Walt Disney World Resort – October 21, 2026 -- Disney's Animal Kingdom is getting a new Indiana Jones ride called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, and its animatronic hero will be modeled on Harrison Ford himself. Disney Imagineers Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty announced the name and first story details at the D23 showcase "Horizons: A Carousel of Progress."
Harrison Ford becomes the first Disney attraction face
Ford opened the showcase with a video message. He said he is the actual model for the next Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronics figure, and he confirmed it is the first time his face will appear on a Disney attraction anywhere in the world. Hundgen and Beatty later displayed the digital model used to build the figure.
Riders get pulled into the Maya Underworld
The story begins as guests meet Dr. Jones at a temple ruin near a cenote, a once water-filled underground cave. Local legend says the passage leads to the Maya Underworld, guarded by a serpentine creature called the Tsukán. Riders are unwittingly sucked through a portal and must escape monstrous bats, larger-than-life scorpions, fire and snakes. Beatty said guests will meet the Tsukán throughout the ride, ending in a final confrontation.
The Imagineers showed an animated first look at one key scene. They also showed the giant figure, which towers over the team building it. The figure is being sculpted by hand.
Archaeologists and Maya experts are advising the team
The temple entrance is under construction, and the team shared behind-the-scenes images of the facade, previously seen only in renderings. Imagineers are working with archaeologists, anthropologists and Maya experts. The ride will feature original Maya artwork. Research trips to Honduras informed the design, including observations from Copán, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient Maya civilization.
Tropical Americas covers 11 acres with a second headliner
The ride sits in Tropical Americas, the 11-acre land first revealed at D23 in 2024 by then Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro. Besides the Indiana Jones attraction, the land will have a second headlining attraction inspired by Disney's Encanto, plus shopping and dining. Imagineers described the project as part of the biggest slate of expansion projects in Disney World history.
Families can also visit El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a carousel with 22 hand-carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories, including Scuttle, Squirt, Pua, Pascal, Simba, Eeyore, Kuzco and Heimlich. A nearby Maya-inspired play area lets children unearth artifacts and explore the rainforest hands-on.