Disneyland will be reopening its Jungle Cruise attraction after temporarily shutting down to make changes. The much-needed transformation was intended to correct the ride’s portrayal of Indigenous communities.
Disney Imagineering executive Chris Beatty expresses that their goal is to “keep [the ride] classic. This has to be the Jungle Cruise that everyone knows and loves.” However, they also need to “bring a sense of inclusivity to this project…[and] want to make sure that everyone that rides the Jungle Cruise can see themself in the characters and the experience.”
The iconic ride, which first opened in 1955, has been criticized for depicting “tribal dancers,” war parties waving spears, and shrunken heads. In January, Disney Parks made the call and announced that changes would be made in an attempt to turn the ride into an attraction that would accurately “reflect and value the diversity of the world around us.”
New adventures await on the world-famous Jungle Cruise! Go behind the scenes with Disney Imagineers to learn about the new characters, expanded storyline and fun surprises coming to @Disneyland on July 16 and @WaltDisneyWorld this summer: https://t.co/XotMYaCgSV pic.twitter.com/URc9xbXgjg
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 9, 2021
The new Jungle Cruise ride will be available to the public on June 16, about two weeks before Disney releases its upcoming film of the same name. The star-studded cast includes – Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Jack Whitehall.
Set in the early 20th century, riverboat captain Frank Wolff (played by Johnson) takes on the jungle in an attempt to find the Tree of Life. The plant, which possesses specific healing powers, takes him on a journey through the thick forest. Alongside a British scientist and her brother, Frank’s trio competes to find the tree before a German expedition group does the same.
The Jungle Cruise illustrates this journey, the ride representing four rivers ranging from the Nile to the Amazon to the Irrawaddy of Southeast Asia and the Ganges of India. Disneyland Resort public relations spokesperson Michele Himmelberg expresses that “this is a case where the movie is actually based on the ride.” Audiences can witness this as they watch the drying clothes of Frank and Dr. Lily Houghton hanging on a wash line, along with discreet maps from the adventure film.
Check out the new posters for all the characters you’ll meet across the Amazon in Disney’s #JungleCruise. Experience the movie in theaters or order it on Disney+ with Premier Access July 30! Additional fee required. pic.twitter.com/HVxLEwvh2n
— Jungle Cruise (@JungleCruise) June 30, 2021
Make sure to catch Jungle Cruise in theatres and Disney+ on July 28, and let us know what you think by reacting below or tweeting us @celebsecrets.
