While still delighting guests today, the Jungle Cruise has undergone a number of changes since it first opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971. Unlike its original Disneyland counterpart, which began with a more serious, documentary-style tone, the Florida version debuted with a lighter, humorous approach—thanks to a 1960s rewrite by legendary Imagineer Marc Davis, who infused the attraction with visual gags and playful storytelling.
In January 2021, Disney announced that Jungle Cruise attractions on both coasts would be updated to reflect a more inclusive and cohesive narrative. These changes included:
- A new overarching storyline
- An animatronic skipper
- New characters and scenes
- The removal of outdated and problematic depictions, including the portrayal of Native people and the character Trader Sam
The first updates began in April 2021, while the attraction remained operational. Early changes included:
- Removal of the Trader Sam animatronic
- Elimination of the “Boats & Baits” native figures
- Redesign of the Rhino scene, including the removal of the tree and original characters
By August 2021, the refreshed Jungle Cruise reopened with a reimagined experience that retained its signature humor while embracing a more thoughtful and inclusive approach. For a full breakdown of scene-by-scene updates, the Jungle Cruise Wiki offers a comprehensive guide.
