In a surprising announcement that has Disney fans and movie buffs buzzing, Harrison Ford confirmed his direct involvement with the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.
The attraction, titled “Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent,” will mark a historic first: the 84-year-old actor has personally served as the physical model for the ride’s advanced animatronic version of Indiana Jones.
In a pre-recorded video message played for fans at the D23 event, Ford shared, “Soon it’ll be time for his next ride, and I’m pleased to share that, for the first time ever, I’m the actual model of the Indiana Jones animatronic — fear of snakes included.”
Interactive Disney Animatronic Realism Simulator
Disney Imagineering uses cutting-edge robotics. Use the sliders below to adjust the mechanical complexity and likeness accuracy to simulate the animatronic’s cost, realism score, and uncanny valley safety status:
🤖 Animatronic Realism & Cost Estimator
Realism Rating
B-
Estimated Cost
$2.8M
Uncanny Valley
Medium Risk
What to Expect: “Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent”
This new attraction is set to take over the footprint of the former DINOSAUR ride in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transforming the area into the highly anticipated Tropical Americas land.
Using the same robust trackless or motion-base EMV (Enhanced Motion Vehicle) ride system, the attraction will guide guests through an ancient temple containing booby traps, ruins, and of course, the signature mechanical threats.
Having Harrison Ford physically model for the animatronic ensures that instead of generic expressions, guests will see the classic smirk, brow-furrow, and look of determination that made Indiana Jones a cinematic icon.