Disney has revealed the name and storyline for its new Indiana Jones ride at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, confirming it will be called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Harrison Ford is the actual physical model for the ride's animatronic figure, a first for any Disney attraction anywhere in the world. The ride will anchor the upcoming Tropical Americas land, replacing the DINOSAUR attraction.
Article Summary
- Attraction name: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, confirmed at D23 on 15th August 2026.
- Location: Tropical Americas, the new land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom.
- Harrison Ford: confirmed as the physical model for the Indy animatronic, the first time his likeness has been used on a Disney attraction.
- Storyline: guests are pulled through a cenote into the Maya Underworld and must escape a giant serpent called the Tsukán.
- Opening date: not yet confirmed by Disney.
- For UK visitors: a longer-term reason to keep Walt Disney World on the radar, though there's nothing to book around yet.
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Read on for the full storyline, what Harrison Ford's role actually involves, what else is coming to Tropical Americas and what this means if you're planning a Walt Disney World trip from the UK.
What Is Indiana Jones And The Myth Of The Jade Serpent?
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent is the official name for the Indiana Jones attraction coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Imagineers Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty confirmed the title during the Horizons alongside the first proper look at the ride's storyline, setting and Audio-Animatronics figures.
It's set beneath an ancient temple ruin near a cenote, which for anyone who didn't grow up near one is a naturally formed sinkhole that once held water, common across the Yucatán region. Local legend within the story says the cenote leads straight to the Maya Underworld, guarded by a serpent creature called the Tsukán.
Why Is Harrison Ford The Model For The New Indiana Jones Animatronic?
Harrison Ford appeared in a video message at D23 to thank fans for decades of Indiana Jones adventures, then confirmed something Disney hadn't said out loud before: he is the actual physical model for the new animatronic figure. Hundgen and Beatty followed this up by showing the digital model being used to build it.
"Hello, D23, thanks for coming along on all of Indy's adventures."
- Harrison Ford, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, 15th August 2026
Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure has been running since 1995 and Disneyland Paris has a themed coaster, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril, but neither used Ford's actual likeness for the animatronic. Disney has only confirmed that Ford is the physical model for the figure.
What Happens On The Indiana Jones Ride At Animal Kingdom?
You'll rendezvous with Dr. Jones as he's exploring the temple, before the adventure kicks off properly. Riders get pulled through a portal into the Maya Underworld, where the ride throws monstrous bats, oversized scorpions, and fire at you on the way to a final confrontation with the Tsukán.
Imagineers said the team has worked with archaeologists, anthropologists and Maya experts throughout development, and that research trips to sites including Copán in Honduras shaped the temple's design and artwork.
What Else Is Coming To Tropical Americas At Animal Kingdom?
Indiana Jones is one of two headline attractions in Tropical Americas, an 11-acre land first announced at D23 2024. The second is an Encanto-inspired attraction. Beyond the two rides, the land includes El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a new carousel with 22 hand-carved animals pulled from Disney and Pixar films, including Scuttle, Squirt, Pua, Pascal, Simba, Eeyore, Kuzco and Heimlich. There's also a Maya-inspired play area where younger visitors can dig for artefacts and explore the rainforest setting hands-on.
When Does The Indiana Jones Ride Open At Animal Kingdom?
Disney hasn't given an opening date for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent or the wider Tropical Americas land. What we do know is that it replaces DINOSAUR in the current DinoLand U.S.A. area, which is now closed..
What Does This Mean For UK Visitors Planning A Walt Disney World Holiday?
There's nothing here that changes how you should be booking a Walt Disney World holiday right now, but it's worth knowing what's coming if you're looking further ahead.
- No booking action needed yet, since Disney hasn't announced an opening date for the new ride.
- Animal Kingdom will keep changing over the coming years as construction progresses..
- If you're comparing Disney parks with an Indiana Jones ride already, Disneyland Paris has had Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril for years.
If you're flying from the UK, most Walt Disney World package holidays route through Orlando International Airport (MCO). Virgin Atlantic flies direct from Manchester and London Heathrow, and Virgin Holidays packages this up with WDW hotel stays if you'd rather book flights and hotel together. See current Virgin Holidays Walt Disney World packages or check Virgin Atlantic flight prices to Orlando. TUI is worth a look too if you're flying from an airport Virgin doesn't serve.
For everything else on current WDW deals and how to make the most of a UK-booked trip, our Walt Disney World offers guide for Brits is worth a read before you book anything.
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Indiana Jones Myth Of The Jade Serpent: Your Questions Answered
Is Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent open yet?
No. The ride was announced at D23 on 15th August 2026 and is still under construction, with no opening date confirmed by Disney.
Will DINOSAUR close at Animal Kingdom?
Yes, eventually. Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent replaces the DINOSAUR attraction in the current DinoLand U.S.A. area, though Disney hasn't confirmed a closure date.
Is Harrison Ford voicing the new Indiana Jones ride?
Disney has only confirmed that Harrison Ford is the physical model for the animatronic figure. It hasn't said whether he's also providing voice work for the attraction.
Where is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom?
Tropical Americas is replacing the current DinoLand U.S.A. area of Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Is there an Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland Paris?
Yes. Disneyland Paris has its own Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril attraction, which is separate from the new ride confirmed for Animal Kingdom.
What else is in Tropical Americas besides the Indiana Jones ride?
The land also includes an Encanto-inspired attraction, a carousel called El Carrusel de los Animalitos, and a Maya-inspired play area for younger visitors.
