll be the face you see on the ride—nowhere else in the world will you find a Ford‑modeled Indy animatronic.
- Imagineers showed off the digital sculpt they’re using to build the figure, promising hyper‑realistic detail.
The Story & Cultural Inspiration
1. Maya Culture Meets Indiana Jones
- The queue and ride take place beneath an ancient Maya temple ruin.
- Disney worked hand‑in‑hand with archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts to get every carving, glyph, and architectural detail right.
- Research trips to Honduras (including the Copán ruins) directly inspired the look and feel.
2. The Plot in a Nutshell
- You meet Dr. Jones at a cenote (a natural water‑filled sinkhole the Maya believed was a gateway to the Underworld).
- Legend says the Tsukán—a massive serpentine guardian—protects the passage.
- You’re suddenly pulled through a portal into the Maya Underworld.
- Escape giant bats, colossal scorpions, fire, flames, and—of course—snakes.
- Final showdown with the towering Tsukán animatronic (hand‑sculpted for maximum “yikes!” factor).
Important Callout
The Tsukán figure towers over the Imagineers building it—it’s one of the largest Audio‑Animatronics Disney has ever created.
What Else Is in Tropical Americas?
| Experience | What It Is | Fun Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Encanto Attraction | Family‑friendly ride based on the hit movie | First Encanto ride at any Disney park |
| El Carrusel de los Animalitos | 22‑seat hand‑carved carousel | Features Scuttle, Squirt, Pua, Pascal, Simba, Eeyore, Kuzco, Heimlich & more |
| Maya Explorer Play Area | Hands‑on dig site & rainforest discovery zone | Kids unearth “artifacts” and learn about nature through play |
How the Ride Is Being Built (Numbered Steps)
- Research & Authenticity – Imagineers travel to Maya sites, consult experts.
- Digital Sculpting – Harrison Ford’s likeness scanned → 3D model → animatronic blueprint.
- Hand‑Sculpting the Tsukán – Artists carve every scale by hand for realism.
- Temple Facade Construction – The entrance is rising right now (no longer just concept art).
- Show Programming – Audio‑Animatronics, lighting, sound, and motion sync for the Underworld plunge.
- Testing & Refinement – Ride vehicles, safety systems, and guest flow fine‑tuned.
- Grand Opening – Date TBA; stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for updates.
Quick Summary
- New Ride: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
- Location: Tropical Americas, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Star Power: Harrison Ford’s face on the Indy animatronic (Disney first)
- Story: Cenote portal → Maya Underworld → escape bats, scorpions, fire, snakes → face the giant Tsukán
- Authenticity: Built with Maya scholars, inspired by real Copán ruins
- Extras: Encanto ride, 22‑animal carousel, kids’ dig site—all in the same new land
- Scale: Part of Disney World’s biggest expansion ever
FAQ
1. When does the ride open?
Disney hasn’t announced an exact date yet. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the official opening timeline.
2. Is this a roller coaster or a dark ride?
It’s a story‑driven dark ride with thrilling moments (drops, sudden movements, immersive sets) but not a traditional high‑speed coaster.
3. Will Harrison Ford’s voice be in the attraction?
The announcement only confirmed his likeness for the animatronic. Voice details haven’t been shared yet.
4. How scary is the Tsukán encounter?
Imagineers say the final confrontation “will probably solidify your fear of snakes for the rest of time.” It’s designed to be intense but family‑appropriate for Animal Kingdom.
5. Can I visit Tropical Americas before the Indy ride opens?
The land is opening in phases. The Encanto attraction, carousel, and play area may debut before or alongside the Indiana Jones ride—check Disney’s official updates for the rolling schedule.
Grab your fedora and field journal—Indy’s next great adventure is almost ready for you at Walt Disney World!