DAK 'Encanto' and 'Indiana Jones'-themed experiences at Animal Kingdom

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

In the Cars thread there was some discussion of Indiana Jones' fit here. I wanted to respond but not in that thread...

Indiana Jones is an archaeologist. It doesn't make thematic sense for him to be searching for a mythical animal. That's not his job. What is his goal? To find the animal and put it in a zoo?

"It belongs in a museum" is Indiana Jones' credo. He has nothing to do with animals; rather he deals with the animals he encounters...which are usually an inconvenience for his mission, whatever it may be.

This is absolutely a stretch for Animal Kingdom. They should have used Shanghai's Pirate-tech and replaced the stunt show with an Indiana Jones boat ride. That's the UNIQUE Indy ride I want. Does ANYONE think that would have been worse than retheming an existing, fantastic ride?

And on the subject of uniqueness: guess what, no matter what you're passing by, those CTX-Rovers are still going over the same ride path, and that's a huge distraction for me, especially because I love Dinosaur so much. There is nothing they can do to make this different enough from Dinosaur (or even the other Indiana Jones rides at DL and TDS) to make it truly UNIQUE.

But isn't this a narrow view of the IP? It could just as easily be Indy finding an artifact that has supernatural implications releasing said mythical beast, a protector or guardian of it's native peoples? (for example) Does that not sound like something befitting Animal Kingdom?

 

[ChewbaccaYourMum]

But isn't this a narrow view of the IP? It could just as easily be Indy finding an artifact that has supernatural implications releasing said mythical beast, a protector or guardian of it's native peoples? (for example) Does that not sound like something befitting Animal Kingdom?

This poster is trying to minimize this IP and character to the most literal sense of their being.

You can make a story around Indy with just about anything.

Some people were saying why not have him go up against Dinos in this ride (I think this poster you are responding to might have even been one of them, maybe I'm wrong...)

Disney could have very well done that as well. It's funny that a story of Indy against Dinos is not that farfetched and crazy, but the idea to this poster that Indy and a mythological creature can't be done!!!!

 

[andre85]

And on the subject of uniqueness: guess what, no matter what you're passing by, those CTX-Rovers are still going over the same ride path, and that's a huge distraction for me, especially because I love Dinosaur so much. There is nothing they can do to make this different enough from Dinosaur (or even the other Indiana Jones rides at DL and TDS) to make it truly UNIQUE.

I get that, but conversely, it was already 95%+ the same ride path as Indiana Jones. So if it can work for Dinosaur in can work again (...for Indiana Jones again lol)

 

[Bocabear]

Why keep Dinos in the Indiana Jones renovation when the rest of the area is being themes to the Tropical Americas?
THe Indy ride will hopefully be great, and while I always liked Countdown To Extinction, the Indy versions seem like a much better ride...

 

[FigmentJedi]

Why keep Dinos in the Indiana Jones renovation when the rest of the area is being themes to the Tropical Americas?
THe Indy ride will hopefully be great, and while I always liked Countdown To Extinction, the Indy versions seem like a much better ride...

Because Carnotaurus is a dinosaur from the Tropical Americas, as is the Saltasaurus. Not to mention that the Lost World, the book that created the "hidden place full of dinosaurs" trope was set in South America. And hey, since Indiana Jones movies are perfectly fine with using neat sounding hoaxes like the Crystal Skull as the basis for a movie, then why not use the Acambaro dinosaur sculptures used in sketchy claims of Mayans and dinosaurs living side by side?

 

[DisneyHead123]

In the Cars thread there was some discussion of Indiana Jones' fit here. I wanted to respond but not in that thread...

Indiana Jones is an archaeologist. It doesn't make thematic sense for him to be searching for a mythical animal. That's not his job. What is his goal? To find the animal and put it in a zoo?

"It belongs in a museum" is Indiana Jones' credo. He has nothing to do with animals; rather he deals with the animals he encounters...which are usually an inconvenience for his mission, whatever it may be.

This is absolutely a stretch for Animal Kingdom. They should have used Shanghai's Pirate-tech and replaced the stunt show with an Indiana Jones boat ride. That's the UNIQUE Indy ride I want. Does ANYONE think that would have been worse than retheming an existing, fantastic ride?

And on the subject of uniqueness: guess what, no matter what you're passing by, those CTX-Rovers are still going over the same ride path, and that's a huge distraction for me, especially because I love Dinosaur so much. There is nothing they can do to make this different enough from Dinosaur (or even the other Indiana Jones rides at DL and TDS) to make it truly UNIQUE.

Remember the AK theme as described by Joe Rohde is:

The intrinsic value of nature
Psychological transformation through adventure
A personal call to action

I don't think Indy would have a hard time embodying those themes, if done well. The second two are pretty built into the character of Indiana Jones. The first could easily come from Indy learning a lesson by being too cocky and careless with nature.

I know the ride is not out yet and so none of us can say for sure, but as someone who stalks Rohde's Instagram, I actually have good feelings about this ride. I think Rohde was very much involved and his general MO is that of a natural leader and salesman who can actually unite a team and get people on board with a central vision. So I think he actually had some influence and wasn't there in name only. Also, I think Indy will have the benefit of good source material, as the dark ruins of a temple are just a natural fit for a dark ride.

Honestly I think Encanto is a much bigger question mark. It will no doubt be a popular ride given that it's a beloved IP, but IP dark rides in general have been tricky for Disney in the past few decades (i.e. the mixed reviews on Little Mermaid, Nemo, Frozen, TBA) and are harder to translate into something exciting for adults. Whether or not they'll truly hit the three theme points listed above is also questionable, I think.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

It feels like you're going above and beyond to take this certain IP and character this literal because your upset it's going where it is.

Dude, the character is what he is. I just saw Last Crusade on the big screen on Sunday, and that's the movie that probably best defines Indy's character. He is a PROFESSOR and an ARCHAEOLOGIST. Let's revisit the description.

Indy doesn't just go to SEE something for himself. He's going to obtain something for the museum. This isn't me stretching to make the IP not fit; this is me stating the fact of who his character is.

It could just as easily be Indy finding an artifact that has supernatural implications releasing said mythical beast, a protector or guardian of it's native peoples?

See above, since that IS NOT the description of this attraction.

IMO Dino was fantastic 25 years ago. Now it looks and feels like your riding a Rainforest Cafe table around with someone yelling 'aint our dino' in your ear for 3 minutes.

Could be great with some TLC. And I think (I'll find out for myself in three weeks) it still holds up.

Some people were saying why not have him go up against Dinos in this ride (I think this poster you are responding to might have even been one of them, maybe I'm wrong...)

You have a good memory! Yes, I advocated for Dinosaurs to remain in the attraction because I love dinosaurs, and I love animatronics. I was desperately proposing something to try to make this stupidity a bit more enjoyable for myself and to keep the animatronic dinosaurs. It would actually fit the theme better because the dinosaurs could be part of the challenge that Indy has to face to obtain the artifact.

MY POINT: Having Indiana Jones going to SEE a mythical animal doesn't make sense. It doesn't fit his character or motivations.

 

[James Alucobond]

MY POINT: Having Indiana Jones going to SEE a mythical animal doesn't make sense. It doesn't fit his character or motivations.

Which is probably not what is happening anyway. The Mayan temple seems to be the main outward focus and would be a sensible archaeological site for Indy's inclusion. The animal element will likely be tied to whatever mythical beast, cryptid, or living fossil inhabits the temple depths.

 

[Agent H]

In the Cars thread there was some discussion of Indiana Jones' fit here. I wanted to respond but not in that thread...

Indiana Jones is an archaeologist. It doesn't make thematic sense for him to be searching for a mythical animal. That's not his job. What is his goal? To find the animal and put it in a zoo?

"It belongs in a museum" is Indiana Jones' credo. He has nothing to do with animals; rather he deals with the animals he encounters...which are usually an inconvenience for his mission, whatever it may be.

This is absolutely a stretch for Animal Kingdom. They should have used Shanghai's Pirate-tech and replaced the stunt show with an Indiana Jones boat ride. That's the UNIQUE Indy ride I want. Does ANYONE think that would have been worse than retheming an existing, fantastic ride?

And on the subject of uniqueness: guess what, no matter what you're passing by, those CTX-Rovers are still going over the same ride path, and that's a huge distraction for me, especially because I love Dinosaur so much. There is nothing they can do to make this different enough from Dinosaur (or even the other Indiana Jones rides at DL and TDS) to make it truly UNIQUE.

This could end up a lot like expedition Everest where the lesson is some places simply shouldn’t be explored by humans. Maybe some character development for Indy?

 

[Gremlin Gus]

I am curious what will be at DD23. Not sure if there will be a new land model (maybe fore Monstropolis?) but I was at the 2021 event and they had the ride vehicle for Guardians there that people could sit in - maybe they have something for the Encanto ride?

I was thinking maybe they would have a ride vehicle attendees could sit in in the D23 2026 event as I think it would be ready by then, but yeah, I do wonder what will be at DD23 this year as well

 

[doctornick]

I continue to be shocked that other people are shocked. It's almost like animals aren't a priority in this land...

While I don't think anyone expected a walk through trail or live animals to be a "priority", there was already an enclosure for crocodiles and tortoises in the past in the land so having some small space allotted for South/Central American animals doesn't seem like a far fetched idea.

 

[Timothy_Q]

The themes of A Bug's Life also don't line up with the themes of DAK

But they adapted the IP in a way that works with the message of the park

From what we've seen so far, it seems like the same is being done with Indy

 

[ChewbaccaYourMum]

Dude, the character is what he is. I just saw Last Crusade on the big screen on Sunday, and that's the movie that probably best defines Indy's character. He is a PROFESSOR and an ARCHAEOLOGIST. Let's revisit the description.
View attachment 865373

Indy doesn't just go to SEE something for himself. He's going to obtain something for the museum. This isn't me stretching to make the IP not fit; this is me stating the fact of who his character is.

See above, since that IS NOT the description of this attraction.


Could be great with some TLC. And I think (I'll find out for myself in three weeks) it still holds up.


You have a good memory! Yes, I advocated for Dinosaurs to remain in the attraction because I love dinosaurs, and I love animatronics. I was desperately proposing something to try to make this stupidity a bit more enjoyable for myself and to keep the animatronic dinosaurs. It would actually fit the theme better because the dinosaurs could be part of the challenge that Indy has to face to obtain the artifact.

MY POINT: Having Indiana Jones going to SEE a mythical animal doesn't make sense. It doesn't fit his character or motivations.

Yes, he's an archeologist. That gives him an excuse to be in this Mayan temple. AKA excuse to make it make sense why he is in this Animal Kingdom ride in the first place. And then an adventure happens with a Mythical Creature and a story around it that will tie in to Animal Kingdom.

This seems like an absolute win win situation for IP integration, and great new ride, to me!

I think what I was trying to get at with bringing up the old ideas of "Indy vs Dinos" ride instead of what we're getting is, I get that you love Dinosaurs and want them somewhere in Disney World-- But I just don't understand how that story can sit well with you, but you seem to be going out of your way to not be able to imagine a story where Indy explores a Mayan temple and encounters a mythical creature?

 

[Scott the Lawyer]

There is absolutely a cogent and humane argument to make for why zoological exhibits with live animals are still relevant and vital. Accrediting organizations like the Association fot Zoos and Aquariums, of which Disney is a recognized leader, already lead by example. Reasons include preservation of threatened and endangered species, propagation and husbandry, and public education. All of which Disney does with admiration. This isn’t a Blackfish issue. I also suspect that the animals at AK are living their best life. I am disappointed it doesn’t look like they’re adding animals to TA. I assume it has to do with available space and costs of care.

 

[JohnD]

Oh, good. That section of the park isn't sad and empty enough yet. Have they considered closing Restaurant O'saurus as well, so it can just be a walled hallway to Dinosaur for a few months while the music loop continues to acknowledge stuff that isn't there anymore?



I continue to be shocked that other people are shocked. It's almost like animals aren't a priority in this land...

It's not that the animals aren't a priority but where are they going to put the animal enclosures? Between the edge of the land and the parking lot? I think not. I think the expectation was that what is Pandora now and the soon to be Tropical Americas were never going to have animals because of parking on the opposite sides. If things had worked out it would have been dragons and dinosaurs in these two lands.

 

[ctrlaltdel]

There is absolutely a cogent and humane argument to make for why zoological exhibits with live animals are still relevant and vital. Accrediting organizations like the Association fot Zoos and Aquariums, of which Disney is a recognized leader, already lead by example. Reasons include preservation of threatened and endangered species, propagation and husbandry, and public education. All of which Disney does with admiration. This isn’t a Blackfish issue. I also suspect that the animals at AK are living their best life. I am disappointed it doesn’t look like they’re adding animals to TA. I assume it has to do with available space and costs of care.

My wife is a very tough critic of zoos and theme parks with animal focus. I was a little worried to bring her to AK for the first time. She loved it though. Disney does a pretty great job with animal welfare it seems. She even was in awe of the AKL preserves when we went there for dinner.

 

[DisneyHead123]

This isn’t a Blackfish issue.

Since I brought up Blackfish a few posts ago I want to clarify - I wasn't saying that I think Disney has issues with animal care. And yes, I think there are a lot of good arguments for animals in captivity under specific circumstances (rehabilitation, protecting endangered species, etc.)

That said, I don't think any of that matters in a clickbait world where public perception can be hugely skewed by a few sensational headlines. Blackfish made the idea of animals at theme parks a hot button issue, and I don't see Disney taking on the PR liability that comes with that to display capybaras in what would, let's be honest, probably be a poorly attended exhibit. They've already taken some heat for their dolphins. When it comes to new animal exhibits, I think that ship has sailed for the foreseeable future.

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

Local to our zoo. The "enclosure" is very chill. Open air, a low fence border with little cubbies they can hop into for shade. With enough barrier between them and the guests, I don't see the issue. It's not like they need be caged up or fully-enclosed. The safari is a good example. It's shame we're unlikely to see them.

 

[mattpeto]

I am curious what will be at DD23. Not sure if there will be a new land model (maybe fore Monstropolis?) but I was at the 2021 event and they had the ride vehicle for Guardians there that people could sit in - maybe they have something for the Encanto ride?

I believe it's a park "nothing-burger", but I'd be surprised if we didn't get any updates.

 

[mattpeto]

IMO Dino was fantastic 25 years ago. Now it looks and feels like your riding a Rainforest Cafe table around with someone yelling 'aint our dino' in your ear for 3 minutes.

Indiana Jones Adventure is so much better than Dinosaur.

I can't wait for this attraction to capture this spirit.