Jungle Cruise at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Receiving Updates Soon
Hi everyone!
The Disney Parks Blog announced yesterday that the Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland (which has not yet reopened) and the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World will change to include new adventures “to reflect and value the diversity of the world around us”. And with that, to also stay true to the experience we know as well. The update does not have to do with the upcoming film.
Former Jungle Cruise Skipper and current Imagineer Kevin Lively talks about it in the video. He is a writer at Walt Disney Imagineering and explains how they have been expanding the Jungle Cruise story, including the Jingle Cruise, The Tropical Hideaway and The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen.
Kevin Lively says, “As part of this story update, we’ll get to follow a skipper and his passengers as their journey goes awry.” The skipper will represented by a show figure in the attraction as well as the live guide.
He continues, “In fact, the expedition will be up a tree (literally!) after their sunken boat splits apart and chimps board the wreckage, with monkey business ensuing.”
Disney Imagineering Creative Portfolio Executive Chris Beatty says in a D23 interview, that the entire ride is not being reimagined. “When you look at the Jungle Cruise, as it is today, there are just a couple of scenes that don’t do that and needed a refresh.”. He continued, “It’s the Jungle Cruise you know and love, with the skippers still leading the way, and at the same time, we’re addressing the negative depictions of “natives.” So that’s one of the scenes we’re going to go in and change.” He also talked about the animatronic skipper who was chased up the pole by the rhino. Read more of the interview here.
I am looking forward to what Walt Disney Imagineering comes up with for the Jungle Cruise! There is no exact date for the enhancements posted yet.