Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones for new Disney World ride
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Harrison Ford is putting the fedora back on — sort of.
The 84-year-old actor is returning as Indiana Jones for a new Disney World attraction, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, coming to Animal Kingdom. Disney made the announcement at its D23 fan convention in Anaheim, Calif., with Ford appearing in a pre-recorded message .
“Hello, D23. Thanks for coming along on all of Indy’s adventures,” Ford told fans Saturday. “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.”
He also teased, “I’m excited for you to see his next epic adventure, and I’m coming to Walt Disney World soon.”
Really, who better to play Indiana Jones at Disney than the guy who has spent more than four decades being Indiana Jones?
Ride details
The new attraction is being built where Dinoland, U.S.A. once stood, and the ride will take guests into the ruins of an ancient Mayan temple protected by Tsukán, the mythical Jade Serpent, according to Entertainment Weekly .
Disney Parks announced the Indiana Jones-themed replacement in 2024, when Josh D’Amaro, then head of Disney Parks, revealed plans for the former Dinoland area, per The Independent .
Fans clearly aren’t complaining about the change. Disney Parks’ Instagram post about Ford’s return quickly filled with excited comments, with one fan calling it “legendary” and another saying the news might actually be enough to convince them to “take a long flight” to Florida.
Indy attraction part of a much bigger overhaul
The former Dinoland area is being transformed into Tropical Americas, with new attractions inspired by the region’s history, architecture and culture, per EW .
The plans include an indoor ride based on the 2021 animated hit Encanto and a carousel inspired by El Carrusel de los Animalitos, featuring Disney and Pixar characters, according to The Independent .
Tropical Americas is expected to open in 2027.
An interesting catch
This marks the first time Ford’s likeness will be used in an Indiana Jones attraction at a Disney park. It remains unclear whether he will also provide his voice for the ride, The Independent reports.
Ford has played Indy in five movies over more than 40 years. He first put on the fedora for Steven Spielberg’s 1981 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark , followed by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989 and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008, per Page Six . His most recent outing was 2023’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , directed by James Mangold.
Ford’s return to the role also comes after an emotional moment earlier this year, when he fought back tears while accepting the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award on March 1.
“Sometimes we make entertainment; sometimes we make art. Sometimes we’re lucky to make ’em both at the same time, and if we’re really fortunate, we also get to make a living doing it,” Ford said.
“I’m indeed a lucky guy. Lucky to have found my people, lucky to have work that challenges me, lucky to still be doing it. And I don’t take that for granted.”