Today Disney announced that The Jungle Cruise attraction at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will receive a new story line.

This iconic attraction, which was an opening day attraction at both theme parks, will now see an update that is not just a holiday overlay. According to the Disney Parks Blog, as they continue to look for ways to enhance classic attractions and elevate the experience for all of our guests, they are “building on the story of the Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort to include new adventures that stay true to the experience we know and love – more humor, wildlife and skipper heart – and also reflect and value the diversity of the world around us.”

Kevin Lively, a former Jungle Cruise skipper and current writer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared a video describing the changes that will be coming to this fan–favorite attraction.

The new story will follow a skipper and his passengers along the rivers of the world, but this time the journey goes awry. According to Lively, this will be the first time that the skipper will now also be a show figure within the attraction. In addition, they will also bring back two boats that have not been seen in awhile – the Mekong Maiden and the Kwango Kate.

In 2017, Dwayne Johnson, who is starting in a upcoming live action film based on the attraction, said on social media that he was working with Disney Imagineers to “re-engineer and re-design the Jungle Cruise ride in all Disney theme parks around the world.” However, this past September, Disney announced to their Cast Members that they were adding a fifth key to the Disney Company.

“For more than 60 years, the Four Keys of Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency have provided a foundation for our culture and guided our renowned approach to service as we’ve welcomed Guests from all over the world. As we keep moving forward and working together to drive meaningful cultural change, we are introducing Inclusion as a new key and will be rolling out the Five Keys globally across the segment,” read the statement to Cast Members.

With last year’s civil unrest (as well as in years past), Disney has been reevaluating all aspects of the company and how they can be a part of the solution.

Last November, in a story on the IAAPA (The Global Association for the Attractions Industry), Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, said, “we believe that truly inclusive environment is critical to fostering ideas from all people to help us grow, innovate, and create the best stories possible.” He went on to say, “In the world that we find ourselves in today, optimism, innovation, and courage, they will ultimately win the day. With the emboldened spirit that comes from the challenges of the COVID crisis, with the hope and optimism that our brand captures even in the toughest of times, let’s ask ourselves why not take our guests to the moon or bring the moon to our guests? Why not dream as big as possible? And challenge the very meaning of the word impossible.”

In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Chris Beatty, creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering said, “When we consider making changes to a classic attraction, we focus on ways to ‘plus’ the experience. The skippers of the Jungle Cruise bring irreverent humor to guests of all ages, and we’re excited to be adding to that legacy — along with a new animated skipper figure — by celebrating their adventures and influence.”

A Disney spokesperson told paper, to “expect all scenes that feature unsavory depictions of indigenous characters to be updated.” The LA Times also said that “Disney is not waiting to see how audiences respond to the picture. Consider it an indication that Disney is aware that the ride’s cultural makeover is a necessity more urgent than what marketing calendars may allow. Additionally, a Disney spokesperson says the new figurines will not represent characters in the film.”

Recently Disney made changes to other attractions to reflect today’s attitudes including updating scenes to Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and an upcoming reimagining of Splash Mountain themed to “The Princess and the Frog” at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

“We are constantly evaluating ways to enhance attractions and experiences in our parks,” stated Beatty. “We want to make sure everybody has the best time—that guests from all over the world can connect with the stories we share and that how we bring those to life are respectful of the diverse world we live in. And when they get off the attraction, they know that we have done our homework because these are the details that matter.

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. But I want to make sure people know we are not changing the whole Jungle Cruise. This is not a re-envisioning of the entire attraction. 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.”

“The Jungle Cruise has changed course many times over the years – always with the idea that the adventures along the river change from day to day,” said Kim Irving, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “I’m fortunate to be part of The Jungle Cruise team that is carrying forward a Disney tradition of change and enhancement that was encouraged by Walt Disney.”

The company expects these changes to be made this year, however timelines may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.