Trader Sam was one of the first animatronics to be removed from the Jungle Cruise attraction at Walt Disney World. Work is now officially underway and changes are happening at the Magic Kingdom. However, with Sams sales shrinking, it’s no wonder he was the first to go.
Imagineer Zach Riddley went on Instagram over the weekend with news on the attraction. He warns guests to be on the lookout for “Monkey business along the river”.
He continues by saying, “You may start to notice some monkey business along the river as work begins on Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. The good news for all of you visiting @waltdisneyworld is the attraction will remain open to guests. Even while our teams update scenes in a phased approach over the next several months.”
Back in January of this year, Disney announced plans to update the Jungle Cruise. There would be new additions such as “more humor, wildlife and skipper heart – and also reflect and value the diversity of the world around us.” As long as they keep the backside of water, we’ll be good.
There’s no official timeline on when changes will happen or be completed. Only that changes and additions will happen in phases. That way, the ride can remain open.
There is also no word on whether Trader Sam is getting an update, or if he will even be coming back. Do you think he should be brought back to the Jungle Cruise? Or, would the attraction be better off without him?