On March 3rd Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure, the Temple of the Forbidden Eye turned 20. Yes, the Indiana Jones attraction is 20 years old. I remember when when the attraction wasn’t even there! And I remember when it was being constructed, and guests could walk up to the imposing temple for a peek. We visited again the summer after the attraction opened and how absolutely terrified I was when I rode it for the first time! But it was fun none the less! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the attraction, Disneyland hosted an exclusive, after hours party for annual passholders.

For the event I was inspired by the attraction, and wore an “adventurer chic” outfit with elements of the attraction, including an eye of Mara pendant from the shortly lived Adventureland Trading Company adventure, and a cobra belt, as the attraction features a giant cobra.

The party offered live entertainment with bands, fortune tellers and, best of all, a special presentation with Disney historian Tim O’Day and Disney Imagineer and Legend Tony Baxter to discuss the development of the attraction. Baxter is one of my favorite behind the scenes Disney guys, and I’ve even labeled myself a Tony Baxter fangirl on occasion, because his credits include some of my favorite attractions at Disneyland, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the development of New Fantasyland, and of course Indiana Jones. It should also be noted Baxter started his Disney career scooping ice cream! Baxter and O’Day shared with us the many ideas were discussed in the attraction’s infancy, showcased concept art, photographs of models (including outlandish plans to integrate the Jungle Cruise and Disneyland Railroad) and the technology that was developed for the attraction.

When the attraction first opened, Guests were given cards to aid in deciphering the Maragliphics (named after Mara whose temple it is) that adorned the walls of the temple. The cards were discontinued, finding their ways into antique shops with dealers who specialized in Disneyland memorabilia, or Ebay, and soon the strange writings on the wall were left to be thought of as just decor. But for the celebration, Guests were given the card again! And could once again decipher the various warnings and hidden gems throughout the attraction’s queue, including a room that features the initials of those who worked on the attraction.

It was an exciting and fun night, and I was thrilled to be able to see one of my favorite Disneyland legends in person, and speaking about one of my all-time favorite attractions.

Outfit
Coat by Desert Suedes: Some antique mall in California, I don’t recall!
Blouse: From my dear friend, and fellow blogger, Christine of Smitten
Skirt: Skirt: Made by me, McCall 7153
Shoes: Miz Mooz
Snake Belt: Antiques at the Market, Las Vegas, Nevada
Watch: Fossil