The New Jungle Cruise Opens and Other Disneyland News
The new and improved Jungle Cruise has opened at Disneyland! We’ll talk about that and plenty of other park updates today!
Jungle Cruise Returns
A while ago, Disney confirmed that it would modernize Jungle Cruise as part of its Fifth Key implementation.
Some ride elements no longer seem fitting for the inclusive nature of a Disney theme park visit.
Magic Kingdom is retrofitting old sets on the fly, working behind the scenes at night to add new storytelling elements.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Disneyland officials had an easier time of it. The park had yet to reopen when Disney decided to update Jungle Cruise.
So, Disney kept the ride offline until this week, working tirelessly to prep the new version.
Jungle Cruise officially reopened on July 16th, although some insiders got to experience it early. Here’s a video from one of the sneaks:
And here’s a 4k version from one of this week’s soft openings:
As a longtime Disney fan, the new Jungle Cruise may confuse you. After literally decades of hearing the same script, you may need a while to get used to the new dialogue.
Thankfully, the “back side of water” remains.
Other Disneyland Halloween Updates
I mentioned the other day that Haunted Mansion Holiday has confirmed its holiday theme, Haunted Mansion Holiday.
We also learned a lot more about upcoming holiday plans at Disneyland Resort. Since there’s so much new information, we’ll focus on Halloween today and then discuss Christmas in a later update.
For starters, tickets are now on sale for the returning Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party. This after-hour ticketed event starts on September 9th and runs through Halloween night.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Disney will host this event on 25 nights during the fall, which means it averages out to about every other night.
Tickets cost anywhere from $114 to $169, depending on the date you choose.
Disney lists Boo Bash tickets as including:
- Admission to Disney California Adventure Park 3 hours before the party begins!
- Treat Trails with candy cauldrons and Immersive Treat Trails themed to dastardly Villains
- Appearances by legendary Villains and popular Disney pals, including Mickey and friends in their Halloween outfits
- Villains Grove, the dreamlike worlds of Disney Villains, with special lighting, projection and sound
- Frightfully Fun Parade, starring Mickey, Minnie and some of your fave Disney Villains
- Mickey’s Trick & Treat, a unique show featuring Mickey and his pals
- Access to the all-new Avengers Campus
- Unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the experience**
- Special décor, lighting, music and effects
- And lots more excitement for Guests of all ages!
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Starting on September 3rd, Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. will host Halloween Screams, a projection and special effects show.
Other returning holiday favorites include Radiator Screams, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-o-ween, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.
Plaza de la Familia will return as well.
I’m happy to report that Disneyland Resort appears committed to hosting a full-fledged Halloween event this year!
Other Disneyland Resort News
I recently broke your heart by confirming that two Disneyland Resort hotel restaurants had closed forever.
Thankfully, I can now counter that by posting about the return of character meals!
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will bring back Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast at Storytellers Café on July 22nd.
This meal involves Mickey Mouse performing his best Indiana Jones impression. Meanwhile, friends Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Minnie Mouse admire his keen fashion sense.
Disney made no mention of buffet service. So, I’m guessing it’s switching to family-style, just like other former buffet character meals.
However, we’ll know for sure on Thursday. If you want to see it for yourself, reservations begin on Tuesday morning.
Those of you who prefer to dine in the parks also receive a new option on August 12th. The Minnie & Friends Breakfast will arrive at Plaza Inn.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
So, Disney closed two restaurants, one of which offered character meals. Now, it’s opening two places, both of which operate character meals. You came out ahead!
Access all available Disney Vacation Club resale listings, or learn more about buying and selling with DVC Resale Market.
Comments