Credit: LucasfilmDisney is doubling down on Indiana Jones.
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An unprecedented number of changes are happening inside and around Walt Disney World, with the entire resort undergoing big renovations. This includes hotels and restaurants, though the new rides and lands are the most exciting.
Magic Kingdom is set to receive its own Cars-themed area, Piston Peak, which will feature a racing ride similar to Radiator Springs Racers in Disneyland.
Hollywood Studios will get Monstropolis, a new land inspired by Pixar’s Monsters Inc. franchise.
However, Disney’s ongoing DinoLand U.S.A. renovation remains one of the most interesting, fascinating, and curious projects of the bunch.
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Disney first teased DinoLand’s overhaul during a D23 conference in 2022. The prehistoric-themed area has always been quite divisive, with many fans arguing its cheap and carnival-inspired aesthetic doesn’t fit in with the rest of Animal Kingdom, a park known for its ambiance and authenticity.
Whether guests liked it or not, DinoLand managed to stay alive for over two decades, offering visitors a wild adventure unlike anything else seen at Walt Disney World.
The land featured some of the most unique attractions seen at any Disney theme park, with DINOSAUR being one of Disney’s most ferocious and thrilling adventures yet.
This ride is loud, fast, and incredibly scary. Scares are usually something Disney steers clear of, making DINOSAUR one of Disney’s most exciting rides.
The attraction has entertained and frightened riders since Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, though much like the real-life creatures it’s based on, DINOSAUR will soon be extinct.
The ride’s replacement will be based on Indiana Jones, a somewhat peculiar IP, considering Animal Kingdom’s focus on wildlife and conservation doesn’t quite match up with Dr. Henry Jones Jr.’s morals, ethics, or tendencies.
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This is actually quite ironic, as DINOSAUR itself was a copy of Disneyland’s original Indiana Jones Adventure ride.
During the development and construction of Animal Kingdom, Disney reportedly faced numerous logistical and financial issues. As a result, projects had to be scaled back or shelved entirely, such as Beastly Kingdom, a proposed fantasy-inspired area that would have seen guests fly high alongside dragons and explore gothic castles and caverns.
This land was envisioned for Animal Kingdom but was instead replaced with DinoLand U.S.A., a cheaper, easier alternative.
The Indiana Jones IP seems like uneven ground to build a new ride around, especially in 2025, when interest in the franchise feels shaky at best. The most recent film in the series, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), performed well below expectations.
However, Disney World already features an Indiana Jones-based experience at its Hollywood Studios park: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
Much like DINOSAUR, this live stunt show has been around for decades, acting as both a fun attraction and a window back in time for the resort as a whole.
Disney is doubling down on Indiana Jones, and only time will tell if this is a good bet, but considering how revered and popular Indiana Jones Adventure is at Disneyland, Disney World fans should at least be a little excited.
Will you miss DINOSAUR? Are you excited about Animal Kingdom’s upcoming Indiana Jones attraction?