New concept art shown at the Walt Disney Imagineering Pavilion at D23 Expo 2026 offers a first look inside the queue for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Until now, Disney had only released artwork of the temple exterior. The new art appeared in updated project videos on display in the pavilion today, part of a wave of Tropical Americas reveals from the show.
Concept Art: First Look Inside the Indiana Jones Queue
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- New concept art shows the inside of the Indiana Jones ride queue for the first time
- The scene includes scaffolding, Mayan glyphs, and a video projection of Indiana Jones
- The moment is part of the queue itself, not a pre-show area
What’s New in the Indiana Jones Queue Concept Art
This concept art depicts what appears to be a cave-like archaeological site. Scaffolding dominates the middle of the frame. Colorful walls surround it. Mayan glyphs appear on the walls, along with what could be part of a temple structure. A shovel and a hole sit in the middle of the scene. Lighting glows from the lower right of the frame.
In the upper left, a projector system of sorts appears to cast light onto a screen featuring Indiana Jones. We initially wondered whether this scene belonged to a pre-show area. That’s not the case. Instead, it’s part of the queue itself, with a video playing as guests move through the space. The image is a photo of a photo, but it still shows a richly detailed scene full of rockwork and props.
The Story Behind Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
This attraction takes riders alongside Indiana Jones into a temple built above a cenote, an underground cave once filled with water. Local legend holds that the cenote leads to the Maya Underworld. A serpentine creature called the Tsukán guards the passage, according to Disney. Riders are unwittingly pulled through a portal into the Underworld. Once there, they encounter monstrous bats, oversized scorpions, fire, and the Tsukán itself.
Imagineers Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty confirmed the attraction’s name during the Disney Experiences Showcase last night, as we reported when the name and story were announced.
Disney Legend Harrison Ford also appeared in a recorded message during the Experiences Showcase. He confirmed he is the physical model for the new Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronics figure. It’s the first time his likeness has been used for a Disney attraction anywhere in the world. Earlier today, Imagineers unveiled a full-scale sculpt of the towering Tsukán animatronic that anchors the ride’s finale scene, shown to guests walking the D23 show floor. The project team has worked closely with archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts on the attraction.
Indiana Jones’ Place in Tropical Americas
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent is one of two headlining attractions coming to Tropical Americas. This 11-acre land is replacing the former DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, first announced at D23 in 2023. The other headliner is an attraction inspired by Disney’s Encanto, which also received its own name and story details at this year’s D23 presentation.
Beyond the two rides, Tropical Americas will include shopping and dining. A carousel called El Carrusel de los Animalitos will feature 22 hand-carved animals from Disney and Pixar stories. Nearby, a play area will let young guests explore Maya-inspired rainforest themes.
Construction on the Indiana Jones attraction has continued for months at the site of the former DINOSAUR entrance. A set installation permit tied to the project was extended into the summer of 2027. Disney has not announced an opening date for the attraction or the wider land.
Story So Far
- Tropical Americas was first announced as a new land for Disney’s Animal Kingdom at D23 in September 2023, featuring attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Encanto.
- Imagineers confirmed the attraction’s name, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, along with its story and setting, during D23 Expo 2026.
- New concept art shared at D23 Expo 2026 gives the first look inside the attraction’s queue.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!