Just when it felt like Disney had emptied its vault of announcements at D23, Imagineers pulled off one final, mic-drop reveal. During a presentation focused on the upcoming Tropical Americas land, the massive overhaul set to replace Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney Imagineering’s Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty officially unveiled the expansion’s flagship thrill ride: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
The attraction promises an intense journey deep beneath an ancient temple ruin, but its true claim to fame is the legendary archaeologist himself. In a surprise video announcement that sent shockwaves through the crowd, Harrison Ford revealed he actively participated in the project, serving as the direct scan and model for the ride’s audio-animatronic. Believe it or not, this marks the first time in history that Ford’s actual likeness will feature on an animatronic figure in a Disney park anywhere on the globe.
According to Lucasfilm, the original storyline drops riders right into the action alongside Dr. Jones as he explores a mysterious Maya temple near a flooded cenote. Local lore claims the site is a direct portal to the Maya Underworld, guarded by a terrifying mythical serpent known as the Tsukán. Naturally, the expedition turns dangerous, forcing riders to dodge giant scorpions, swarms of monstrous bats, and—what else?—a whole lot of snakes.
What makes this reveal particularly exciting is Imagineering’s commitment to physical set design and tangible, practical effects. Rather than relying entirely on digital trickery, the team is hand-sculpting a massive, life-sized physical Tsukán animatronic to give the creature a genuinely imposing presence in the room. Beyond the monster craft, Hundgen and Beatty confirmed that temple construction is already underway, with Imagineering consulting archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts to ensure the lore and architecture remain authentic and respectful.
It’s been way too long since my last trek through Animal Kingdom, but the prospect of witnessing a giant, hand-crafted, practical animatronic in action is an absolute magnet for me. I’m already planning to ping a good friend of mine who works as a Disney resort planner so we can start putting a trip on the books the moment Indy sets foot in the jungle.