Disney Breaks Ground on ‘Indiana Jones’ Ride While DINOSAUR Still Roars
Walt Disney World has never been a place that stands still. Attractions come and go, entire lands get fresh identities, and even longtime favorites eventually make way for something new. That constant change is on full display at Animal Kingdom right now.
The park isn’t waiting for one of its oldest rides to close before starting on its replacement. Instead, construction for Indiana Jones is already moving forward—while DINOSAUR is still open.
Animal Kingdom has always been about blending nature with adventure, but the park is shifting into an even bolder era. And Disney is not playing around with getting this show on the road.
Saying Goodbye to DINOSAUR
DINOSAUR has long been one of the park’s defining thrills. Guests board time-traveling vehicles and speed through prehistoric chaos, racing to save a dinosaur before meteors strike. For some, the jerky ride system and jump scares are a must-do. For others, it feels dated and rough around the edges.
Still, it represents a piece of Animal Kingdom’s original identity. But Disney has set an official end date: DINOSAUR will close on February 2, 2026. After that, its spot will be cleared for one of cinema’s most enduring heroes—Indiana Jones.
Why Indy Fits the Bill
Indiana Jones is one of the most recognizable characters in movie history. Fans have followed his adventures across decades, from the silver screen to video games to attractions like the legendary Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland.
Bringing Indy into Animal Kingdom means more than simply replacing a ride. It connects the park to a character with worldwide appeal and introduces a fresh storyline that fits neatly into Animal Kingdom’s theme of discovery and exploration. Indiana Jones’s daring adventures will undoubtedly draw in families who may not have lined up for DINOSAUR.
Disney Isn’t Waiting Around
What makes this change stand out is how quickly Disney is acting. Typically, projects like this don’t move forward until after a ride shuts down. But DINOSAUR still has several months of life left, and Disney is already setting the stage for what’s next.
Permit Filed for Construction
The most telling sign came when Disney filed a permit for work at 501 Restaurantosaurus Road, right inside DinoLand U.S.A. The project description lists “General Construction and Building Infrastructure and Systems Enhancements.” While it sounds vague, fans know this type of permit usually signals major attraction work.
It’s a clear indicator that preparations for Indiana Jones are underway. By the time DINOSAUR closes in 2026, construction will be ready to ramp up quickly without wasting time.
A New Indiana Jones Adventure
So, what will this new ride look like? Guests will join Indy inside a Maya temple, rumored to be the home of a mythical creature. The experience will blend twisting passageways, detailed sets, and thrilling encounters that mix action with mystery.
Like its California counterpart, the ride is expected to use impressive effects and set pieces to immerse guests. But it won’t be a copy-and-paste. Disney plans to tailor the attraction for Animal Kingdom, weaving in themes that match the park’s identity.
More Changes Coming
Indiana Jones is just part of the larger transformation. Dinoland U.S.A., a land fully reimagined into the Tropical Americas, inspired by Central and South America, is expected to open in 2027. Alongside Indy’s ride, the park will gain an Encanto experience and a Zootopia 4D show inside the Tree of Life, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
It’s one of the boldest refreshes Animal Kingdom has ever seen. While saying goodbye to DINOSAUR will sting for some fans, the changes promise a new era full of stories and adventures designed for today’s audiences.
