Indiana Jones Animal Kingdom Construction: Temple Framework Rising

The Maya temple is going vertical. New aerial photos show the steel framework for the Indiana Jones attraction entrance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom growing fast, with steelwork now extending further above the existing building than the last set of images.

Indiana Jones Animal Kingdom construction has been one of the harder projects to follow from the ground, because the work is happening on top of and around a building guests still walk past every day. Aerials are the only way to see it.

Here’s what the latest photos show, what Disney has confirmed about the attraction itself, and where this sits on the 2027 timeline.

Quick Summary

• Steel framework for the new Maya temple entrance is growing rapidly
• Steelwork now extends further above the existing building than in previous aerials
• Disney confirmed the attraction centers on Indiana Jones discovering a perfectly preserved Maya temple
• Rumors of a mythical creature inside the temple prompt Indy to investigate, with guests along for the ride
• Disney is targeting a 2027 opening with no specific date announced
• The attraction occupies the former DINOSAUR building within Tropical Americas

What the New Aerials Show

The steel framework for the new Maya temple entrance is growing fast.

Latest aerial photos from @bioreconstruct show significant progress since the last set of construction images, with the steelwork now extending further above the existing building.

That vertical growth is the meaningful part. The original building has a fixed height, and Disney is building the temple facade up past it. That means the finished entrance will read as a structure in its own right rather than a decorated wall on the front of an existing box.

Why Building Up Matters

Retheming an existing attraction building usually means working within the envelope you already have. Disney is not doing that here.

Extending steel above the roofline creates a genuine silhouette — something guests can see from across Tropical Americas and use as a visual anchor for the land. A Maya temple that only exists at eye level is a facade. One that rises above the treeline is a landmark.

It also solves the sightline problem in reverse. Instead of hiding the show building behind rockwork, the temple becomes the show building’s disguise and its icon at the same time.

What the Attraction Is About

Disney has confirmed the new attraction centers on Indiana Jones discovering a perfectly preserved Maya temple.

Rumors of a mythical creature living deep inside prompt Indy to investigate — and he brings you along for the ride.

That’s a compact, workable premise. It gives the ride a clear objective, a reason for guests to be there, and an escalation point built into the story. You go in looking for something. Something is looking back.

The DINOSAUR Connection

This attraction takes over the former DINOSAUR building at what was Dinoland U.S.A., now becoming Tropical Americas.

That building has good bones for this. DINOSAUR used an enhanced motion vehicle system running through a dark, tight, twisting course with abrupt movements and sudden reveals. A temple full of hazards and something hunting you in the dark is a natural fit for that layout.

Reusing the ride system means Disney can spend its budget on story, scenery, and the temple exterior rather than rebuilding infrastructure from scratch.

Where This Sits in Tropical Americas

The Indiana Jones attraction is one half of Tropical Americas, alongside the Encanto attraction currently under construction on the opposite side of the site.

Recent aerials of the wider area show work moving across the whole land simultaneously — the Encanto show building rockwork, the Casa Madrigal berm, the carousel structure, village facades, and the playground area all progressing at once.

That parallel pace is a good sign. Disney is not sequencing this land piece by piece, which is what you’d expect if the 2027 target were slipping.

When Does It Open?

Disney is targeting a 2027 opening. No specific date has been announced.

Steel framework going up in mid-2026 for a 2027 opening is a reasonable position. Here’s roughly what has to happen between now and then:

• Complete the steel structure for the temple entrance
• Apply rockwork and themed cladding over the framework
• Sculpt, carve, paint, and age the temple surfaces
• Install interior scenery and any new show elements
• Test the ride system with the new programming
• Landscape the surrounding area to blend the temple into the land

The exterior theming is the long pole. Making new steel look like ancient stone is a months-long process that can’t be rushed without the result looking fake.

How to Follow the Project

If you’re tracking Indiana Jones Animal Kingdom construction:

• Aerial photographers are the primary source. @bioreconstruct on X has been the most consistent one for this site.
• Watch for cladding. The next visible milestone is themed material going onto the steel frame. That’s when it stops looking like construction and starts looking like a temple.
• Ground-level views are limited. Construction walls block most sightlines from inside the park, so don’t plan a trip around seeing progress in person.
• Expect a date announcement closer to opening. Disney typically confirms specific dates a few months out, not a year.

The Bottom Line

Indiana Jones Animal Kingdom construction is moving quickly, with steel framework for the Maya temple entrance now rising above the existing building at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The attraction follows Indy investigating rumors of a mythical creature inside a perfectly preserved temple, with a 2027 opening target and no confirmed date. Keep watching the aerials — cladding going onto that steel is the next real milestone.

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Disney vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney vacationer or looking to plan your next magical adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Disney vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

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!