- Disney has officially confirmed an Indiana Jones attraction is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of a new Tropical Americas land.
- The new ride will replace the long-running DINOSAUR attraction, which closes Feb. 2, 2026.
- Disney says the attraction will feature an original Indiana Jones story set around a Mayan temple and a mythical creature.
- The ride will be unique to Walt Disney World (not a direct clone of Disneyland’s) and is expected to use updated Enhanced Motion Vehicle technology.
What Disney Confirmed
Disney announced an Indiana Jones attraction for Animal Kingdom as part of a broader transformation called Tropical Americas. Rather than retelling a film plot, Disney confirmed the ride will present an original story that sends guests on an expedition to a pristine Mayan temple rumored to house a mythical creature. The company has been tight-lipped on details, letting official confirmations and concept images emerge gradually.
Location: Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom
Tropical Americas is a new themed land planned for Animal Kingdom that will also include Encanto-inspired experiences. The shift allows Animal Kingdom to broaden from natural-world storytelling into adventure-led narratives while still honoring cultural and environmental inspiration. Disney has not named a firm opening date for the land, but current estimates point to a 2027 timeframe.
Why the location makes sense
Placing Indiana Jones in Tropical Americas aligns the franchise’s archaeology-and-adventure tone with Animal Kingdom’s exploration-focused identity. The new land will let designers craft an integrated environment that supports a cinematic story-driven attraction.
Replacing DINOSAUR
Disney confirmed the new Indiana Jones ride will take over the existing DINOSAUR footprint. DINOSAUR—an opening-day Animal Kingdom attraction—will close permanently on February 2, 2026. Using the existing building and ride system gives Disney a practical foundation to reimagine the experience while saving time and space for backstage operations.
A Brand-New Story, Not a Movie Recap
Rather than recreating scenes from the films, Disney says guests will be active participants in a fresh Indiana Jones adventure. The Mayan-temple premise suggests new sets, original story beats, and creative opportunities for surprises that respect the franchise without copying it.
Ride Tech and Experience
Reports indicate Disney will likely reuse the Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) system from DINOSAUR but modernize it—smoothing out roughness while keeping the sense of unpredictable motion essential to an Indy adventure. Disney has also emphasized that the Animal Kingdom version will not be a clone of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones ride; expect new scenes, pacing, and show elements.
Immersion and Easter Eggs
Fans should also expect an immersive queue and plenty of subtle nods to the films—artifacts, background references, and audio cues that reward repeat visitors and longtime fans.
What’s Next
Between now and the projected 2027 opening, Disney will release more concept art, construction updates, and possibly early looks inside the attraction. For now, the confirmed facts—location in Tropical Americas, DINOSAUR’s closure in early 2026, a new Mayan-temple story, and updated EMV technology—frame what promises to be a major addition to Animal Kingdom and a fresh chapter for the Indiana Jones brand.
Image Referance: https://insidethemagic.net/2025/12/everything-we-know-about-the-indiana-jones-ride-coming-to-disney-world-sb1/
