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

[MLevell]

So I first visited Animal Kingdom a few months after it opened and my favorite ride was Countdown to Extinction, on the next visit it was called Dinosaur but it was still my favorite ride. Living only a 2 and half hour drive away I made frequent visits to the parks in the 90's through the mid/late 00's and when it came to Animal Kingdom it was all about Dinosaur. As the years went on though I became aware that out in California there was an Indiana Jones ride that was similar to Dinosaur and this became a bit of a dream ride for me, a combination of one of my all time favorite rides with one of my all time favorite film series, and in 2019 I finally got to go to Disneyland and ride Indiana Jones Adventure... and I was disappointed. It's not a bad ride for sure but after around 15 years of building it up in my mind I was certainly disappointed, it lacked the energy, thrills and scares of Dinosaur and it was also a bad representation of Indiana Jones without Ford's likeness and a bad impression buried in the quiet audio mix.

This disappointment with Indy was so at odds with conventional fan wisdom that in 2021 I decided to go back to Animal Kingdom to see if my memory was cheating, but no Dinosaur still blew me away and even with the new Avatar additions it was still my favorite ride in the park, and as soon as I got off I immediately got back in line to ride it again. On my 2nd visit to Disneyland in 2022 I re-rode Indy, and now with my expectations in check enjoyed it more, but my opinion on which is the better ride has not changed.

I believe that Tropical Americas will be an overall improvement for the park from a lot of metrics. but I can't help but predict that my personal enjoyment of the park will be greatly reduced by the removal of Dinosaur.

I hope Disney proved me wrong.

 

[Professortango1]

Hot take: the case with maelstrom. WHO CARED about it until it was gone? Don’t even get me started on Ellen’s energy adventure. Anyone who says they genuinely was a big fan of it is a liar. It’s ok to be a fan of it post closure announcement, but don’t pretend you were always a fan.

I can say that I was a fan of Ellen's Energy Adventure. I really loved that ride and how it kept evolving throughout the ride time. Maelstrom...I liked the trolls a lot, but the rest of the ride was just okay. Frozen isn't a well-crafted ride, but the effects and sets look better now. Even if it lacks the fun of the previous attraction.

 

[Marc Davis Fan]

So I first visited Animal Kingdom a few months after it opened and my favorite ride was Countdown to Extinction, on the next visit it was called Dinosaur but it was still my favorite ride. Living only a 2 and half hour drive away I made frequent visits to the parks in the 90's through the mid/late 00's and when it came to Animal Kingdom it was all about Dinosaur. As the years went on though I became aware that out in California there was an Indiana Jones ride that was similar to Dinosaur and this became a bit of a dream ride for me, a combination of one of my all time favorite rides with one of my all time favorite film series, and in 2019 I finally got to go to Disneyland and ride Indiana Jones Adventure... and I was disappointed. It's not a bad ride for sure but after around 15 years of building it up in my mind I was certainly disappointed, it lacked the energy, thrills and scares of Dinosaur and it was also a bad representation of Indiana Jones without Ford's likeness and a bad impression buried in the quiet audio mix.

This disappointment with Indy was so at odds with conventional fan wisdom that in 2021 I decided to go back to Animal Kingdom to see if my memory was cheating, but no Dinosaur still blew me away and even with the new Avatar additions it was still my favorite ride in the park, and as soon as I got off I immediately got back in line to ride it again. On my 2nd visit to Disneyland in 2022 I re-rode Indy, and now with my expectations in check enjoyed it more, but my opinion on which is the better ride has not changed.

I believe that Tropical Americas will be an overall improvement for the park from a lot of metrics. but I can't help but predict that my personal enjoyment of the park will be greatly reduced by the removal of Dinosaur.

I hope Disney proved me wrong.

This is really interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences in such detail.

I think one of the issues is that Dinosaur and Indy should be judged on their own merits, as completely different experiences, just like different omnimovers (e.g., Haunted Mansion "vs" Spaceship Earth).

I grew up loving Dinosaur and it's still (even it its lessened form) among my favorite WDW attractions. At the same time, when I first went to DL and rode Indy without the knowledge of its relationship to Dinosaur, and without knowledge of the comparisons/hype, I was absolutely blown away.

However, I took my father to DL a few years back, and we went on Indy after I'd told him that it's the same ride system as Dinosaur (which he also loves)... and he was disappointed just as you were!

(This comparison game has also been unfair to Dinosaur, because the fan community knows it as derivative of Indy - which undersells it by preventing it from being viewed on its own merits.)

This creates a problem: unlike most Indy riders in DL who usually judge it on its own merits, many/most will be like you and my father - having gone on Dinosaur and knowing this is the same ride system and layout.

The good news is our insiders (e.g.,. @Moth) have suggested this will be an improved variation on the existing Indy rides. I hope it's improved enough to clearly exceed Dinosaur even for those making the comparison, but that won't necessarily be as easy as many think...

 

[rle4lunch]

This is really interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences in such detail.

I think one of the issues is that Dinosaur and Indy should be judged on their own merits, as completely different experiences, just like different omnimovers (e.g., Haunted Mansion "vs" Spaceship Earth).

I grew up loving Dinosaur and it's still (even it its lessened form) among my favorite WDW attractions. At the same time, when I first went to DL and rode Indy without the knowledge of its relationship to Dinosaur, and without knowledge of the comparisons/hype, I was absolutely blown away.

However, I took my father to DL a few years back, and we went on Indy after I'd told him that it's the same ride system as Dinosaur (which he also loves)... and he was disappointed just as you were!

(This comparison game has also been unfair to Dinosaur, because the fan community knows it as derivative of Indy - which undersells it by preventing it from being viewed on its own merits.)

This creates a problem: unlike most Indy riders in DL who usually judge it on its own merits, many/most will be like you and my father - having gone on Dinosaur and knowing this is the same ride system and layout.

The good news is our insiders (e.g.,. @Moth) have suggested this will be an improved variation on the existing Indy rides. I hope it's improved enough to clearly exceed Dinosaur even for those making the comparison, but that won't necessarily be as easy as many think...

I will say that Indy has a frustratingly large amount of downtime, and for about 5 years (and directly after covid sanctions were lifted), the ride had about 50% of the effects turned off for about a year or so after the parks fully opened. We've been about 10 times (San Diego to Anaheim is 99 miles) in the last 3 years, and while many of the effects are back up and running, the ride is starting to feel it's age. I will die on the hill though in the opinion that it carries so much more energy than DINOSAUR ever did. DINO is so cheesy. Hell, even Mission Space got more love in a shorter amount of time that DINO ever has/did. The writing has been on the wall for it for a long long time.

 

[WorldExplorer]

I love Dinosaur because it gives me, someone who is terrified of rollercoasters, a chance to have a really big thrill. I've descensitized myself to it by now, but when I was still new to it it was a HUGE rush.

Not because the car rocks a lot, which, yes, it will also do in Indiana Jones. That's important, but it combines with the ride's setting and animatronics to make it really scary. I don't think it gets enough credit for that; this is a ride that, by all rights, is relatively tame on the actual physical thrill element (no drops or loops or anything), and yet it has a reputation for being one of the scariest things in the parks. It's because of its show elements. Nothing else in the park is like that.

We're never getting a ride with this tone again. I think that's sad.

Yes, I understand they used to be better, and I really wish I could've experienced them when they were (the whole implied carnotaurus chasing you sounds amazing), but until I saw someone on here mention that it I had no idea and was very sufficiently scared by what it is now.

 

[Brer Panther]

I, personally, like Dinosaur. Always have (well, at least since I first went on it).

And I doubt Iger's Disney can create an attraction just as good as it, Indiana Jones theming or otherwise.

 

[WorldExplorer]

I've never been on Indiana Jones. Do we have reason to believe all the stuff people say makes it better will be added here?

Because it sounds like some pretty large effects that would take a ton of construction (a whole other level?) and it already sounds like what they're building has a different plot than that ride.

 

[Professortango1]

I've never been on Indiana Jones. Do we have reason to believe all the stuff people say makes it better will be added here?

Because it sounds like some pretty large effects that would take a ton of construction (a whole other level?) and it already sounds like what they're building has a different plot than that ride.

The ride path of Dinosaur will likely not change. That is a slightly reduced version of Indy. As of the show scenes, the concept art shows differences between the two existing versions, but the room layouts will likely be similar since Disney isn't one to reinvent the wheel.

Moving doors have been a headache and sadly cut from DLR and never used at TDS, so the current Security Station will likely be similar to what is at TDS with one door and some projection mapping.

Chamber of Destiny will likely be the concept art with the giant cross and maybe some effect regarding the animal tied to the attraction.

The big question is whether they will have a big room like the other Indy's as I know the current path cuts through that room instead of winding out for the Mummy section. It will be interesting to see how they retrofit a revamped version of Indy into a ride building that is similar, but a bit truncated.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

I'm a bit offended by all of the "Who cared about Dinosaur until now?" people here. Dinosaur is a magnificent attraction and I have ALWAYS thought so, as have my siblings, parents, friends. I'm not afraid of roller coasters, but I thought @WorldExplorer described my feelings about it to a tee in this post.

I love Dinosaur because it gives me, someone who is terrified of rollercoasters, a chance to have a really big thrill. I've descensitized myself to it by now, but when I was still new to it it was a HUGE rush.

Not because the car rocks a lot, which, yes, it will also do in Indiana Jones. That's important, but it combines with the ride's setting and animatronics to make it really scary. I don't think it gets enough credit for that; this is a ride that, by all rights, is relatively tame on the actual physical thrill element (no drops or loops or anything), and yet it has a reputation for being one of the scariest things in the parks. It's because of its show elements. Nothing else in the park is like that.

We're never getting a ride with this tone again. I think that's sad.

Yes, I understand they used to be better, and I really wish I could've experienced them when they were (the whole implied carnotaurus chasing you sounds amazing), but until I saw someone on here mention that it I had no idea and was very sufficiently scared by what it is now.

As for what is replacing it, I've laid out many times here that I don't see how it could possibly be as good as what is there, but especially because of what it is replacing. Talk about expectations...people better temper those right now. Better to be impressed by something that exceeds your tiny expectations than to be disappointed greatly in something that doesn't measure up to what was there before (or what's across the continent at Disneyland).

Do we have any reason to believe, based on their recent efforts, this will be an improvement?

 

[rd805]

I've never been on Indiana Jones. Do we have reason to believe all the stuff people say makes it better will be added here?

Because it sounds like some pretty large effects that would take a ton of construction (a whole other level?) and it already sounds like what they're building has a different plot than that ride.

both rides are great.
Indy is definitely superior --but that has a lot to do with the temple being multi-levelled, and just a better IP.

Dinosaur is a wonderful ride, and has served a purpose since Day 1 AK -- but Indy will give AK a ton of life & make lines a little longer for this specific attraction. PLUS - a better queue, better themed area. This will be an upgrade.

 

[Brer Panther]

I'm a bit offended by all of the "Who cared about Dinosaur until now?" people here. Dinosaur is a magnificent attraction and I have ALWAYS thought so, as have my siblings, parents, friends. I'm not afraid of roller coasters, but I thought @WorldExplorer described my feelings about it to a tee in this post.
As for what is replacing it, I've laid out many times here that I don't see how it could possibly be as good as what is there, but especially because of what it is replacing. Talk about expectations...people better temper those right now. Better to be impressed by something that exceeds your tiny expectations than to be disappointed greatly in something that doesn't measure up to what was there before (or what's across the continent at Disneyland).

Do we have any reason to believe, based on their recent efforts, this will be an improvement?

Yes. This. Thank you.

Indy will give AK a ton of life & make lines a little longer for this specific attraction.

Is Indiana Jones really that much more popular than dinosaurs are? The most recent film flopped.

 

[Rosso11]

Is Indiana Jones really that much more popular than dinosaurs are? The most recent film flopped.

Yes he is. One film doesn’t take away from his iconic status.

 

[Rhinocerous]

I dont know about Remy but Universal used Dolby 3D type where the frequency of the colors are changed and the glasses change them back. Unlike polarized 3D this type has fewer cross talk issues and since you're recieving 100% of the light (just shifted) it's also much brighter and sharper. You can tell by looking at the glasses which is used (D3D glasses have a reflective surface and if you look around with them one eye at a time normal stuff has weird color changes. Polorize has grey lenses, and generally reduce light by 50%) The main reason why polarized is still used in theaters is D3D type glasses can be very expensive (I've heard as much as $35 each) Its why they have RFID chips in them that sound an alarm if someone tries to walk out with one

My former employer, a major media company, built a large screening room with dual laser projectors for Dolby 3D and bought over a hundred glasses. They held exactly one test screening, and never again. Most of the boxes of glasses were never even opened.

 

[Moth]

Yes he is. One film doesn’t take away from his iconic status.

Yes but kids are constantly getting into and living dinosaurs, if the recent attempt to introduce the Indiana Jones character to younger audiences failed, what does that mean? Prior to last year, the last Indy film was in 2007, someone who's 21 now was 4 then.

Is Indy a reliable bet? Obviously analytics and pen pushers said Dinosaur should go extinct, but with those below 21, is Indiana Jones really that iconic as he was for generations prior?


Or is it another classic Iger during his 2nd retirement tour "ripping something out done under Eisner and putting an IP from one of his acquisitions there instead"?

 

[Rosso11]

Yes but kids are constantly getting into and living dinosaurs, if the recent attempt to introduce the Indiana Jones character to younger audiences failed, what does that mean? Prior to last year, the last Indy film was in 2007, someone who's 21 now was 4 then.

Is Indy a reliable bet? Obviously analytics and pen pushers said Dinosaur should go extinct, but with those below 21, is Indiana Jones really that iconic as he was for generations prior?


Or is it another classic Iger during his 2nd retirement tour "ripping something out done under Eisner and putting an IP from one of his acquisitions there instead"?

Indiana Jones has been a part of Disney Parks for 35 years now thanks to Eisner. So no I do not think Indiana Jones is going into AK to spite Eisner. Is Indiana Jones as popular with the youngest crowd? No probably not. Does he have to be? Should we rip out Tower of Terror because the Twilight Zone’s prime was 60 years ago? Was it a mistake to even open it in 1994 when the property’s prime was already over 30 years old?

Indy is iconic and there will be a lot more Indy in our future with or without Harrison Ford. Do I wish this land could have been made as an expansion instead of a replacement? Of course I do. But the fact is Disney has failed with all of their Dinosaur movies over the years and Dinoland USA needed a major revamp. Does that mean Dinosaurs aren’t popular? Of course not. But when it comes to Disney, Indy is more popular. Unfortunately today’s younger generations equates Dinosaurs with Jurassic Park. Yes it depresses me, but that’s how it is.

 

[Sorcerer Mickey]

Indiana Jones has been a part of Disney Parks for 35 years now thanks to Eisner. So no I do not think Indiana Jones is going into AK to spite Eisner. Is Indiana Jones as popular with the youngest crowd? No probably not. Does he have to be? Should we rip out Tower of Terror because the Twilight Zone’s prime was 60 years ago? Was it a mistake to even open it in 1994 when the property’s prime was already over 30 years old?

Indy is iconic and there will be a lot more Indy in our future with or without Harrison Ford. Do I wish this land could have been made as an expansion instead of a replacement? Of course I do. But the fact is Disney has failed with all of their Dinosaur movies over the years and Dinoland USA needed a major revamp. Does that mean Dinosaurs aren’t popular? Of course not. But when it comes to Disney, Indy is more popular. Unfortunately today’s younger generations equates Dinosaurs with Jurassic Park. Yes it depresses me, but that’s how it is.

Twilight Zone is an old, old property but the concept is timeless - a mysterious world "in between" where odd things happen. You can easily modernize this.

Indiana Jones is Harrison Ford, an 80+-year-old man. There's no way around it.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Indiana Jones is Harrison Ford, an 80+-year-old man. There's no way around it.

I do think there is a deeply archetypal element to Indy that helps with modern day relevance. Even if people are not attached to Ford in particular, he could almost be a stand-in for the idea of “explorer”.

I will say I’m not entirely sure if Indiana Jones really fits the theme of AK. But quite frankly after hearing that ROA is being ripped out to add cartoon cars, my bar is lowered, lol. I’m just glad that the ride will be contained within a building and isn’t a Tarzan spinner or cartoon animal land at this point.

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

I think the easy answer to the “is Indy right?” question is that we already have proof that it’s an attractive name. The DL attraction is always busy.

That being said, I don’t think DINOSAUR is unpopular in that people who ride it don’t like it. I think what hurts it is where it is. It’s in the back of a land that doesn’t get a ton of foot traffic to begin with, and it’s entrance is fairly poorly placed in the way that it doesn’t really attract you to it. It takes some walking and looking to see it.

Tropical Americas will be a much more enticing spot for people to walk through and will have two other attractions (one being another E or D ticket) that beckons people to actually come in. If they make the entrance to Indy more noticeable than DINO’s, I’ve little doubt it’ll maintain consistent waits and popularity.

I think DINOSAUR would too if it was in a better land. It’s location could be better, but I think DINOSAUR was killed ultimately by the land it resides in.

 

[BrianLo]

I experienced Dino without knowledge of Indy as well, in a more original form. But am not really a fan.

There’s just some core executional problems I have with the ride. The lack of soundtrack, ride profile disorientation and the current lighting package.

I liken it to Sindbad pre-revision. All the pieces are there and I fault absolutely no one for liking it, but there’s clearly a much, much better ride hiding under the surface they failed to crack. Or Gringotts, though that one needs some more foundational changes than a soundtrack and better lighting.

Nothing changes that it’s clearly an E ticket with many wonderful features. But we cannot deny it’s really, really underperforming for what should clearly be a top tier ride at all of WDW, but fails to crack GSAT top thirties (fifty?). Something is fundamentally not clicking for the average guest. I don’t blame anyone for being upset they didn’t try and at least fix what was there.

 

[JD80]

In my opinion and my families we never liked Dino at all. Pretty empty ride, the ride vehicle was too jerky. Etc. etc.

Our fam is excited to see it go.

edit: I'll leave the typo because it's funny, but I only have one family