Construction on the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom has reached an important new milestone, as the project officially moves into the set installation phase.
New permit filings dated 28th April 2026 reveal that Walt Disney Imagineering is now shifting focus from structural and preparatory work to the physical environments guests will eventually experience. These permits specifically outline work to “install set elements,” signalling that the ride’s immersive theming is beginning to take shape.
What the new permits reveal
The latest filings assign work to well-known themed entertainment contractors including Adirondack Scenic and Scenario. Both companies are widely recognised for their contributions to major theme park projects, specialising in scenic fabrication, props, rockwork, and detailed environments.
“Set elements” typically include everything guests will see during the attraction, from large-scale facades and temple structures to smaller props and environmental storytelling details. This phase is often one of the most visually transformative stages of construction.
While earlier permits focused on infrastructure such as electrical systems and site preparation, this shift indicates that the attraction is progressing steadily toward its final themed experience.
A reimagined adventure
The new Indiana Jones ride is replacing the long-running DINOSAUR attraction, which closed on 2nd February 2026 after nearly three decades of operation.
Rather than building an entirely new ride system, Disney is reusing the existing enhanced motion vehicle (EMV) track while completely transforming the story, setting, and visuals.
Guests will join Indiana Jones on an original adventure set inside a newly discovered Maya temple. According to Disney, the story centres on Indy investigating rumours of a mysterious creature hidden deep within the ruins, bringing riders along for the expedition.
Part of a larger transformation
The attraction is a key component of the new Tropical Americas land, also known as Pueblo Esperanza, which is replacing DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom.
This new area will blend lush environments and storytelling inspired by Central and South America, featuring not only Indiana Jones but also an Encanto-themed attraction and additional experiences.
The land is currently scheduled to open in 2027, although Disney has not yet announced a specific date.
What this milestone means
Entering the set installation phase is a strong indicator that the project is moving into a more advanced stage of development. With scenic elements now being installed, the attraction will begin to take on its final look and feel, bringing the world of Indiana Jones to life within the park.
For fans, this marks a significant step closer to experiencing one of the most anticipated additions to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as the transformation from DINOSAUR to Indiana Jones continues to accelerate.