Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye

1995 brought the newest attraction in Disneyland to Adventureland: The Indiana Jones Adventure. Based on the character created by George Lucas, the guest follows Indy and his guide, Salah, through the mysterious Temple of the Forbidden Eye. You'll experience some scenes from the movies, like poison darts whisking over your head, and a daring escape across a less-than-sturdy bridge over a sea of lava, climaxed by the inevitable huge rolling stone. But thanks to Indy's help, so far, all guest have returned alive. It's one great adventure!

We may have a very bad feeling about this...

But Indy will save us!

Disneyland's 1995 addition to the "permanent" attractions, several years and many millions of dollars in the making. Like the Cartoon Spin in ToonTown, the pre-show nearly rivals the actual ride. There's lots to do and see while on line, so just take in the atmosphere and put yourself back into the 1930's. A word of caution: the line for this attraction is frequently horrendous, particular during the busy parts of the day and evening. Do yourself a favor: Be there when the park opens, and go directly, I mean directly, to this attraction. Even with that caveat, the line may quickly reach into Frontierland. However, as the queue is opened up, the line moves quite quickly, and the ride is worth the wait (well, perhaps usually worth the wait, if the wait isn't TOO long...).   This attraction features perhaps the best pre-show both in concept and construction.  There are so many details everywhere.  For example, take a moment and scan the desk as you pass Indy's caged office in the queue.  There's a hidden Mickey on the desk (not hidden very well).  It's a Life Magazine with Mickey on the cover.  Also, in the projection room, way up near the top above the projector area is a sign from the old parking lot.  It's Eeyore, because the attraction was constructed in the old Eeyore section of the parking lot.

Most of the props are from various movies.  For example, the Mercedes truck out at the front of the queue area is THE truck used in the climatic chase in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."  Also, there's a mine ore cart used in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."  Also inside the queue, be sure to read the lettering and addresses on the various crates.  You'll see one that says "M. Brode."  Marcus Brody was the curator of the museum that Indy worked for in the first and third Indiana Jones movies.

There are three doors you may enter on your way to Mara.  One leads to riches, one to youth, and one to the gift of prophecy.  Your car will not always go through the same door, but you still always wind up driving straight toward Mara.  How do they do that?  Actually, the doors are arranged in an arc, side by side.  The track for the vehicle doesn't move, but the doors ahead of the car can move from side to side, making it possible to enter any of the three at random.

The attraction was recently renovated, and I'm glad to say all of the effects are back, including the flames within the Chamber, which had been out for a while.  I'm told another renovation will be upcoming, and the snake room will get a major makeover and become even more "slithering."

By the way, if you sit in front and get behind the steering wheel, don't strain yourself.  The wheel does not turn.  In fact, when you're watching the queue newreel film, pay attention to the driving scenes.  They really do show an actual attraction vehicle.  But the driver, in middle-eastern attire, is only moving his hands around the wheel as if it move.  Watch, you'll see it.

This attraction features FastPass, located just to the left of the main entrance near the Jungle Cruise.

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