Jungle Cruise Reopens at Magic Kingdom After 2-Month Refurbishment

The Jungle Cruise reopened at Magic Kingdom on October 15 after closing on August 26 for a refurbishment. We took a ride to see if there was anything gnu.

Jungle Cruise Reopens After Refurbishment

In a lush, tropical garden setting reminiscent of a jungle cruise, a birdcage with a statue inside stands gracefully amidst vibrant plants and a nearby wooden structure.

No changes were confirmed beforehand, and it was expected to be a standard refurbishment ahead of the busy holiday season. We saw no changes during our ride and Cast Members confirmed nothing was changed.

A wooden crate labeled "Venom Samples," destined for Stanville Research Station, arrives just as the jungle cruise reopens, bringing with it an air of mystery and adventure.
Wooden crates with diagonal braces, labeled "Mosquitoes" and "Venomous," referencing research facilities, are displayed on a deck as the jungle cruise reopens.
A wooden crate adorned with the monogram "CA" and topped with a small wooden structure sits on the deck, echoing the charm of adventure as people gather nearby, eager for the Jungle Cruise to reopen.

Elements of the attraction do look refreshed, like paint on crates. Did you know there are S.E.A. references in the Jungle Cruise queue?

The jungle cruise reopens in a lush, jungle-themed setting featuring wooden canoes and a quaint hut labeled "Boats & Baits." Fishing gear and a menu sign add charm to the scene, all embraced by vibrant greenery.

Signage and props throughout the ride have also been repainted.

An outdoor scene captures an overturned Jeep beside a canvas tent labeled "LAUST SURVEYING & CARTOGRAPHY," with scattered crates, barrels, and lush vegetation lining the riverbank, evoking excitement as the jungle cruise reopens.

The temple was refurbished in January 2024 and the docks were refurbished in April.

Elephants playfully spraying water in a pond, surrounded by rocks and lush greenery, create a scene reminiscent of the jungle cruise reopening.

Walt Disney World recently confirmed the return of the festive overlay, Jingle Cruise, which will begin on November 2.

Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise also recently reopened after a refurbishment. Reportedly, they spent $600,000 to fix the temple scene with the tiger, which had been in disrepair. However, when the ride reopened, scrim and scaffolds were still in place around the scene.

About the Jungle Cruise

Three elephant statues grace a water feature, evoking the spirit of a jungle cruise, with lush greenery and an ancient stone structure rising majestically in the background.

The Jungle Cruise was an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. The ride puts guests on a boat with a Cast Member, called Skippers, who narrate the expedition with a healthy dose of puns. Since the spiel is done live, the Skippers have the ability to interact with the guests, and each Cast Member brings their own spark to the role.

The entrance for the Jungle Cruise is in Adventureland, across from Aladdin’s Flying Carpets. Stroller parking is to the left, near the ride’s exit.

Guests depart the Jungle Navigation Co. base on the docks of the Amazon River and travel down the Congo River, the Nile River, and the Mekong River before returning back. The different areas have appropriate flora and fauna, including animatronic animals.

The ride is approximately ten minutes long and does offer Lightning Lane access through the Multi Pass. It is part of the first tier of attractions, meaning if you select a Lightning Lane for Jungle Cruise, you cannot book one for Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or Peter Pan’s Flight.

The Jungle Cruise underwent a hefty overhaul in 2021 to address cultural sensitivity concerns. The depictions of indigenous persons from the areas featured on the ride were considered outdated and there was concern about perpetuating stereotypes. Imagineering took the opportunity to introduce new characters and storylines into the ride while mostly maintaining the classic attraction.

Major changes included the removal of Trader Sam in favor of his gift shop, a new version of the Trapped Safari scene, a new sinking boat scene, and more.

Are you glad to see Jungle Cruise reopened at Magic Kingdom? What do you think of the ride post-refurbishment? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and on social media.

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