At first, I was thinking the exact same thing- how the hell?! But, after "being on the ride" I actually think this has a shot. There isn't too much of a plot to the ride. It has ALOT to explore and discover.
The best way to do this is to take it on as a jungle adventure sort of film. Which, let's face it- we haven't had in a while. You've got LOTS of interesting animals and that ancient cave/temple type place could provide for an amazing action sequence. Perhaps, cliche-I know, the villains are poachers? Such as in the ride and there is a big final confrontation in there- that would be cool. And then encountering the natives. The ride doesn't have a great narration and at first you think, "what the hell?" But, there is actually ALOT of ways that this film could turn out to be great. I say give it a shot, let's hope they are going in the right direction. And this could be a really fun and exciting film.
It has alot more going for it than Haunted Mansion did which was restricted to the haunted mansion. This film could be an amazing african safari film, a trek out into the jungle. An action/adventure thrill ride filled with stampeding animals, encounters with elefants in the wild, attacks from lions, and the like... etc. Just look at the scene of the rhino and the guys climbing up the pole and now transfer that into a film- you've got one heck of a thrilling scene if done right.
So, at first I though- how the hell? But, now after seeing that video of the ride I definitely see potential. If you haven't been on the ride or don't remember it- watch the video- and you'll probably see the way that this can go.
I see Jurrassic Park, with African animals and the like.... without the whole themepark aspect. Mixed with a Indiana Jones type tone. I just.... I feel like it has alot of potential.