Exciting changes are in store for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney Imagineering is moving forward with the transformation of DinoLand USA into the new Tropical Americas land.
Recent permits reveal that work on the Indiana Jones attraction, which will replace the DINOSAUR ride, is picking up speed. Below, we break down the latest on these permit filings, share details about the teams working on the project, and explain what guests can expect when the new adventure opens.
Recent Set Installation Permits
Walt Disney Imagineering has filed two new permits for set installation at the former DINOSAUR attraction. These filings are another sign that construction on the Indiana Jones ride is moving forward.
While these aren’t the first permits for the project, they do mark a shift toward creating real sets and themed environments for this updated experience.
The attraction is currently closed as crews prepare the building for its new theme. The project has a targeted opening timeframe of 2027. These permits carry a standard one year expiration date, which is typical for this type of construction documentation. The timeline aligns with the broader schedule for the Tropical Americas land development.
Key Contractors and Previous Projects
Two major contractors are featured on the permits. The first is Adirondack Studios, long known for working closely with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Adirondack Studios has handled scenic design and fabrication for several notable Walt Disney World projects. Their work includes Pandora – The World of Avatar, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
This experience prepares them well for the scale and detail expected in the Indiana Jones transformation.
The second contractor is Scenario. This company brings extensive global experience to the Indiana Jones project. Scenario previously worked on the nearby Encanto attraction concept. Their portfolio also includes international projects like Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disney.
Scenario and Rockwork Development
Scenario is known for building immersive environments and creating realistic rockwork. They helped bring Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge to life at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland.
For those projects, Scenario handled show set theming for many ride scenes, making each environment feel unique and believable.
For the Star Wars project, Scenario acted as the sole rockwork vendor. They completed massive amounts of artificial rock and curbing. This expertise in creating realistic, large scale geological features will translate well to an attraction set within an ancient temple environment.
The Indiana Jones Ride Transformation
The Indiana Jones attraction will keep the ride system and track layout from DINOSAUR. The story and scenery, though, are getting a full makeover.
When it opens, guests will join Indiana Jones for an all-new adventure inside a mysterious Mayan temple. Expect an updated storyline, new sets, and plenty of surprises around every corner.
This storyline fits into the broader narrative of the Tropical Americas land. Imagineers are working closely with Mayan experts to ensure the architectural details and cultural representations feel authentic. The ride will transport visitors into an ancient structure filled with hidden secrets and unexpected challenges.
Preparing for the Next Adventure
The conversion of DINOSAUR into an Indiana Jones ride marks a big step for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With skilled teams like Adirondack Studios and Scenario on-site, the finished attraction is set to feature impressive sets and immersive details.
As construction moves ahead, fans can look forward to stepping inside Tropical Americas and joining Indiana Jones when the new ride opens sometime in 2027.
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.
