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Disneyland Indiana Jones is one of the most popular and exciting attractions at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Based on the Indiana Jones film series, the ride takes guests on a turbulent quest through a dangerous subterranean temple guarded by a supernatural power. In this blog post, we will give you a guide to the Disneyland Indiana Jones ride, and how it came to be.
The Ride Experience
The Disneyland Indiana Jones ride, officially known as Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye, is located in Adventureland, next to the Jungle Cruise attraction. The ride is set in 1935 when intrepid archaeologist Dr. Indiana Jones has discovered an ancient temple in the Lost Delta of India, where a mysterious deity named Mara promises to grant one of three gifts: earthly riches, eternal youth, or visions of the future. However, there is a catch: guests must not look into the eyes of Mara, or they will face the wrath of the temple.
Guests enter the queue area, which is themed as a base camp for Indy’s expedition. Along the way, they see various props and details that relate to the Indiana Jones films and backstory, such as crates, maps, artifacts, and newspaper clippings. They also hear a radio broadcast that gives them instructions and warnings about the temple. Guests then board military troop transport vehicles, which are enhanced motion vehicles that simulate bumps, drops, and turns. Each vehicle can seat 12 guests in three rows of four.
The vehicles enter the temple through one of three doors, each leading to a different chamber where Mara will offer one of the gifts. However, as soon as Mara’s eyes are revealed, someone in the vehicle looks into them, triggering a curse that plunges the vehicle into darkness. The vehicle then escapes through various scenes and obstacles, such as skeletons, snakes, rats, bugs, lava, spikes, and a giant rolling boulder. Along the way, guests encounter Indy himself, who helps them get out of the temple safely.
The ride lasts for about 3 minutes and 25 seconds, and has a height requirement of 46 inches (117 cm). The ride also offers Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane access for an additional fee.
The Ride History
The Disneyland Indiana Jones ride was the result of a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and George Lucas, who had previously worked together on attractions such as Captain EO, Star Tours, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The idea for the ride was inspired by the success of the Indiana Jones films and the popularity of the stunt show.
The ride was designed to be an immersive and interactive experience that would put guests in the role of adventurers alongside Indy. The ride used state-of-the-art technology and special effects to create a realistic and thrilling environment. The ride also had its own original story and characters, such as Sallah (voiced by John Rhys-Davies), who serves as the ride host and narrator; and Mara (voiced by James Earl Jones), who serves as the main antagonist.
The ride opened on March 4, 1995, after a soft opening on March 3. The ride was an instant hit with guests and critics alike, who praised its innovation, creativity, and fun factor. The ride also won several awards, such as Outstanding Achievement from the Themed Entertainment Association in 1996; Best New Theme Park Attraction from Theme Park Insider in 1996; Best Dark Ride from Amusement Today in 1998; and Best Attraction from Theme Park Insider in 2000.
A second version of the ride opened at Tokyo DisneySea in Japan on September 4, 2001. This version is called Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, and is set in an Aztec pyramid in South America. This version has no relation to the 2008 film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The main difference between this version and the original is that Mara is replaced by a crystal skull that also curses anyone who looks into its eyes.
Conclusion
The Disneyland Indiana Jones ride is a must-do attraction for fans of Indiana Jones and thrill seekers alike. It offers a unique and exhilarating adventure that transports guests to a world of mystery and danger. It also showcases the talent and vision of Disney Imagineers and George Lucas, who have created one of the most immersive and impressive attractions ever made.