Since we were talking about
Temple of the Forbidden Eye on this
thread, I thought I would share some things that have been lost in the sixteen years since the ride debuted.
In the original plans, the jeep scrum through the temple that some us know and love was supposed to be 1/3 of a "Lost Expedition" area centered around the exploits of Indiana Jones! Yes, you read that correctly.
<img border='0' src='http://www.theneverlandfiles.com/tnf/images/indianajonesandthelostexpedition1.jpg' style='border-color: #CC6600' width='900'></imq>
In addition to the jeep adventure we were also supposed to have a mine car chase lifted right out Temple of Doom! Intrepid explorers would work their way around The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (Now Tarzan's Treehouse) and decide whether to head up to the mining station or down to the jeep adventure! Down by the river explorers on the World Famous Jungle Cruise would pass through a massive temple complex while navigating a series of traps Dr. Jones had already deactivated! As an added bonus, the Disneyland Railroad would also pass through giving guests a glimpse into the adventure!
<img border='0' src='http://www.theneverlandfiles.com/tnf/images/indianajonesandthelostexpedition2.jpg' style='border-color: #CC6600' width='900'></imq>
Unfortunately, Splash Mountain was greenlit first. It would take another six years before Temple of the Forbidden Eye would make its debut in Disneyland. While highly impressive -- the best Disney's ever done -- it wasn't nearly as ambitious as "The Lost Expedition" would have been!
<img border='0' src='http://www.theneverlandfiles.com/tnf/images/indianajonesandthelostexpedition6.jpg' style='border-color: #CC6600' width='900'></imq>
So why bring it up now? Well, rumor has it that Lasseter has been looking over these old plans and designs for future viability! Given space requirements, it might no longer fit in Disneyland, but there's a chance Disneyland Resort Paris or the forthcoming Shanghai Disneyland could have this ultimate e-ticket attraction built for them!
Stop in at the
Neverland Files to see some additional artwork, and at
Jim Hill's site for those of who who'd like to see how it would all come together.
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For 'ish and giggles check out
this collection of pictures from the ride's 10th Anniversary in 2005! You would think that the man who created the character and the company that gave us the ride could at least dress Indy properly!