The Walt Disney Imagineering pavilion at D23 received several new exhibits overnight, giving attendees a closer look at projects announced during the Disney Experiences showcase.
Imagineering Updates for Day 3 of D23
Walt Disney Imagineering teased the additions to the Imagineering Horizons pavilion on Instagram, writing, “Stop by our Imagineering pavilion for a few new surprises!”
The expo hall exhibit has added displays for the final day of the D23 event, including a detailed model of the enormous serpent planned for the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus sculptural maquettes of Moana, Woody, and Buzz Lightyear created for Disney Cruise Line’s next Wish-class vessel.
Tsukán from Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
One of the most dramatic additions is a fully painted model of the Tsukán, the monstrous creature that will confront guests in Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
The serpent rises vertically from the display base with its long neck curved forward, placing its head directly above a small human-scale figure. The comparison emphasizes just how imposing the creature is intended to appear when realized as a full-size Audio-Animatronics figure inside the attraction.
The model is primarily covered in layered shades of jade green, with individual scales sculpted across its head, neck, and jaw. Its segmented underside shifts into bluish-gray tones, while feather-like protrusions extend from the sides and top of its head. Longer green and turquoise tendrils sweep backward from its crown.
Bright blue eyes contrast with its green scales, and the creature’s open mouth reveals several long fangs. The sculpt combines recognizable snake anatomy with more fantastical, almost dragon-like features.
An illuminated model of the attraction’s ancient temple can also be seen behind the creature in the pavilion photos.
The new attraction will send guests into a mysterious Maya temple near a once-water-filled underground cave. According to local legend within the attraction’s story, the passage leads to the Maya Underworld and is protected by the imposing Tsukán.
Guests will be pulled through a portal into the Underworld, where they will encounter monstrous bats, giant scorpions, fire, and multiple appearances by the serpent. Disney has indicated that the adventure will culminate in a major confrontation with the Tsukán.
Disney Parks Blog described the finished serpent as a gigantic Audio-Animatronics figure that will tower over riders during its appearance within the attraction.
The ride will feature an original Indiana Jones story created specifically for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Harrison Ford will also serve as the model for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronics figure, marking the first time his likeness as the character has appeared in a Disney Parks attraction.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear Disney Believe Stern Maquette
The other new exhibits focus on the Disney Believe, Disney Cruise Line’s next Wish-class ship. The models are presented inside illuminated displays styled like large ship portholes.
The unpainted maquettes depict Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the playful scene planned for the ship’s stern. Woody appears to be leaning out through an opening in the vessel, smiling upward while holding an oversized crayon.
Buzz is positioned above him in a dynamic flying pose. He carries another giant crayon, while one hand is raised near his head, holding what looks like a suction-cup dart.
The completed sculptures will appear to be using large yellow crayons to write the Disney Believe’s name across the stern. Instead of the looping script traditionally used for Disney Cruise Line ship names, Woody and Buzz will create lettering inspired by the familiar block-style Toy Story logo, as revealed in the brand new stern concept art.
Moana Grand Hall Statue Maquette
A second Disney Believe display features the maquette for the ship’s Moana statue. The finished bronze-cast sculpture will serve as a centerpiece of the ship’s Grand Hall.
Moana stands confidently with one hand resting on her hip and the other gripping her paddle. Her head is turned upward toward the horizon, while her long hair flows backward behind her. Fine sculpted details reproduce the woven textures, decorative patterns, fringe, sash, and necklace associated with her island attire.
Pua and Heihei will accompany Moana at the base of the finished composition. The wider view of the pavilion display shows the small animal figures positioned near her feet, transforming the statue into a scene rather than a standalone character portrait.
The pose reflects the Disney Believe’s emphasis on optimism, exploration, and looking toward new possibilities. According to the Disney Parks Blog’s Disney Believe announcement, Moana, Pua, and Heihei will gaze toward “new horizons” from within a Grand Hall influenced by the South Pacific setting of the Moana films. The space will incorporate artisanal Polynesian finishes intended to honor the region’s cultural traditions.
The sculpture continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of placing a signature character statue inside each ship’s atrium or Grand Hall. The Believe will also feature Tinker Bell on its bow artwork, accompanied by silhouettes of characters from Peter Pan.
The Disney Believe is scheduled to begin sailing in late 2027 as the fourth Wish-class ship, following the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. A more extensive reveal of the vessel is planned for October 2026.
The examples described here are just a few of the overnight additions added to the Imagineering pavilion at D23. As we progress through the final day of the event, it’s possible more news will emerge from the expo hall following last night’s major announcements.
Check out our tour of the pavilion as it appeared on day 1 of the event:
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The post Tsukán From Indiana Jones and Moana Grand Hall Statue Maquettes Featured in New D23 Pavilion Additions appeared first on WDW News Today.