Ford's Digital Debut
Harrison Ford Lends Likeness to New Indiana Jones Ride at Disney World's Animal Kingdom
Key Points
Dinoland U.S.A. is being reimagined as Tropical Americas, with Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent occupying the former Dinosaur ride building; the overhaul also includes a culturally themed carousel and an indoor Encanto-themed ride slated to open around 2027.
The adventure’s plot features a Maya Underworld element accessed via a portal from the temple, with riders facing dangers such as giant bats, scorpions, fire, and snakes and a final confrontation with the serpentine Tsukán.
Disney Parks Blog notes the attraction blends the classic Indiana Jones thrill with rich cultural details, reflecting Animal Kingdom’s emphasis on authentic cultural storytelling.
The D23 reveal highlighted Ford’s involvement and the fact that he is serving as the actual model for the Indy animatronic for the new ride.
Harrison Ford is coming to Walt Disney World — as an animatronic. Disney announced that Ford will serve as the physical model for Indiana Jones in a brand-new ride called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Parade reports this marks the first time Ford's actual likeness will be used in the park.
Ford confirmed his involvement in a pre-taped message at D23, Disney's major fan expo. Screen Rant reported that Ford told the crowd he would model for the new attraction at Disney World's Animal Kingdom. It is his first return to the Indy role since the 2023 film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Ford's Likeness Brings Indy to Life for First Time
For decades, Indiana Jones has appeared in Disney parks — but never with Harrison Ford's actual face and body as the model. That changes with this new ride. Head Topics notes the announcement drew major attention at D23 precisely because Ford himself is the blueprint for the animatronic figure.
Ford's personal sign-off signals more than just a cameo. Disney is using his real likeness to make the ride feel authentic. Fans who grew up watching Ford crack a whip on screen will now see a version of him standing inside a Maya temple at Animal Kingdom.
Maya Temple, Giant Bats, and a Serpent God Await Riders
The ride puts guests inside a Maya temple near a cenote — a natural underground pool. Indy guides riders toward the Maya Underworld through a portal inside the temple. Along the way, they face giant bats, scorpions, fire, and snakes.
The final showdown is with a creature called the Tsukán — a serpentine guardian of the Underworld. Yahoo describes the attraction as blending classic Indiana Jones thrills with culturally rich details, something Animal Kingdom has long prioritized in its storytelling.
Dinoland U.S.A. Disappears, Tropical Americas Takes Over
The new Indy ride will sit inside the old Dinosaur ride building. That building is part of Dinoland U.S.A., a section of Animal Kingdom that Disney is tearing down and rebuilding. The new area will be called Tropical Americas, with a Maya-inspired look and feel throughout.
The overhaul includes more than just the Indiana Jones ride. Disney also plans a culturally themed carousel and an indoor Encanto-themed ride. Comic Book notes the Encanto attraction is slated to open around 2027. The full Tropical Americas area is designed to feel like an immersive ecosystem, not just a cluster of rides.
Disney Bets Big on Indy's Future Beyond the Movies
Ford's last Indy film, Dial of Destiny, came out in 2023. There are no confirmed sequels. But Disney is clearly not done with the franchise. Using Ford's real likeness in a new ride keeps Indiana Jones alive for a new generation — without needing another film.
Parade points out that Ford's direct involvement — lending his face and body to the animatronic — goes beyond a simple endorsement. It shows Disney and Ford both want the character to keep going. The ride gives Disney a permanent, physical version of Indy that can thrill guests for decades to come.
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