Harrison Ford’s turn as the face of a Disney World ride is moving from announcement to construction. The 84-year-old actor revealed on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, that his likeness will be used for the Indiana Jones figure in a new Walt Disney World attraction, and Disney has since filed new construction paperwork for the project.
Ford made the announcement in a pre-recorded video message played at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. He did not appear in person. Imagineers Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty presented the ride alongside his message. Ford also said he is coming to Walt Disney World soon.
A Full Name and a Setting
Disney has confirmed the attraction’s full name: “Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.” It is being built at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of Tropical Americas, the new area replacing DinoLand U.S.A.
Ford said he is the actual model for the ride’s Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic. Lucasfilm said it will be the first time his face appears on a Disney attraction anywhere in the world.
A Descent Into the Maya Underworld
The attraction has an original story. Dr. Jones explores an ancient Maya temple near a cenote, a former water-filled cave. Local legend says the site leads to the Maya Underworld, where a serpentine creature called Tsukán stands guard. Riders are pulled through a portal into that realm and face giant bats, oversized scorpions, fire and snakes, with the Tsukán confronting them throughout the ride, including in a final showdown.
Disney says the Imagineers worked with archaeologists, anthropologists and Maya experts, and researched at the Copán site in Honduras, one of the best-preserved ancient Maya cities. The hand-sculpted Tsukán figure towers over the team building it.
Construction Moves Forward
Work is actively progressing. Disney filed a construction notice on Sept. 11 naming Buena Vista Construction Company, its in-house construction arm, to provide labor, material and electrical work at the attraction’s site. The filing expires one year after its date, and Disney has not said which phase of construction it covers.
New aerial photos published Oct. 11 show crews assembling the Maya temple from prefabricated pieces, with work on the base, middle tiers and roofline happening at the same time.
Still No Opening Date
Disney has not announced an opening date for the attraction or for Tropical Americas. BlogMickey reported that Disney removed a 2027 timeframe from one of its webpages, though the site said its understanding is that the land still plans to open in 2027.
Ford’s Long Run as Indy
Ford originated the role in Steven Spielberg’s 1981 film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Spielberg directed him again in 1984’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” James Mangold directed 2023’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” the fifth film, which underperformed at the box office.
Ford received the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award at the Actor Awards on Sunday, March 1, telling the audience, “I’m still a working actor.” He stars in Apple TV’s “Shrinking,” which was renewed for a fourth season in January.
