First Indiana Jones Attraction Permits Filed for Retheme of DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Hey Disney Vacationers! Big news thrill ride lovers—the first Indiana Jones attraction permits have officially been filed. Walt Disney Imagineering is getting the ball rolling on the transformation of the DINOSAUR ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And yes, this is the first step toward the long-talked-about Indiana Jones retheme.

Here’s everything you need to know about the permit, the construction team behind it, and what’s coming next.

Permit Filed to Begin Indiana Jones Retheme

A Notice of Commencement permit has been filed for the DINOSAUR attraction building. The permit lists Mecca Productions as the contractor and Walt Disney Imagineering as the owner. The listed scope of work is simple but telling: “Install Set Elements.”

This isn’t a general maintenance update. This is the start of real, visible change.

Mecca Productions is a Central Florida company that specializes in scenic design and theming for major entertainment venues. If you’ve seen the detailed props at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios, walked through Wizarding Paris at Epic Universe, or screamed through a haunted maze at Halloween Horror Nights, then you’ve seen their work.

While the permit doesn’t name Indiana Jones directly, but does call out the building location. And, the timing and scope strongly suggest this work supports the upcoming retheme.

Timeline for DINOSAUR Closure

Walt Disney World has confirmed that DINOSAUR will close sometime in 2025. For now, the ride remains open and operational through the end of the year. Most insiders believe that an early 2026 closure is most likely. That gives Disney time to complete the new theming work and begin major construction on the reimagined attraction.

What’s Changing (and What’s Staying)

The existing ride track is expected to remain the same. This isn’t a total teardown. Instead, the changes will focus on themed elements, set pieces, and visual storytelling.

The interior of the show building will likely receive major updates to match the new storyline. Exterior changes are also expected, especially to remove the current Dino Institute theming and replace it with something that better matches the Tropical Americas setting.

Disney Confirms Details on the Indiana Jones Ride

Here’s how Disney describes the new attraction:

“A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.

In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.”

This isn’t a clone of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure or Tokyo’s Temple of the Crystal Skull. This is a brand-new story, made just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Part of a Bigger Transformation: Tropical Americas Land

The Indiana Jones attraction is just one part of the upcoming Tropical Americas land, which will replace the current DinoLand U.S.A. area.

Other confirmed additions include:

• A ride-through Encanto attraction
• A carousel featuring characters and creatures from Disney animated films
• Themed dining and new landscaping inspired by Central and South America

Final Thoughts

The first Indiana Jones attraction permits mark the start of a new era at Animal Kingdom. If you’re like me, you probably grew up dreaming of adventure alongside Indiana Jones. Now, that dream is coming to life in a whole new way.

As the old Dino Institute prepares to close its doors, a new temple—and a new legend—awaits. And based on the permit activity, that future is starting now.

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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!