New Jungle Cruise ‘Trapped Safari’ scene debuts at Magic Kingdom
The first reimagined Jungle Cruise scene was revealed this morning at Magic Kingdom, giving guests an in-person look at the ride’s new characters.
As you’ve probably heard by now, the iconic opening-day attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland is getting an overhaul to “address negative depictions of natives” in the attraction. One of the ride’s most memorable scenes, the “Trapped Safari,” is the first to be completed.
The new scene unveiled today replaces the original characters with a new cast we introduced to you back in March. The new characters also find themselves up a tree, trying to escape the threatening point of a rhino’s tusk. From bottom to top, meet Felix Pechman XIII, Jungle Navigation Company Ltd. skipper; Dr. Leonard Moss, Acclaimed Canadian botanist; Rosa Soto Dominguez, celebrated Mexican artist; Dr. Kon Chunosuke, S.E.A. member; and Siobhan “Puffin” Murphy, Japan’s preeminent entomologist.
Guests on the first Jungle Cruise ride of the morning were still treated to the same signature skipper humor as they traveled past the new characters.
“I always tell everyone to never argue with a rhino,” their skipper quipped. “As you can see, rhinos will always get their point across… in the end.”
In addition to introducing the new characters, Walt Disney Imagineering previously shared plans for the ride’s new final scene, which replaces the Trader Sam animatronic with “Trader Sam’s Gift Shop.”
Recently, the gift shop structure was installed at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, but remains covered for now.
Previously, as part of an interview for our spring issue, we reported that Walt Disney Imagineers Kevin Lively and Susana Tubert confirmed that there were no current plans to update Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Resort and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Walt Disney World.
With a July 2 reopening date recently announced for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel, it’s been confirmed that the beloved watering hole will continue to bear the Trader Sam’s name. A reopening date has yet to be announced for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise remained closed to guests when the park reopened on April 30, but the updated attraction will open on July 16. Walt Disney World’s Jungle Cruise remains open as Walt Disney Imagineers continue with overnight updates to the attraction at Magic Kingdom, with all changes set to be completed this summer.
What do you think of the new changes to Disney’s Jungle Cruise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
