Disney Imagineers have unveiled an exciting new attraction, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, set to feature a robot Harrison Ford for the first time. This animatronic Indy, modeled directly on the actor, will anchor the ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
As reported by Polygon, the announcement was made during the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress panel at D23, where Ford appeared in a prerecorded video confirming his involvement. This attraction is part of Animal Kingdom’s upcoming Tropical Americas expansion.
Indy Heads Beneath an Ancient Maya Temple
The Myth of the Jade Serpent takes riders on an adventure through the ruins of an ancient Maya temple, guarded by Tsukán, the Jade Serpent. The journey quickly descends underground, pulling both riders and Indiana Jones into the underworld, culminating in a thrilling escape sequence that serves as the ride’s climax.
This premise aligns perfectly with the Indiana Jones style. A compelling Indy adventure requires more than just a fedora and a boulder-shaped threat; it needs a setting that feels ancient, dangerous, and somewhat beyond human understanding. The underworld element allows Disney to create large practical scenes, shifting environments, and a finale that offers more urgency than a typical guided tour through jungle ruins.
Disney has also collaborated with experts in Maya archaeology and anthropology to ensure accurate cultural representation. This thoughtful approach reflects a commitment to honoring a real living cultural legacy rather than merely dressing an adventure queue with stone carvings and torchlight.
A Ford Likeness Changes the Feel of Disney’s Indy Rides
The standout feature of this attraction is undoubtedly the Harrison Ford animatronic. While Indiana Jones has appeared in Disney parks before, this is the first time Ford has lent his likeness to any Indiana Jones attraction. This detail is significant; an Indy modeled after Ford provides the ride with a specific on-screen identity, enhancing the experience for guests.
Ford’s video confirms his participation, but Disney has not yet announced whether he will also provide the animatronic’s voice. This distinction will be crucial when the ride opens. A lifelike figure can capture attention, but Indiana Jones is also defined by his dialogue—the dry impatience, the alarmed one-liners, and the sense that even he questions the wisdom of his adventures.
Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas Expansion Takes Shape
The Indiana Jones ride will join an Encanto-inspired attraction and El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a carousel featuring Disney and Pixar characters, in the Tropical Americas area. Disney has not announced a specific opening date for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
For guests, the robot Harrison Ford will be a key factor in whether this attraction becomes a destination rather than just another franchise overlay. If Disney pairs the figure with a convincing physical underworld descent and an adventure that keeps riders in the middle of Indy’s bad day, Myth of the Jade Serpent could deliver the kind of tactile pulp spectacle the character deserves.
Would a Harrison Ford animatronic make you more eager to brave the Jade Serpent’s temple, or would you prefer Disney take Indy in a different direction? Share your thoughts in the comments!
