Henry Jones, Jr.

The Indiana Jones Adventure ride at Disneyland is a thrilling expedition into the heart of adventure and archaeology, bringing the excitement of the Indiana Jones films to life. Opened in 1995, this ride combines high-speed thrills, intricate theming, and the charm of everyone's favorite whip-wielding archaeologist.

Your journey begins in the mysterious Temple of the Forbidden Eye, hidden deep within the jungles of India. Legend has it that this temple was discovered by none other than Indiana Jones, who quickly found himself embroiled in its ancient mysteries and booby traps. But don't worry, you’re not alone—Sallah, Indy's trusty sidekick, is here to guide you through (via video, of course—he's got better things to do than deal with tourists all day).

As you wind through the queue, you’re immersed in the archaeological vibe, complete with ancient artifacts, warning signs, and dimly lit passageways that set the stage for the adventure ahead. Just when you think it’s safe to take a selfie, you board your rugged troop transport vehicle, designed to navigate the treacherous temple terrain.

Hold on to your fedora because this ride takes off faster than you can say "snakes, why'd it have to be snakes?" You’ll encounter everything from collapsing bridges and swarms of creepy crawlies to giant rolling boulders that make you question your life choices. The highlight? A face-off with the vengeful deity Mara, whose eyes you were explicitly told not to look into (but come on, curiosity killed the cat—or at least spooked the tourists).

The ride is a technical marvel, featuring an Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) system that simulates the rough and tumble of an off-road adventure. It’s like being inside an Indiana Jones film, with all the heart-stopping action and none of the actual life-threatening danger. Well, except for that one time the ride broke down and you had to walk out—just kidding, that’s part of the thrill!

Throughout your adventure, you’ll catch glimpses of Indy himself, usually in precarious situations that make you glad you’re just visiting and not the one being chased by giant snakes or ancient warriors. The special effects are so convincing that you might find yourself reaching for an imaginary whip or shouting "Dr. Jones!" in moments of sheer excitement.

By the time you stumble back into the sunlight, you’ll be filled with stories of bravery, ancient curses, and the undeniable urge to watch all the Indiana Jones movies again. The Indiana Jones Adventure is more than a ride; it's a time machine that transports you to a world where history is alive, danger lurks around every corner, and adventure is just a step away.

So, if you're ready to channel your inner archaeologist and brave the perils of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, grab your hat and don’t forget: fortune and glory await, but so do the thrills, chills, and a whole lot of fun. And remember, when in doubt, always trust the map—and maybe avoid looking into any mysterious deity eyes.

Here's the long story:

Traffic Troubles

As they neared the final stretch, the families hit the infamous traffic descending the mountains into California. What should have been a smooth drive turned into a slow crawl.

"Are we moving at all?" Kaiden asked from the back seat, frustration evident in his voice.

"It feels like we're going backwards," Parkar joked, earning a laugh from his siblings.

To make matters worse, the GPS kept recalculating the arrival time, each time adding more minutes.

"How is it possible that the more we drive, the further away we get?" Steve exclaimed, glancing at the GPS.

"Maybe we're in some kind of time warp," Mandy said, half-jokingly.

"I think the GPS is just trying to mess with us," Christian said. "It must be set to 'Torture Mode.'"

"Look on the bright side," Lisa said. "We’re still going faster than the traffic on the other side of the road."

"That’s not saying much," Scot replied, watching a snail slowly crawl up the window. "Even that guy’s making better time."

Hours crawled by, and snacks ran low. The kids were getting restless, and the parents were doing their best to maintain sanity.

"How much longer?" Gage whined for the umpteenth time.

"Just a little bit more," Mandy assured him, hoping she was right.

Lincoln, attempting to lighten the mood, started a game of "I Spy," but it quickly devolved into everyone spying the same thing: red brake lights.

"I spy something red," Lincoln said.

"Brake lights," everyone groaned in unison.

Finally, as the sun dipped towards the horizon, the traffic began to clear. The families let out collective sighs of relief as they approached the outskirts of Anaheim.

"Almost there, guys!" Christian said, pumping his fist in the air.