Big construction progress at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney Imagineering has filed two new Notices of Commencement for the Indiana Jones attraction currently under construction at Animal Kingdom — and both filings point to the same milestone: set installation has begun. If you’ve been tracking this project, this is the signal fans have been waiting for. Here’s everything we know about what’s happening on site and what to expect as this attraction moves toward its 2027 target.
Quick Summary
- WDI filed two Notices of Commencement for the Indiana Jones attraction at Animal Kingdom
- Both filings name set installation as the scope of work
- Contractors are Adirondack Scenic and Scenario — both experienced in themed entertainment
- The attraction’s story centers on a perfectly preserved Maya temple with a mythical creature inside
- Disney has confirmed a 2027 target opening date
- No specific opening date has been announced yet
What the New Permit Filings Mean
Walt Disney Imagineering has submitted two separate Notices of Commencement tied to the Indiana Jones project at Animal Kingdom. These are construction filings that formally identify the contractors and scope of work for a specific phase of construction.
Both filings list the same scope: installation of set elements. That’s the phase where the physical, themed components that guests will actually see inside the attraction start going in — rockwork, props, architectural facades, scenic structures, and all the layered details that make a Disney ride environment feel like a real place rather than a building.
This is a meaningful step. You don’t install set pieces until the shell of the structure is ready to receive them. It signals that construction has progressed far enough that the creative team can begin building the world guests will experience inside the Indiana Jones attraction at Animal Kingdom.
Who Are the Contractors?
The two filings name Adirondack Scenic and Scenario as the contractors.
Adirondack Scenic is a well-established scenic fabrication company with a long history in themed entertainment, including previous work with Disney. They specialize in building the physical elements that bring themed environments to life — exactly the kind of work this phase requires.
Scenario is a scenic and experiential production company also active in the themed entertainment industry. Their involvement alongside Adirondack Scenic points to the scale of set work happening on this project. Both notices carry a standard one-year expiration, which aligns with the attraction’s 2027 target window.
What’s the Story Behind the Attraction?
Disney has confirmed that the new Indiana Jones attraction at Animal Kingdom centers on Indy discovering a perfectly preserved Maya temple. A mythical creature is rumored to live deep inside — and he’s taking you along to find out what’s in there.
It’s a premise that fits perfectly with Animal Kingdom’s DNA: exploration, discovery, ancient mysteries, and creatures that may or may not be what you expect. The Maya temple setting gives Disney Imagineers a rich visual canvas to work with — which makes the set installation milestone even more exciting. This is the phase where those environment designs stop being renders and start becoming something you can walk through and experience.
What’s the Timeline?
Disney has officially confirmed a 2027 target for the Indiana Jones attraction at Animal Kingdom. No specific opening date has been announced.
Given that set installation is now underway, 2027 remains achievable. The phases that follow set installation — finishing, theming integration, technology installation, and testing — take time, but an active set work phase in spring 2026 is well within the timeline needed to deliver in 2027.
Why This Matters for Your Planning
If you’re building a Walt Disney World trip around the Indiana Jones opening, 2027 is the year to watch. Disney hasn’t narrowed the window further yet, which means early 2027 is possible but late 2027 is equally plausible.
The smartest approach right now: stay flexible with your 2027 trip dates, keep checking DisMornings for updates as more permit filings and construction photos surface, and don’t book too far in advance until Disney announces a specific opening timeframe. This is one of the most anticipated new additions to Animal Kingdom in years, and set installation beginning in spring 2026 is a genuine sign of progress.
An Animal Kingdom Must-Do Is Taking Shape
The Indiana Jones attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom just hit a major construction milestone. Set installation is underway, two seasoned scenic contractors are on site, and the 2027 target remains on track. Whether you’ve been following every permit filing or just counting down to opening day, this is the kind of progress signal worth watching. Keep your calendar open for 2027 — this one is going to be worth the wait.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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