Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland at Disneyland. After a special invite-only event on March 3, 1995, the attraction opened to the public as Indiana Jones: Temple of the Forbidden Eye to the public on March 4, 1995. Special guests on March 3rd included George Lucas, then CEO Michael Eisner, Dan Aykroyd, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brendan Fraser, Wayne Gretzky, Elliott Gould, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Dennis Miller, Lindsay Wagner, Tony Danza, and Carrie Fisher. The following photos were part of the press kit in 1995:
At the attraction’s opening, then senior vice president (and future Disney Legend) Tony Baxter said, “I like creating rides that don’t relate to any other experience you’ve been on… It throws people into something that they haven’t dealt with before… and brings them out on a new plateau.”
The attraction allows guests to board a troop transport and join Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones on an adventure into a subterranean lost temple. Of course, this adventure is full of dangerous forces, including snakes… why’d it have to be snakes?
Through the last three decades, the attraction has seen some changes inside, outside, and even with its sponsors! At Tokyo DisneySea in Japan, a version of the attraction that is nearly identical opened in 2001 as Indiana Jones: Temple of the Crystal Skull. A third iteration of the attraction will be put in Disney’s Animal Kingdom where the Dinosaur attraction currently is found.
Currently, there is a pin dedicated to the Indiana Jones Adventure that is available exclusively for Magic Key holders.
Daps Magic has filmed Indiana Jones Adventure multiple times through the years. Here is the most recent recording of this Disneyland attraction:
Indiana Jones Adventure Official Description
Embark on a fast-paced thrill ride in search of Indiana Jones—enter this cursed temple at your own risk!
An Ancient Legend
Follow Indy’s footsteps into the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye past intricate booby traps. Inspect carvings and frescos that tell the story of Mara, a powerful deity who promises great treasures—and vengeance to those foolish enough to gaze into its all-seeing eyes.
Brave Unimaginable Perils
Board a rugged troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny. Confront inconceivable dangers, like precarious precipices over molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, spear-throwing wraiths, collapsing bridges, slithering snakes—and a massive rolling boulder.If you find yourself in jeopardy, only one man is brave enough—or crazy enough—to save you… Dr. Jones!
For the 30th anniversary on March 4, 2025, the Disneyland Resort shared a post on social media showing one of the iconic opening scenes of the attraction where guests are asked if they look into the eyes of Mara. The post can be seen here:
The attraction opened during Disneyland’s 40 Years of Adventure promotion. Part of this celebration included the daily distribution of collectors’ cards that highlighted events from Disneyland’s 40-year history. The March 2nd card was a special card made for the new attraction.
What do you think of the Indiana Jones Adventure? What is your favorite part of this attraction? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
