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One of Disney’s most legendary rides is closing soon.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
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There are plenty of great rides and attractions at the original Disneyland Resort in California, but few have managed to become as beloved as Indiana Jones Adventure. This legendary attraction based on the blockbusting Indiana Jones franchise has entertained guests for decades, taking them on a dangerous yet incredibly fun journey as they explore the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.
Indiana Jones Adventure opened in 1995, slowly becoming one of Disneyland’s most beloved and highly rated attractions. Over the last few decades, the attraction has only become more popular, though much like the titular character in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Indiana Jones Adventure is undoubtedly starting to show its age.
The ride encounters issues frequently, ranging from minor stoppages to full-on evacuations, with Disney now seemingly taking some of these issues to task in an upcoming refurbishment.
Disneyland Closing Indiana Jones Adventure
Credit: Disney
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According to the Disneyland Resort calendar, Indiana Jones Adventure is scheduled to close for refurbishment on September 9, 2024.
At this time, it’s unknown when Indiana Jones Adventure will reopen. It’s also unknown what exactly this refurbishment entails, so make sure you stay tuned here for all future updates.
Below is a quick description of Indiana Jones Adventure:
Follow Indy’s footsteps into the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye past intricate booby traps. Inspect carvings and frescos that tell the story of Mara, a powerful deity who promises great treasures—and vengeance to those foolish enough to gaze into its all-seeing eyes.
In 2001, a second version of Indiana Jones Adventure opened at Tokyo DisneySea in Japan. While featuring a near-identical track layout, Tokyo’s version of the ride includes its own unique spin on the thrill ride, complete with a variety of special effects that are exclusive to the Japanese resort.
However, a third version of the attraction may soon make its way into the Walt Disney World.
Indiana Jones Possibly Coming to Walt Disney World
Credit: Disney
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In 2023, The Walt Disney Company revealed its plans to completely transform DinoLand U.S.A., a land found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, into a brand-new, South America-themed area. This transformation includes several new rides and attractions, as well as replacing DINOSAUR, the land’s premier “E-ticket” attraction.
This closure and replacement of DINOSAUR would almost be poetic, with the ride itself being a copy of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure. When Animal Kingdom was being developed, Disney reportedly faced intense budget crunches, and as a result, several planned projects had to be put on hold or shelved entirely.
To cut costs, Indiana Jones Adventure’s ride layout and vehicles were duplicated in Animal Kingdom but given a prehistoric makeover. DINOSAUR, or Countdown to Extinction as it was called at the time, opened alongside the rest of Animal Kingdom Park in 1998 and has become quite a controversial part of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Many love the intensity of DINOSAUR, while other guests may prefer to skip it entirely due to how rough it can be. The ride is also not very kid-friendly, significantly limiting the appeal of the attraction.
It’s still unclear if Disney will give DINOSAUR an Indiana Jones makeover, though fans are expecting to hear more about the project during Disney’s D23 event, which will begin on August 9. This event is where The Walt Disney Company announces its latest plans and projects on a variety of topics, including its list of theme parks.
What’s your favorite Disney ride or attraction?
