Indiana Jones has spent a lifetime uncovering hidden temples, ancient mysteries, and legendary artifacts across the globe. And during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, we’re excavating a few discoveries of our own with brand-new details about Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Harrison Ford Revealed as Animatronic Model
Disney Legend Harrison Ford will be the actual model for the next Indiana Jones animatronic, marking the first time he will be the face you see on a Disney attraction anywhere in the world.
What Inspired the Indiana Jones Attraction?
Also revealed today were the first details about the ride’s cultural inspiration, new storyline, and the experience guests will have once entering the temple and embarking on this breathtaking quest.
Imagineers were eager to blend the thrill of a classic Indiana Jones adventure with the rich cultural details that are quintessential to Animal Kingdom, a park that is dedicated to creatures both real and imagined. The attraction takes riders on a journey alongside Indy, beneath an ancient temple ruin, showcasing Maya culture and its profound connection to nature.
What is the Storyline of the Indiana Jones Attraction?
Adventurers will rendezvous with Dr. Jones, who is in the midst of exploring this mysterious temple near a once water-filled underground cave, called a cenote. Local legend says the passageway leads directly to the Maya Underworld, and is protected by a serpentine creature: the Tsukán. The adventure takes off when riders are unwittingly sucked through a portal to the Underworld, where they’ll have to escape perilous dangers, like monstrous bats, larger-than-life scorpions, fire and flame, and of course, snakes.
Work is underway on an all-new Coco attraction coming to Disneyland Resort! Stepping into the colorful, wonderful world of Disney and Pixar’s Coco, fans will be able to spot favorite friends like Miguel, Dante, Héctor, and more as we remember Miguel’s unforgettable trip to the Land of the Dead.
Disney and Pixar’s Coco 2 is well underway, and Imagineers are working closely with Pixar to ensure this family-friendly attraction nods to both the original and upcoming film.
This attraction will celebrate all the things we love about Coco, highlighting the characters, music, Mexican culture, and the love of a family that’s passed down through the generations.
The attraction storyline will pick up a year after the events of the original film. The queue, which will begin in Pixar Pier next to Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, welcomes guests to a “casa museo” dedicated to the music of Miguel’s great-great grandfather, Héctor Rivera.
From there, guests will join Miguel and travel by boat through his memories of the Land of the Dead. It will truly be a beautiful, moving experience full of fun and surprises, leaning heavily into the music and emotion of the cherished Pixar film while inviting families to live Miguel’s journey alongside their own loved ones.
And it’ll be a ride the whole family can enjoy, as there will be no height requirement.
We may not talk about Bruno, but we certainly can talk about the Encanto attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World! This new development will be one of two headlining attractions that will find a home in the new land, Tropical Americas, and we just received an abundance of updates from “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa.
Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation Studios Jared Bush, who also happens to be the writer and director of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, took to the Honda Center stage, giving fans a preview into how this lively land is coming together, including brand new details about the story and inspiration behind the Encanto attraction.
New Details About the Encanto Attraction at Animal Kingdom
Jared reflected on the events of last night’s Studios showcase, where a sensational slate of upcoming films was shared with an enthusiastic audience. When asked by actor Skylar Astin what it’s like bringing those movies to life in the form of theme park experiences, he fondly recalled a legacy that traces all the way back to Walt Disney’s original dream for Disneyland. Walt wanted a place where films could be pulled from the screen and into the real world in a transformative, tangible way, and credits the new Encanto attraction as being a key part of this rich history.
The first big reveal came with confirmation of the attraction’s official name: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. As previously shared, guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift, which is the ability to communicate with animals. And the heartwarming message of this adventure is that we are all part of the familia of living things, regardless of our special gifts or abilities.
Voice actors from Disney Animation’s Encanto return to Casita to lend their voices, including Stephanie Beatriz, Jessica Darrow, and Diane Guerrero, playing the roles of Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabella, respectively. A behind-the-scenes video of them recording was shared for the crowd, with Jessica explaining that “it’s sort of a perfect film to take all these colors and excitement out of and allow audiences to immerse themselves in it.”
Another helpful tidbit we learned? There will be no height requirement for the attraction, so it’s a fun family-friendly item to add to your Animal Kingdom itinerary.
What Will the Encanto Attraction Be Like?
Jared shared that one of the most fun parts of working with Imagineers on this project has been to expand the world of Encanto as we know it by creating new parts of the Madrigal house you never see in the film. Since the attraction takes place on Antonio’s gift day, a sacred and special occasion for the family, riders are invited to Casita as part of a cheerful celebration.
When guests enter the house, they’ll board a ride vehicle meant to represent the different pieces of furniture assembled by the power of Casita to carry Guests through the rooms. They feel lively and dynamic, reacting like characters themselves to the scenes unfolding around you, which feels so perfectly representative of what is felt from the film.
Jared showed a new rendering that details how guests will move through the house, eventually ending upstairs in Antonio’s room. The space has been transformed into a verdant rainforest, overflowing with animal species of many shapes and sizes. In total, there are more than 50 animals represented inside the attraction, and we got a first glimpse at some of them in action, including a very cute capybara receiving a hair trim, along with a toucan and donkey.
Imagineer Joan Hartwig had previously given us an inside look at the research trip that the team had taken to Colombia, where they saw firsthand how certain colors, materials, and structures interact with things like climate, terrain, and the overall culture of the region. This mission of telling authentic stories with extreme care and attention to detail is present throughout the entire project process – we learned that Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Team to make sure all of the animals included in the attraction are accurate to Colombia.
There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow on the way for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. For the last 60 years, this passion project of Walt himself has served as a powerful reflection of optimism, innovation, and family over time.
Yet while the themes have always stayed the same, the most performed stage show in the history of American theater has taken several forms over the years. So, before we talk about what’s next for this beloved attraction, let’s take a look back at its evolution.
Announced at D23: New Mom and Dad
Kicking off the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, host Neil Patrick Harris told the crowd at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that two new voice additions would be joining the show, stepping into the iconic roles of mom and dad. Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy-winning actor Bryan Cranston pick up the mantle as the attraction is updated for a new generation of fans.
Neil also shared a look at one of the new scenes, set in the 1980s, showing us exactly where this iconic family is headed next.
During “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Neil Patrick Harris brought a few special guests out to tell us about the new sights coming soon to Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
“Welcome to Monstropolis,” written by Disney Legend, Randy Newman, is the first song that Randy has composed for a Disney theme park, and you’ll hear it next year when Monstropolis opens to humans.
That’s right, while work continues on the door coaster, parts of Monstropolis will open to guests in 2027. Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, and Chris Beatty, Vice President, Walt Disney Imagineering, were played onto the stage to talk about the dynamic moments and locations you’d expect to see in Monstropolis.
Glob Theater
Chris explained that humans are invited to attend a new show at the Glob Theater, titled “Welcome to Monstropolis,” just like Randy Newman’s new song.
Chris also revealed that the monsters in the show will introduce humans to Monstropolis, and highlight how similar monsters and humans really are.
“Mike and Sulley will be our hosts,” Chris said. “Sulley has been working on a small, homespun show, but Mike – ever the showman – has a few surprises up his sleeve that he thinks will bring down the house. Hopefully not literally.”
Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza
People and monsters all love pizza, and Monstropolis’ top-rated pizza will be your go-to place to grab a slice. Humans may recognize Archie, Fear Tech’s beloved six-legged mascot, but after years of being “borrowed” by mischievous MU students, he’s become a fan favorite on both campuses.
Next door, the Monsters University Alumni Club has also opened its doors to human visitors eating at Archie’s.
Monsters University Alumni Club
Head on down for a who’s who of all the student clubs, fraternities, and sororities at MU. Chris said you’ll even find a tribute worth browsing. “Inside the Alumni Club is the elite Scarer’s Club, honoring the school’s legendary scarers from years past.”
Scareporium
And you’ll want a little something to commemorate your visit to Monstropolis. The Scareporium, as Chris said, will be, “… a shop where all of us human tourists can grab a great souvenir to remember our visit.”
Harryhausen’s Restaurant
Michael also showed off the dining location everyone has been waiting for, the location of one of Mike and Celia’s most unforgettable dates.
With a new menu to lay your eyes on (whether you have one, two, or ten), a visit to Harryhausen’s will spotlight the famed sushi chef, brought to life here as a new Audio-Animatronics figure. Watch his many tentacles whip up delicious-looking Monster-worthy creations, but don’t worry, there’s more than just sushi on the menu.
Michael said that it will be, “A menu unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World. It will be a great place to bring your Schmoopsie-poo for a romantic meal.”
Setting sail in late 2027, the Disney Believe promises new one-of-a-kind venue concepts and entertainment experiences that will be shaped by some of Disney’s most beloved stories, including Disney Animation’s “Encanto,” “Frozen,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Moana” and “The Little Mermaid.”
Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, took to the D23 stage to spotlight new details about the Disney Believe during the event’s highly anticipated Horizons: D23 Disney Experiences Showcase. The announcement included a first look at plans for the ship’s Grand Hall and distinct exterior artwork, including character sculpture models for the ship’s stern and artwork that will be embossed on its bow.
Like its sister ships – the Disney Wish, the Disney Treasure and the Disney Destiny – the Disney Believe’s Grand Hall will serve as a central gathering space for guests, themed to a beloved Disney story. Onboard the Disney Believe, the Grand Hall will be infused with the optimistic spirit of exploration from Disney Animation’s “Moana” films.
A bronze cast statue of Moana, accompanied by her faithful companions Pua and Heihei, will be a focal point inside the venue, gazing proudly toward new horizons. The never-before-seen rendering also hinted at influences from the film’s idyllic South Pacific setting, which will be layered with artisanal Polynesian finishes that honor the cultural traditions of the region.
The whimsical details designed for the Disney Believe’s exterior hull were also unveiled. Following a well-established Disney Cruise Line tradition, each new build, including the Disney Believe, features its own unique character artwork, adding nostalgic touches of Disney magic to every ship.
A new rendering showcased larger-than-life sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear hitching a ride on the Disney Believe’s stern. The dependable duo from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” films will appear working together to etch the ship’s name across the back of the vessel with large yellow crayons. In place of the classic looped calligraphy seen stamped across the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Woody and Buzz will opt for playful lettering that mimics the franchise’s famous block-style font.
D23 attendees and livestream viewers also learned that the Disney Believe’s bow will be decorated with a delicate, hand-painted filigree of Tinker Bell as she first appeared in the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1953 classic “Peter Pan.” The spunky fairy will be flanked by the silhouettes of Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook and other characters from the film flying amid the swirling design.
“This ship celebrates belief in magic, family, the power of nature, and belief in yourself,” Claire told the audience. “And all the stories we tell onboard will be tied together by the core Disney notion of believing in something fantastical.”
Disney Cruise Line Shares First Look at New Class of Ships
The Disney Experiences Showcase, Horizons: A Carousel of Progress also provided a sneak peek at the entirely new class of ships Disney Cruise Line will debut in 2029.
Announced during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa back in 2024, Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet to 13 over the coming years. The Disney Believe, setting sail in 2027, will be the fourth ship in the Wish class. After that, it’s time for a new story at sea with the launch of three new ships in a brand-new class.
While details are still locked away in a treasure chest, these three ships will introduce an entirely new class to the fleet and occupy a unique place in Disney Cruise Line’s growing lineup. Positioned in size between Disney’s classic ships and its newer vessels, this class opens the door to exciting possibilities for future itineraries and experiences around the globe.
The new ships are “right in the middle of our classic ships and our newer ones. That gives us some amazing opportunities to visit new places and reach brand new audiences we haven’t before.” For those unfamiliar with the size and scale of a Disney Cruise Line ship, that translates to bigger than the Disney Wonder, but smaller than the Disney Wish!
That sweet spot in size gives Disney Cruise Line even more flexibility as it continues to grow around the world, bringing unforgettable vacations to new destinations and welcoming even more families aboard.
Yesterday’s tomorrow, today! On stage during the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress Disney Experiences showcase Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced some very exciting news for Disneyland Resort: a reimagining of Tomorrowland in Disneyland park is in the works!
The transformation of Tomorrowland will honor the legacy of the original land while reimagining its future. Disneyland Resort will strive to preserve what guests cherish most, while also introducing new experiences and possibilities for the next generation of fans.
Walt Disney Imagineers are already beginning to dream up the next chapter of innovation and storytelling for Tomorrowland with new attractions, more open spaces and new places for Disneyland guests to dream about the future. The plans for Tomorrowland will restore the spirit of optimism, innovation and possibility that inspired Walt Disney to create “a vista into a world of wondrous ideas…” in 1955 and have defined this land for decades.
We cannot wait to reveal more about the plans for the transformation of Tomorrowland in the years ahead!
New details have been revealed about the high-octane attractions and spectacular scenery coming to Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom!
Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
Making its public debut, the second attraction coming to Piston Peak was announced: Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along.
Inspired by the “Diva of Demolition” from Cars 3, the ride will feature Miss Fritter as a school-bus-sized animatronic who hosts a stampeding bash at her “wildest demolition derby yet.”
Cars Ridge Run Rally
Further details were also revealed around Piston Peak’s previously announced racing attraction. On Cars Ridge Run Rally, racers will travel through the rugged beauty of America’s national parks, including a climb up Piston Peak itself, where an icy, snow-covered mountaintop awaits.
After reaching the top, racers will plummet down for a camelback descent and later navigate an exhilarating geyser field. The race ends by circling the Old Tankfull geyser before a sprint to the finish line where Lightning McQueen and Mater are covering the race live on Racing Sports Network.
Revolutionary Ride Technology and Construction
Cars Ridge Run Rally will debut a completely new ride vehicle, designed not to simulate an off-road car, but to be one. The attraction design is unlike typical theme park systems, and guests will “feel every bump, drop, and rock because this vehicle’s tires and suspension are truly driving over and reacting to them.”
Piston Peak National Park Builds on the Story of Frontierland
Cars from around the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Of course, we know that fans are curious to see how the exciting new backdrop for the big rally race will fit into the waters, landscapes, and storytelling at Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak National Park will continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.
Westward Ho! Crossing into New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom
Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun concert in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.
Welcome to Piston Peak National Park
Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.
Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.
From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.
Magic Mirror on the wall, which land is the most menacing and magnificent of them all? This question was answered today during the Disney Experiences showcase, Horizons: A Carousel of Progress.
Villains Land will bring a devious and dark “magic” to the Magic Kingdom, while managing to be cohesive with the storytelling of the broader park.
What is the Storyline of Villains Land?
References from classic characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios will inspire Villains Land, while the overarching story is a brand new, original take on those iconic villains. The Magic Kingdom invites you into a fairytale and Villains Land is no exception…
In many fairytales, the real journey begins when you stray from the safe path and instead turn towards the vast, foreboding forest. If you dare enter the forest of Villains Land, you may soon come across a Wishing Well that’s been torn asunder. Under most circumstances, a Wishing Well would indicate pure and good energy at work, but something dark happened to this one. Once upon a time, someone made an evil wish here – a wish so evil it corrupted the stone and broke open the structure, spreading the Well’s poisoned magic throughout the forest.
This sinister setting is tempting for those with wicked intentions, so, one by one, the villains have come here to try and claim the last of the Wishing Well’s power. Villains Land will be shaped by those who have used this dark magic to conjure the perfect new lairs for themselves. These mighty fortresses and gleaming palaces not only reflect the personality of the villains who own them, they invite guests into a tantalizing treasure trove of treats, trinkets, and more temptations. The size and scale were compared to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so there will be no shortage of space to explore and enjoy a bit of mischievous fun.
Villains Land will have two major attractions, in addition to shops and restaurants.
Maleficent Coaster in Villains Land
The first is an exhilarating coaster experience, where guests will come face-to-face with the Mistress of All Evil herself, Maleficent. Guests will race through enchanted briar surrounding her frightening mountaintop fortress – if you’re feeling brave enough to answer her invitation. This coaster will include elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions, so it is set to be a truly groundbreaking project.
Mirror Realm Dark Ride in Villains Land
There’s a second headlining attraction of Villains Land: a dark ride, featuring a whole array of your favorite Disney Villains – hosted by the Magic Mirror.
Guests will find the Magic Mirror where the Evil Queen keeps him in the catacombs beneath her pristine palace. After making their way to him, he’ll magically transport you into his mystical Mirror Realm to see things on the other side of the mirror. There, in his ethereal realm, guests will be transfixed by countless Disney Villains conjured in ways only the Magic Mirror can do. A combination of special effects and physical set pieces will bring his Mirror Realm – and these iconic Villains – to life.
We are excited to announce that we will be offering up a Disney Photo of the Day each day on our website and X (Twitter) feed @wdwdailynews.
We want you to be a part of our Disney family! Our goal it to provide a space for our followers/readers to submit their favorite Disney photo(s) to us at: wdwnews2@gmail.com. Here are the basics for submission:
Email us with the Subject: Disney Photo of the Day
Photo can be of anything Disney (Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, etc…)
Your photo does not have to be from the current day. It can be of past vacations.
Please do not include photos of people in the photo if possible, only photos you have taken from around the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, etc….
Provide us with your name, or how you would like us to give you credit for your photo.
By submitting your photo(s) you are agreeing to allow WDW Daily News to post your photo on our social media avenues.
At this point we are only accepting photos and not videos
Photo will appear on the front page of WDW Daily News each day.
We know everyone loves to start their day with a splash of Disney magic so we are excited to have you guys be a part of our extended Disney family.
