This past January, Disney announced the Jungle Cruise attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be building on the original story of this beloved attraction by making a number of changes including updating the story line. Today, the Disney Parks Blog released details on some of the upcoming changes.
“We’re adding more humor, wildlife and skipper heart to the classic attraction, and as part of a much larger effort, this updated experience will welcome new characters from around the world,” read the blog post.
Disney has stated during the journey guests will experience several new scenes which will all be interconnected. The Jungle Cruise skippers will continue to share “the unique adventure and interactions guests expect on the Jungle Cruise.”
According to Disney, the new scenes will heighten the skippers’ legendary comedic tone, beginning with a trapped safari party that finds itself up a tree after their journey goes awry. Unexpected scenarios along the way will give the jungle and animals the last laugh!
The attraction’s backstory has also been revised to now focus on Alberta Falls, granddaughter of world-renowned Dr. Albert Falls, as the proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd.
“Jungle Cruise fans might be familiar with her name; however, wouldn’t you know it, we recently uncovered a copy of an interview with Alberta Falls that was featured in a 1938 issue of The Daily Gnus about her and the World-Famous Jungle Cruise.”
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.”
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.”
