Over the past few weeks, several scenes from the Jungle Cruise have been removed while Disney prepared for the reimagining of this attraction to debut later this year, and now we have some more information about a new scene revolving around the Trader Sam character, who was removed a few weeks ago. Here’s an official description from the Disney Parks Blog, along with official concept art:
Word on the stream is that Alberta Falls, proprietor of the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd., has entrusted her longtime friend, Trader Sam, to manage the new Lost & Found location. But, with Trader Sam being Trader Sam, there’s always an opportunity to make some extra money. After all, all the best rides end with a gift shop, right?
While the Jungle Cruise has remained open thus far while the changes have been made to this attraction, we’d imagine that some kind of brief closure will probably still happen while this ride gets ready to debut its new look and storyline. However, Disney has not confirmed any official downtime for this attraction yet.
While the attraction has remained open at the Magic Kingdom, it looks like the Disneyland version will not be opening with the theme park when it reopens, and will likely remain closed while work is completed. You can learn more about the changes coming to this attraction here.