Summer of Hidden Mysteries

To coincide with the theatrical release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in summer 2008, entertainment enhancements were made to Adventureland at Disneyland, under the title "Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries." Among these were props and artifacts from the Indy films scattered about the Jungle Cruise and a new show in the former Aladdin's Oasis.

"Secret of the Stone Tiger" involved Indy and an archaeologist named Rachel, both searching for a golden idol in the shape of a tiger's head. The show featured special effects, Guest interaction and a clever reuse of props and set pieces from the old Aladdin show presented here (the Stone Tiger was actually the Cave of Wonders).

In another part of the promotion, dubbed "Random Acts of Indy," Indiana Jones made surprise appearances throughout Adventureland, chasing (or being chased by) an imposing character known as the Desert Hawk. In their quest to get a treasure map from one another, Indy and the Desert Hawk could be seen running or fighting atop the Jungle Cruise boathouse, on the balcony and steps of the Adventureland Bazaar, through the streets of the land or on the suspension bridge at Tarzan's Treehouse.

As it turns out, Indy wasn't the only one seen running through Adventureland that summer. When faced with a certain photo op, I couldn't help but strike an action pose myself. Wouldn't want to get squashed by a giant boulder, you know!