D23 Expo 2026 brought new concept art for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, this time showing the inside of the attraction’s queue. It is the first look beyond the temple exterior, and it tells us a good deal about how Disney plans to set the scene before guests board the ride.
What the Queue Looks Like
The art shows a cave-like dig site with scaffolding at the center and walls covered in Mayan glyphs. Props like a shovel and a freshly dug hole add to the feel of an active excavation. Warm lighting and detailed rockwork fill out the space, giving the queue real character rather than just serving as a waiting area.
Indiana Jones Appears in the Line
A projector in the upper left of the art casts a video of Indiana Jones onto a screen. This is not a separate pre-show room. The video plays as part of the queue itself, pulling guests into the story while they wait rather than holding it all for later.
The Ride’s Story
The attraction follows Indiana Jones into a temple built above a cenote, an underground cave tied to Maya legend. According to the story, the cenote opens into the Maya Underworld, guarded by a serpent creature called the Tsukan.
Riders get pulled through a portal and face bats, scorpions, fire, and the Tsukan before reaching the finale.
Harrison Ford and Cultural Accuracy
Harrison Ford confirmed he served as the physical model for the lead Audio-Animatronic figure, a first for any Disney attraction worldwide. The Imagineering team also worked with archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts to keep the theming grounded in real history.
Where Indiana Jones Fits in Tropical Americas
The ride is one of two headliners in Tropical Americas, the 11-acre land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom. An Encanto attraction is the second headliner. The land will also include a carousel, dining, shopping, and a play area. No opening date has been announced.
Final Thoughts
This concept art shows a queue designed to be part of the story. With a themed dig site, a live video element, and research-backed details throughout, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent is shaping up to be an exciting addition to Animal Kingdom!
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
