Disneyland is set to update a well-known scene from the Jungle Cruise attraction in Anaheim, California. The park has filed building permits valued at $600,000 to replace the animatronic tiger scene, which had become a bit too worn down over time. The change will see the crumbling ruins surrounding the tiger refreshed with new electrical systems, footings, steel framing, and cement plaster rockwork.
The Future of Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise attraction, a staple of Disneyland’s Adventureland, has undergone several updates over the years. This latest renovation is part of a broader effort to keep the ride fresh and relevant. The current tiger scene, located near the Indiana Jones Adventure temple entrance, had fallen into disrepair, with the infrastructure crumbling to the point that the animatronic tiger had to be concealed behind a wooden box.
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According to records from the city of Anaheim, the permits for the renovation were filed in August. The attraction is scheduled to close from September 16 to October 3 for this seasonal refurbishment.
The Evolution of a Classic Ride
In recent years, Disneyland has made various changes to the Jungle Cruise to remove outdated and culturally insensitive depictions. The ride now features a more cohesive story that connects each scene, moving away from the earlier format of unrelated jungle vignettes. For example, a canoe once filled with skulls was replaced with a wrecked boat overtaken by mischievous chimpanzees.
The updates to the Jungle Cruise are part of Walt Disney Imagineering’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the park’s attractions reflect modern sensibilities and storytelling standards. The temporary closure and refurbishment will allow Imagineers to once again work their magic, this time focusing on revitalizing the tiger scene.
A New Look for a Familiar Scene
As part of the renovation, Disneyland will introduce new themed elements that enhance the overall experience for guests. The existing rock shrine arch that frames the tiger will be preserved, but the surrounding area will receive significant upgrades. The animatronic crocodiles, which have long been part of the scene, will remain in place, continuing to add to the jungle atmosphere.
Walt Disney Imagineering has also taken steps to integrate the boxed tiger into the storyline, presenting it as part of an archaeological dig site. The “Restricted Access” notice and other props add a layer of intrigue, fitting seamlessly into the narrative that Disneyland has crafted for the ride.
As Jungle Cruise skippers continue to entertain guests with their witty banter and jokes, the refurbished tiger scene will likely become another memorable element of the experience. With the updates expected to be completed by early October, visitors to Disneyland can look forward to a refreshed and reinvigorated Jungle Cruise that maintains its classic charm while embracing new storytelling possibilities.