
Over a month ago, one of the Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions, Jungle Cruise, temporarily shut its doors for some much-needed TLC.
The classic ride, which has been part of Walt Disney World’s Adventureland since the park’s grand opening in October 1971, embarked on an indefinite closure on August 26, 2024, leaving fans eager for updates on when they might once again board its boats for a whirlwind “10-minute, 10,000-mile” adventure.
For those unfamiliar, Jungle Cruise is a quintessential Disney experience, featuring a skipper-led boat journey through exotic locales while guests are treated to a cascade of well-timed, pun-filled jokes.
It’s not just the stunning animatronics of wild animals or the scenic river settings that keep guests coming back for more—it’s the undeniable charm and humor of the skippers themselves that have cemented Jungle Cruise as an enduring fan favorite. But, as with all attractions, maintenance is a must, and the time has come for Jungle Cruise to get some updates.
Originally, Disney didn’t give a firm reopening date but assured fans that it would be back in time for the holiday season. The official reopening date was later revealed to be October 18.
However, to the delight of many park-goers, Disney recently announced that the refurbishment would be completed ahead of schedule. The new reopening date? October 16—two days earlier than expected. For those who’ve been counting down the days until they can once again hear their skipper’s punny commentary, this is fantastic news.
While Disney has remained relatively tight-lipped about the specifics of the refurbishment, rumors suggest that the changes are mostly structural, with a focus on replacing sections of the boat track to ensure a smoother and safer ride.
This is great news for both guests and Cast Members, as the ride’s constantly moving nature is integral to keeping Magic Kingdom’s heavy crowds in check—especially during the fast-approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. With its ability to cycle through large numbers of guests efficiently, Jungle Cruise is one of those key attractions that can help thin out some of the long lines expected during peak holiday periods.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Jungle Cruise has undergone significant changes. Back in early 2021, Disney made headlines when it announced the removal of outdated depictions of native people from both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland versions of the ride.
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The update was part of Disney’s broader efforts to ensure that its attractions reflect a more inclusive, respectful vision of the world. While the core experience of Jungle Cruise—the pun-laden tour of the rivers of the world—remained intact, the modernization of certain elements was a welcomed change for many visitors.
As excitement builds for the ride’s reopening, it’s worth noting that the news came just days before Walt Disney World had to pivot and prepare for the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm. In anticipation of the hurricane, Disney took swift action, temporarily closing all of its theme parks and water parks and securing outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items around the resort.
Notably, cosmetic decorations were removed as part of these preparations, while guests staying at Disney hotels were advised to shelter in place and ride out the storm safely from the comfort of their resorts. In a bid to keep things magical even during the storm, Disney offered a few perks, including free arcade access and an $18 buffet at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
As of now, Disney has not confirmed when the parks will officially reopen following the storm, but one thing’s for sure: when Jungle Cruise makes its grand return on October 16, eager fans will be more than ready to climb aboard.
Whether it’s the thrill of floating past animatronic elephants or the groan-inducing jokes about the “backside of water,” this classic attraction remains one of the Magic Kingdom’s most treasured experiences.
So, are you ready to brave the rivers once again?