First Splash Mountain, Now the Jungle Cruise

Of course, Disney's Jungle Cruise adventure was created with a 1950's American viewpoint. Disneyland is, after all, an American theme park created during that decade. Each country creates its attractions- be it theme park or museum - based on its individual world view. That said, it was time for some updates to the beloved original attraction- and it does stand to be more respectful of native peoples. Hopefully not at the cost of humor, however. Self-importance does not make for a fun attraction.

My main concern centers on the fact that recent revisionings of classic attractions, as well as those not so classic such as California Screamin', have brought less charm, less cohesiveness, and less of just about everything good to the affected attractions. The Jungle Cruise is just too well done and too iconic to screw up. Imagineer Marc Davis added just the right touch of humor to this Walt Disney masterpiece. And he left just enough premise to get the attraction going without guests having know the story top to bottom, beginning to end, as they ride. 

I like the idea of adding a skipper as an Audio-Animatronic but will the new story and vignettes be more like a new self referential version of California's Tropical Hideaway or Florida's Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen? I hope not. Whatever you do, Disney, don't fall into the trap like you did with Pirates of the Caribbean- just make it good this time!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tropical Hideaway Poster

Disneyland's attraction posters are among my most favored pieces of art for the parks! It's not just iconic and beloved attractions that get the honor of a poster. Sometimes, the park's restaurants get one as well! The brand new restaurant in Adventureland, the Tropical Hideway has been graced with one for all of us to enjoy. Do you see a problem here? I do. It's only a screen shot of the poster. Let's see who can find a real nice image of the real deal.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.) 

Tropical Hideaway Update

Take a look at what is going on behind the walls of Disneyland's new Tropical Hideaway eatery. Nestled between the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise, this place is another in a series of fine tuning the suits are bringing to the park in time for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. As we speak, signs and lighting have arrived. Based on the look of things, this photo from Reverse Imagineering (https://twitter.com/revimagineering) shows we're clearly on our way for opening. See more at that site.

(Photograph copyright Reverse Imagineering.)

Tropical Hideaway Restaurant Coming to Disneyland

It's not the return of my beloved Tahitian Terrace, but the remains of Aladdin's Oasis will be transformed into the brand new Tropical Hideaway! The new "traders market" area is said to also involve "flavors" in addition to new sights and sounds. It's about time something takes over what was a waste of space and in a theme that didn't fit in with the surrounding area.

This could be a good second choice plan for Disneyland's very cramped Adventureland - if and only if- the stellar Polynesian restaurant never returns. Let's face it. It probably never will. This sounds a lot like an outdoor version of Walt Disney World's Skipper's Canteen over at the Magic Kingdom. Minus the evening show featuring the tropical dances of the islands and other musical entertainment. California does have great weather, so an evening meal on the patio along the rivers of the Jungle Cruise could be great.

Overall, I must say this sounds like a solid replacement for dining that the suits removed decades ago. Should some great Imagineers are involved, there's a chance this could even be pretty good. Add in some cool curios, good food, maybe some island drinks, and a great vibe- well, I could almost forgive the suits closing the Terrace. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)