After being gone for nearly a year, the missing African elephant animatronic has finally made its way back to Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. Guests can once again enjoy the full experience in the African river section, where two elephants stand on either side of the boat, adding to the charm and humor that makes this ride so special.
If you’ve been on Jungle Cruise before, you probably remember the elephant that stands between the abandoned safari camp and the “napping” zebra scene. Since November 2023, the right-side elephant had mysteriously disappeared, leaving only its trumpeting sound effects behind. Even after the ride went through a two-month refurbishment in October 2024, the elephant was still nowhere to be found—until now. It’s finally back, looking refreshed with a new coat of paint and a trunk that moves effortlessly once again.
Jungle Cruise has been making guests laugh since Magic Kingdom’s opening day in 1971. With its Skippers cracking jokes and leading adventurers down famous rivers like the Amazon and Nile, it remains a fan favorite. The recent refurbishment mainly focused on sprucing up the ride’s scenery and rockwork, so seeing the elephant return is the cherry on top.
But while Jungle Cruise is back to its full glory, Disney World is gearing up for some major changes in 2025 that could shake things up for visitors. Over at EPCOT, Test Track is set to close for a major overhaul. With one of the park’s most thrilling rides temporarily out of commission, nearby attractions like Soarin’ Around the World and Mission: SPACE could see longer wait times as guests look for alternative thrills.
Magic Kingdom is also feeling the impact, with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad currently closed for an extended refurbishment. Disney is likely working on track improvements and overall enhancements to keep the ride running smoothly. On top of that, Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland is getting some much-needed upgrades, which means it will be out of action for several months. With its prime spot offering incredible views of the park, it’s sure to be missed.
Hollywood Studios isn’t being left out of the action either. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is closing down for a major refurbishment. In the meantime, expect longer lines at attractions like Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash as thrill-seekers search for their next fix.
Animal Kingdom is also going through some big changes. Disney has officially closed DinoLand U.S.A. to make way for new experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. As construction ramps up, expect detours and crowd congestion in the area, especially near Chester & Hester’s Dinorama, which is expected to be phased out.
Even though these closures might seem like a hassle, they’re all part of Disney’s efforts to keep the parks exciting and fresh. Whether it’s the return of a beloved animatronic or the promise of exciting new adventures, there’s always something to look forward to at Disney World.
