Over a month ago, one of Magic Kingdom Park‘s most beloved and classic attractions was closed indefinitely. Now, an update has surfaced that should be welcomed by many.
On August 26, 2024, Jungle Cruise–the classic “10-minute, 10,000-mile” journey boat ride featuring a joke-slinging skipper–closed indefinitely in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Nestled in Adventureland alongside the likes of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Jungle Cruise has been entertaining guests ever since Walt Disney World opened in October 1971. That said, rides, no matter how popular, often go down for routine maintenance, and Jungle Cruise was no exception.
At the time of its closure announcement, Walt Disney World did not share when the attraction would reopen but did say it would be before the winter holiday season began. Not long after, the Mouse confirmed that Jungle Cruise’s refurbishment would end on October 17 and start welcoming guests once again a day later, on October 18.
Know that the schedule has changed once again, and it’s good news for Disney Park guests.
Related: Amid Hurricane Milton Chaos, Disney World Has Now Permanently Closed One Attraction
The official Walt Disney World website lists Jungle Cruise as scheduled to reopen on October 16, two days earlier than originally planned. That means, in six days—from the time of writing—guests will once more be able to sail the rivers of the world and learn all about its flora and fauna.
Logistically, this is good for Disney World as Jungle Cruise, like the neighboring Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, operates on a constantly moving basis and can carry large numbers of guests at once—perfect for thinning Magic Kingom crowds as the busy Thanksgiving and subsequent Christmas seasons get underway.
The changes made to Jungle Cruise this time around are likely to be minor in terms of what guests can see and interact with, with earlier reports suggesting that Disney would be replacing sections of the boat track. Perhaps the biggest change Jungle Cruise underwent was in early 2021 when both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort removed “negative depictions of native people” from the attraction.
This news of Jungle Cruise’s reopening timeline came just days before the Walt Disney World Resort decided to close all theme parks and water parks ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival. Prior to the Category 3 storm making landfall in Florida, Disney World prepared its parks for the storm weather by removing Halloween decorations and securing furniture, among other necessities.
Related: Disney FINALLY Moving Forward With Magic Kingdom Expansion
Guests from inside the Walt Disney World Resort were told to ride out Hurricane Milton in their hotel resorts. Certain operational changes were made—including free mode at the arcade and an $18 Chef Mickey buffet at Disney’s Contemporary Resort—to make guests as comfortable and safe as possible.
The Walt Disney World Resort remains closed on Thursday, October 10, 2024. There is no confirmation yet on when the parks will reopen.
Are you looking forward to Jungle Cruise reopening at Walt Disney World Resort earlier than planned?
