Former DINOSAUR Facade Being Transformed Into Indiana Jones Temple at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Mar 13, 2026 in "Indiana Jones Adventure"

Indiana Jones Construction Aerials - Animal Kingdom March 13, 2026
Posted: Friday March 13, 2026 3:36pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

New aerial photos from @bioreconstruct on X show construction work advancing on the Indiana Jones attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the ride replacing the former DINOSAUR experience.

The photos show significant changes to the front of the building. The window that previously formed part of the Dino Institute facade is gone, and framing work is now underway in front of the structure.

The former Dino Institute frontage is being transformed into a temple setting as part of the Indiana Jones theme.

Disney has previously confirmed the new ride is coming to Animal Kingdom in 2027. It will feature an all-new story, separate from the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland or any other existing Indy attraction.

In this version, Indy has just discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple. He's picked up rumors of a mythical creature living deep inside, and he's going in to find out if it's real. You're coming with him.

The attraction will use the existing DINOSAUR ride building and its EMV (Enhanced Motion Vehicle) ride system.

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Gremlin Gus11 hours ago

Yeah I think TA is going to open all at once, especially if you consider that Dinorama and the Boneyard had to close early so that the Encanto attraction and the village can have a head start for construction before Dinosaur closed down. Plus, the Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions will probably open at the same time if we consider past refurbs/construction projects and how long they took.

James Alucobond12 hours ago

In this instance, a phased opening actually wouldn’t be too bad since both non-flat attractions feel like headliners, but it also seems pretty unlikely given that the closure was already phased with the intent to synchronize the opening. Something would probably have to go awry with the schedule for that to happen.

Purduevian14 hours ago

AK really needs attractions online. I don't think they would open the land with just the carousel. However if Indy or Encanto will be ready months ahead of the other one... I would think they will want it open.

V_L_Raptor1 day ago

Out of curiosity, does the new location include new street names down the line?

coffeefan3 days ago

It was a different time, given that IP lands now dominate, point was Disney's first phased opening for a new themed land.

Mr. Engagement3 days ago

Those were the good old days, when people looked around and noticed things. Today, maybe something as well-done as Diagon Alley could open without the ride and still be well-received.

Marc Davis Fan3 days ago

In that instance, however, deeply-themed environments were so novel that the land really was an attraction in itself (more so than lands are now, with different guest expectations and such).

coffeefan3 days ago

Yeah, agree on that! To add to the discussion, a historical example of phased openings is New Orleans Square at Disneyland. It opened with only restaurants and shops, a year or more before Pirates and Mansion did.

Stupido3 days ago

Especially when you factor in what's bound to be a very popular table service (Harryhausen's), and an additional large quick service location. Hollywood needs help when it comes to food.

coffeefan3 days ago

I'm going to be on the east coast later this year and would've liked to experience Monstropolis if it was open then, even if the coaster was not ready tbh. Yeah, I know the land won't be open yet, but just an example.

Mr. Engagement3 days ago

I'm not sure most of the phased openings are by design. I think they're a result of "Hey, boss– the land and the C-ticket are done, but the E-ticket isn't going to be ready for another four months."

doctornick3 days ago

Yeah. it would be one thing to do a phased opening with the "major" attraction opening and then have a smaller one come online subsequently. But it's a terrible idea to open a new land without its headliner - it sets things up for disappointment from day one and not having a good impression. I know DHS needs capacity, but this would be a poor way to execute it. (And if capacity is a concern, then add a another ride to Monstropolis. No reason to only have a main ride and a show there - plenty of space for a second ride)

eddie1044 days ago

Monstropolis is the last project that needs a phased opening considering the coaster is gonna be the main draw. That’s all I’m saying.

gorillaball4 days ago

New Fantasyland? Edited: yes, I now see many others bringing this same thought up.

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