Disneyland Changes Jungle Cruise Amid Disney Park 50th Anniversary Excitement!
Disneyland has enchanted visitors for decades.
And part of that magic stems from knowing exactly what Disneyland guests can expect from certain attractions.
As a result, Disneyland’s behind the scenes staff have been cautious in making dramatic changes.
But some alterations seem inevitable in today’s woke culture. Recently, the famous Jungle Cruise at Disneyland reopened with a new look.
Find out all about what to expect on the revamped ride, plus news about Disney Park’s 50th anniversary below!
Disneyland Gives Jungle Cruise A Magical Makeover
When Disneyland opened the original Jungle Cruise in 1955, the ride featured what the amusement park described as “lifelike natives.”
With Black models used for those “natives,” the Jungle Cruise also featured distinguished-looking white men. But we’ve come a long way since 1955 in terms of awareness.
As a result, the cruise has received more than just fresh paint and new mechanics.
Changes announced by Disneyland include highlighting the story-telling aspect of the cruise. In addition, the Jungle Cruise sought to remove the dated features, which Disney described as “negative depictions of native people.”
Instead, expect chimpanzees’ antics and other monkey shenanigans. The ultimate goal: Prove that Disneyland has maintained its charming history while replacing what some called racism.
“We are very mindful of the events that are happening around the world that impact people,” Carmen Smith, the executive who heads inclusion strategies for Imagineering, told the Los Angeles Times. “The murder of George Floyd — the world responded to that in unique ways. From neighborhoods to communities to cities, states, governments and the corporate world, there was an international response. How can we be part of the healing journey of America? How can we be at our best?”
And while giving the Jungle Cruise might seem minor compared to the murder of George Floyd, Disney executives hope that they can help move the world toward healing by providing a more aware experience at the amusement attraction.
Celebrate Disney Park’s 50th Anniversary!
Speaking of history, get ready to bring out the Mickey Mouse party hats.
Do you know what happened on October 1, 1971? That’s the date for Walt Disney World’s grand opening of its very first theme park.
Since the Magic Kingdom threw open its gates ,Walt Disney World has added three more theme parks: EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Obviously, a celebration is required! But what’s not so obvious: That celebration is going to last for months. Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary:
- Currently, guests need a valid theme park ticket and a Disney Park Pass to visit one of the Disney World Parks. That means you’ll need both items to visit on the opening day of the 50th anniversary celebration (October 1, 2012).
- Currently, Park Passes for all the theme parks are booked for all four theme parks on October 1.
- But the celebration of the 50th anniversary at the Disney World theme parks will continue for 18 months. Moreover, Disney could offer additional Park Pass opportunities and cancellations also could occur.
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Photo credit: Disney