Credit: Michael Lehet, FlickrDisney fans recently got the details they’ve been chasing for two years–but it’s not the full answer.
During the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 Expo, Disney confirmed official names and expanded story details for the three attractions headed to Tropical Americas, the land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The land itself was first unveiled at D23 2024, with Encanto and Indiana Jones rumored as anchor attractions ever since.
The three confirmed rides are Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, and El Carrusel de los Animalitos, with Encanto and Indiana Jones positioned as the land’s two headliners. Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto will take guests through Casita to celebrate Antonio Madrigal’s gift, ending in a reimagined, rainforest-themed version of his room, with the film’s voice cast returning and no height requirement for the ride.
But the bigger story here is what’s happening at the old DINOSAUR site.
A New Legend Rises Where DINOSAUR Once Stood
Disney has officially named the attraction taking over DINOSAUR’s footprint: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Here’s the setup: Indy stumbles upon a hidden passage inside an ancient temple, one that, according to local legend, leads straight into the Mayan underworld. That same legend warns that the passage is guarded by a mythological creature. True to character, Indy pushes forward anyway, only to find out the legend wasn’t exaggerating. The guardian is real. Its name is Tsukán.
From there, the ride doesn’t let up. Guests are pulled through a portal directly into the underworld, launching an escape sequence packed with bats, scorpions, fire, and snakes, before building to a full confrontation with Tsukán itself.
Disney Parks Blog offered a preview of just how intense that confrontation gets: “You may be asking, ‘why’d it have to be snakes?’ and Imagineers have a great answer to that. Chris divulged that you’ll encounter the Tsukán throughout the attraction, including a final confrontation that will probably solidify your fear of snakes for the rest of time.”
There’s also a notable first for the franchise, too. Disney confirmed that the attraction’s Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic will be sculpted in the likeness of Harrison Ford himself, the first time any Indy animatronic has been built to resemble him directly.
Yes, It’s Really Happening
Talk is one thing, but construction photos are another. Parks photographer bioreconstruct recently shared a new aerial shot of the site, showing the temple’s colorful facade taking shape. Those sections were sculpted and painted over several months at Imagineering’s backstage offices at Animal Kingdom, and have now been placed above the surrounding rockwork forms using a crane.
Not only has this new image shown the clearest thematic development of the area, but on September 11, 2026, Disney also filed a new notice of commencement for the upcoming Indy ride. The permit reveals that Buena Vista Construction Company–Disney’s in-house team–is to “provide labor, material, and/or electrical for construction” for the address associated with Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
As per the usual process for these permit filings, the notice will expire one year from the date it is documented. It is unclear as to what Disney is planning for the ride with this new notice.
What Comes Next
With names, story details, and animatronic specifics now confirmed, and construction visibly progressing onsite, the next milestone fans are watching for is a firm opening timeline. Given how much has already been locked in, that news may not be far behind.
What new attraction are you most looking forward to at Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
