By Jocelyn Buhlman
Celebrating 25 years this month, Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure has been a fan-favorite attraction since opening in 1995. A key part of that passion for Indiana Jones Adventure is the keen attention to detail that is apparent in every part of the attraction. Featuring more than 1,300 props in the queue alone to tell the story of Indiana Jones’ journey into the Temple of The Forbidden Eye, sharp-eyed fans can spot many elements and Easter eggs that add new layers to the already thrilling story. In honor of this attraction’s milestone anniversary, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites you should keep an eye out for (pun intended) next time you decided to adventure with Indy.
Raiders of the Lost Props
The entrance to Indiana Jones Adventure is a spectacular sight, from the massive snake statues to the complex archeological camp set up in front of the temple. But one detail serves as a nod to fans of the first Indiana Jones film—Raiders of the Lost Ark. The German Patrol Truck featured in the queue was actually used in the film! If you look closely, you can spot handlebars with golf balls on the top of the front bumper that were placed there specifically for one of the many car chase stunts in the film.
A Glimpse Into the Future
With its twists and turns through the mysterious temple, you never know what will happen next on Indiana Jones Adventure—or, do you? Did you know that before you even lay eyes upon the fearsome deity Mara, you can discover an artifact that foreshadows your adventures? The “Obelisk of Doom” that appears early on in the attraction’s queue depicts images of the impending dangers in your adventures, including giant snakes, spearing by spikes, deadly rats, and engulfment by flames.
Your Guide to the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
If one very ominous obelisk isn’t a good enough guide for your adventures, we have good news! Near Indiana Jones’ office in the queue, Indiana has helpfully laid out some maps and guides to the temple on a bulletin board. The maps include handwritten notes, diagrams of where to close your eyes, and more. Next time you’re there, make sure to study the bulletin board so you’re extra prepared for your adventure.
Another Day in the Life of Mickey
This one is front page news for Hidden Mickey hunters—you can find your favorite pal and his best gal featured on the front of a 1930s copy of Life Magazine that is lying on the desk in Indy’s office in the queue.
Hello There!
If you’re a Star Wars fan (or a fan of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), then this is the Easter egg you’re looking for. The wall of Indy’s office in the queue is made of crates, including one labelled “Deliver to: Club Obi Wan,” a tribute to not one, but two classic movies. The text is both a tribute to Star Wars’ Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and to the opening sequence of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which is set at a Shanghai club named “Club Obi-Wan.”
Mine! Mine! Mine!
Speaking of Indiana Jones on the Temple of Doom, you might notice this shout-out to one of the film’s most iconic action sequences. The mine car seen just outside the attraction’s exit was an actual prop used during the film’s thrilling mine car chase. That sequence itself was a complicated feat of visual effect wizardry (that even helped secure the film an Academy Award win for Best Visual Effects!), which you can read more about here
The Missing Mouseketeer?
There’s one more hidden Mickey that only the most brave and daring adventurers can find. While you speed through a hall of terrifying skeletons, you can spot one who’s showing off his Disney magic. You can recognize him by his Mouseketeer cap—like any dedicated Disney fan, he’s even gotten it embroidered with the name “Bones.”
