What Was Removed From Jungle Cruise?

The Jungle Cruise is a beloved attraction at Disney Parks across the world. It takes guests on a simulated riverboat ride through exotic locations, with animatronic animals and humorous commentary from the skipper.

However, recent changes have been made to the ride, sparking controversy and discussion among fans. In this article, we will explore what was removed from Jungle Cruise and why.

Background

Jungle Cruise first opened in Disneyland in 1955, as one of the original attractions. It was designed to immerse guests in an adventure through untamed wilderness, with the skipper as their guide. Over time, it became known for its witty jokes and puns, as well as its lifelike animatronics.

However, some elements of Jungle Cruise were criticized for being outdated or insensitive. As society evolved and became more aware of issues like racism and colonialism, Disney decided to reexamine the ride’s content.

What Was Removed?

In 2021, Disney announced that it would be making changes to Jungle Cruise in order to “reflect and value diversity.” Some scenes were altered or removed entirely. Here is a list of what was removed from Jungle Cruise:

• The “Trader Sam” character: Trader Sam was a caricature of a stereotypical African tribal chief who traded goods with tourists. He appeared at the end of the ride holding shrunken heads. This scene has been replaced with a new one that shows him as a merchant selling goods.
• The “headhunters” scene: This scene featured animatronic figures holding shrunken heads and spears.

  It has been replaced with new figures that show them celebrating their successful harvest.

• The rhinoceros chase: This scene showed a group of explorers being chased up a tree by a rhino. The explorers were depicted as white colonizers, while the rhino was a caricature of aggressive African wildlife. This scene has been removed entirely.

Why Were These Changes Made?

Disney has stated that the changes were made in order to be more culturally sensitive and inclusive. The company has received criticism in recent years for perpetuating stereotypes and cultural insensitivity in some of its attractions. The removal of offensive elements from Jungle Cruise is part of a larger effort to address these issues.

Reaction from Fans

Not all fans are happy with the changes to Jungle Cruise. Some have criticized Disney for “censoring” the ride and erasing its history. Others feel that the changes are necessary and long overdue.

Regardless of individual opinions, it is clear that Jungle Cruise will continue to evolve and adapt over time. As society changes, so too must our entertainment and media reflect those changes. The removal of offensive elements from Jungle Cruise is just one step in this ongoing process.