Riders are loaded at two load stations 24 guests at a time. It is very
strange to get into a car and be sitting backwards; in fact I can't
think of any other rides where you do this. You are restrained by shoulder
harnesses and you have a rather hard pad behind your head.
As the train leaves the loading platform, it makes a right turn (well
it would be right if you were facing forwards). You then pause here
while the previous car clears the lift hill. This is where the non-riders
can see you and watch the mine cars passing overhead.
The car then makes another right turn onto the lift hill. As start
to climb the hill, there is little around you and it feels quite exposed
when you reach the top of the hill.
When you are at the top you get a great but brief view of the park,
including some backstage areas.
The car then turns right 180 degrees and you head towards the first
drop, which you can't see of course as you are going backwards.
Then it's down the first hill, quite steep and back up the other side,
another 180 degree turn and down a steeper and faster second hill.
Another 180-degree turn and a long, straight section before a sweeping
dropping turn towards the left, gaining incredible speed, before hitting
the full inverting loop.
Out of the loop and into a quick clockwise spiral, increasing speed
all the time, a few more small ups and downs, out of the spiral and
down the home straight in to the load / unload station.
You exit the ride on the left (but your right) of the car and are quickly
back at the entrance, ready to ride again.
The theme of the ride of a ruined temple that is being excavated /
restored is very well done. The whole structure looks to be covered
in scaffolding, winches, ropes and ladders, and all these go a long
way to hide the ride structure. The rockwork and temple structure are
also excellent, with two great lions standing watch over the ride. The
planting is lush and green with excellent climbing plant coverage on
the stonework; it looks like it has been here for centuries. There are
lots of details to be seen around the ride structure as well, including
temple artefacts, tools and equipment.
That about covers the Indiana Jones ride in Paris. I know it is a pale
comparison the Indy ride in California (having ridden that one on the
opening day and several times since), but this one is unique to this
Disney park. It gave the place a much-needed thrill ride quickly and
cheaply while we waited for Space Mountain to be built.
If you ever come to Disneyland Paris and like roller coasters it is
a must-see attraction.
