Throughout Disneyland, you’ll find hidden tributes to some of your favorite sidekicks and animal companions: Figaro, Pascal, and the Firehouse Dalmatian, just to name a few. But there’s one hidden gem that pays tribute to a real animal, one that inspired one of the most famous characters of all time. Ready to find Indiana’s Doghouse?
Take the train from New Orleans Square to Toontown Depot, and you’ll see amazing views of the waterfront and Big Thunder Mountain. Try not to get distracted by the sweeping landscape in front of you, and keep your eyes to the left, away from the scenery. Just beside the train tracks, you’ll see an outhouse and a doghouse bearing the name Indiana.
So, who is Indiana? Meet George Lucas’ Alaskan Malamute.
Source: KYON
Indiana stayed by George’s side as he wrote the beginnings of Star Wars. He wanted Han Solo to have a sidekick as loyal and smart as Indiana, so he dreamed up Chewbacca! Indiana also became the namesake for another iconic George Lucas character: Indiana Jones. Today, Indiana’s Doghouse fittingly sits right near the Frontierland entrance to Galaxy’s Edge, a nod to the pup’s influence on a galaxy far, far away.
“Indiana was the dog’s name.” was of course the famous and insightful line from Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (played brilliantly by Sean Connery) in Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade to Dr. Henry Jones Jr. (Harrison Ford’s iconic character). Dr. Jones Jr. prefered the name of the family canine member while growing up to that of his own, perhaps retaliation to what he thought was an overbearing father in Dr. Jones Sr. A clever personal reference placed into the Indiana Jones franchise by George Lucas became a clever tribute Easter Egg in the Magic Kingdom!
~Byron
I remember seeing this from the train when it was on the backside of Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, and I feared for it when Galaxy’s Edge construction began. I was thrilled when I noticed it once the train reopened.
xoxo
-Janey
Me too!