Today guests at the Disneyland Resort began to experience the updated Jungle Cruise. During a soft opening, guests got to see some of the changes that Imagineers have been hard at work on. This includes new adventures, new humor, more story, and as always happens on the Jungle Cruise… mishaps. The Jungle Cruise officially reopens at Disneyland on July 16, 2021. It has remained open throughout the updates at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.
“We’re excited to be building on the story of the Jungle Cruise to include new adventures that stay true to the experience we know and love, while adding more humor, more wildlife, and an interconnected story,” said Chris Beatty, an Imagineer who led creative development of the enhancements. “As part of creative development, we’ve also introduced characters from around the world and took a thoughtful approach to ensure accurate representation of cultures in our story.”
While the main premise of the Jungle Cruise continues to remain the same, there have been several main enhancements that guests will experience the next time they go on the attraction. They are:
- A safari of explorers from around the world with their Jungle Cruise Skipper finds itself up a tree after the journey goes awry
- Chimpanzees have taken over this expedition’s wrecked boat
- A Lost & Found location has turned into a Gift Shop run by Alberta’s longtime friend and entrepreneur, Trader Sam
While there are some new things, there are many classic scenes and gags to be experienced while aboard the Jungle Cruise. Guests will continue to see:
- The Ancient Cambodian Shine
- Jungle Cruise Safari Camp
- Indian Elephant Bathing Pool
- African Veldt
- Schweitzer Falls
This is not the first time the Jungle Cruise has changed through the years. As time has gone by, what started as a simple cruise became a humorous expedition. The river has also changed course as time went by. Other updates included the elephant bathing pool, gorillas in the safari camp, and the new piranha scene. The jungle itself has also grown and evolved as time has gone by. The initial landscaping was directed by Disney Legend Bill Evans. Through the decades it has grown into a lush tropical jungle that includes three levels:
- Upper Canopy
- Understory
- Forest Floor
The Jungle Cruise has been a favorite for many Disney fans for decades. With these changes, it will continue to be for them and new generations of Disney fans who get to experience the attraction. What do you think of these enhancements for the Jungle Cruise? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
