Get ready, adventurers! We just got some thrilling new details about the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been on the edge of your seat waiting for more news on this!
During the recent D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Imagineers Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty pulled back the curtain on this exciting new addition. This ride, nestled in the vibrant new land of Tropical Americas, promises revolutionary Audio-Animatronics figures, a completely original storyline, and an epic adventure that plunges guests into the ancient Maya world alongside Indy himself. Animal Kingdom is the perfect home for this kind of deep dive into ancient cultures.
Harrison Ford’s Face on an Animatronic!
To kick things off, Disney Legend Harrison Ford, the one and only Indy, sent a special message to fans. He shared his gratitude for all the adventures and then dropped a bombshell: he is the actual model for the new Indiana Jones animatronic! This marks the very first time his likeness will appear on a Disney attraction anywhere in the world. Imagine seeing his iconic face come to life right before your eyes!
Michael and Chris later confirmed this amazing news, proudly showing off the digital model they’re using to build this incredibly detailed Audio-Animatronics figure. This level of realism will truly immerse us in the story.
The New Indiana Jones Adventure Has a Name!
Another huge reveal from Michael and Chris was the official name of the attraction. Get ready for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent! This title perfectly sets the stage for Indy’s next big adventure within a Disney park.
What Inspired This New Quest?
Today, we also learned the first details about the ride’s cultural inspiration, its fresh storyline, and what guests will experience inside the temple. Imagineers really wanted to blend the classic Indiana Jones thrill with the rich cultural elements that make Animal Kingdom so unique, especially its dedication to creatures both real and imagined.
The attraction takes us on a journey with Indy, deep beneath an ancient temple ruin. It showcases Maya culture and its profound connection to nature – a brilliant fit for this park. Michael and Chris even shared a behind-the-scenes look at the stunning temple facade, which is actively being built right now. Until now, we’d only seen it in concept art!
The project team is incredibly committed to authentic storytelling. They’re working closely with archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts to ensure every single detail is accurate to the region. We can expect to be awed by the highly detailed and original Maya artwork inside the attraction. I, for one, can’t wait to see these incredible pieces firsthand!
Unpacking the Storyline
Your adventure begins as you rendezvous with Dr. Jones, who is exploring a mysterious temple near a cenote, a water-filled underground cave. Local legends claim this passageway leads directly to the Maya Underworld, protected by a serpentine creature known as the Tsukán. Michael and Chris gave us an animated sneak peek at a key scene, and it looks intense!
The real fun starts when riders are unwittingly pulled through a portal into the Underworld. Here, you’ll need to escape perilous dangers, from monstrous bats and gigantic scorpions to fire, flames, and, of course, snakes. Yes, you heard that right – snakes!
If you’re wondering, “Why did it have to be snakes?”, Imagineers have a fantastic answer. Chris revealed that you’ll encounter the Tsukán throughout the attraction, culminating in a final confrontation that will probably cement your fear of snakes for life (speaking from personal experience here!).
They even showcased a first look at the colossal Audio-Animatronics figure of the Tsukán. It absolutely towers over the Imagineers who are bringing it to life! Plus, the team is hand-sculpting this figure, which will make it even more lifelike and, let’s be honest, terrifying for guests.
More on Tropical Americas
Imagineers confirmed that this attraction is part of the largest expansion projects in Walt Disney World’s history. Getting this inside look at such an extraordinary undertaking was a truly special moment for us fans.
We first heard about Tropical Americas during D23 in 2024, when then-Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced this new 11-acre section for Animal Kingdom. This sprawling land will feature two headline attractions: one inspired by Indiana Jones and another by Disney’s Encanto. Of course, you’ll also find new shopping and dining experiences.
Families visiting Tropical Americas will have plenty to explore, including El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a brand-new carousel featuring 22 hand-carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories. Keep an eye out for characters like Scuttle, Squirt, Pua, Pascal, Simba, Eeyore, Kuzco, and Heimlich! Younger adventurers can continue their journey in a nearby play area, inspired by the Maya, where they can unearth artifacts and investigate rainforest wonders through hands-on play.
In recent months, the Imagineers have shared details about their research trips to places like Honduras. There, they’ve learned firsthand about the region’s culture, customs, and folklore. Their experience with native artistry and architecture has heavily inspired the new land, especially for the Indiana Jones attraction, drawing observations from the Copán site, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient Maya civilization. It’s this dedication to authenticity that makes Disney experiences so magical!
