Now Look at the Jungle Cruise Dock, and Wave Goodbye, You Are Never Going to See This Version Again

 Jungle Cruise changes ahead! Unless you're deep in the Congo river, you've probably heard the news, but as your Alt Disney News Skippers it's not going to stop us.

Conceptual Art for the Reimagined Jungle Cruise River's Journey
Imagine via D23 and Disney(C)

    Exciting news hit this week from Disney Parks Blog and D23 of new updates to Jungle Cruise, a beloved opening day Adventureland attraction at both American Disney parks. Jungle Cruise is a special attraction, due to Walt's involvement through the original concepts and designs. However, it has been no stranger to change over the years, including the addition of it's humor we know and love today - something you wouldn't have experienced originally when it was only based on the True-Life Adventures' animals.

Conceptual Art for the Reimagined Jungle Cruise River's Journey
Image via D23.com and Disney(C)

Disney's announcements report that the new journey will be just like the trans-continental, geographical-confusion cruise we know; but with more humor, more animals, and new skipper characters. One can hope the new adventure will even include the 9th wonder of the world. Imagine how wild that would be, two wonders in one trip, you'll still come out ahead.  

Not unlike literally any piece of news from the House of Mouse, this has caused quite a divisive stir in the fandom. Die-hard Disnerds knew in their hearts a change would come. Some of them have brushed up on their Adventurer's Club pledge and brushed off their S.E.A. membership cards to celebrate. Much to their relief, it doesn't appear to involve adding characters, or other intellectual property, from the Jungle Cruise movie with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt that was originally supposed to be released in theaters last July. Other fans, however, still live in 1955, where nothing has had time to change and they like it that way. They probably think they are going to actually live in the House of the Future by 1986, too. Anyway, I think you get the point, the fandom can be a bit of a paradox.

Now, you may be familiar with Walt Disney, and that he himself said that the company must always "Keep Moving Forward". That is exactly what the details this announcement seems to be going after. Disney said they intend to continue to make announcements later this year regarding the ride's enhancements. Maybe as we learn more, it will get some fans to turn over. If you think classic attractions like Jungle Cruise will never change, you're in Da-Nile. Just ask these guys:

Former Jungle Cruise Residents
Believed to be removed for being too "cartoony"
Image via wdwmagic.com

How are you taking this news? Will you still be excited to see the backside of water? If you liked this post, I'm Skipper Congo Kate. If you didn't, I'm Elsa, and you need to let it go. Have a Magical Day!

Disney Fans' Sweet Tooth Sweeter than We Thought?

This weekend saw the much-anticipated official grand opening of Gideon's Bakehouse Disney Springs location. 

Gideon's Bakehouse Flagship at Disney Springs 
Image via https://gideonsbakehouse.com

    With the Flagship location now open for business, it caused quite a stir at the Walt Disney World Resort's entertainment, food, and shopping district, Disney Springs.   Fans gathered in the Orange Parking Garage early Saturday morning to snag a spot to buy the locally-famous nearly half pound cookies. While apparently thirty minutes away, Gideon's original location seemed abandoned on Saturday because fans could wait to have the same cookies, but at the Disney Springs location. 

Many took to the internet appalled, however, when the virtual queue hit 9 hours long after only 30-minutes of the confectionary opening its doors. "Ridiculous", one fan even cried on Instagram, a popular social media outlet, as he informed his followers his return time was going to be 10-and-a-half hours later and to check back on his Instagram Live, where he will tell you what they taste like. "Cookies?", his fans guessed. 

On opening day, employees of the new bakehouse were puzzled to find every guest either filming for vlogs or on a live feed.  Supposedly, extra custodial staff were on hand to clean up after influencers tried their limit 10 treats for their audience and subsequently threw away the rest.

It is believed that the queue was capped when the virtual wait hit 12 hours, with most guests reportedly only waiting in a physical line for 30 minutes, a reasonable wait for a cookie, to make their choices and purchases at the cookie counter. Known for creating seasonal delights, many were eager to get their hands on these one-of-a-kind flavors. 

Santa's White Christmas Cookie
A limited-flavor, usually only served in December, that was available for this special event.
Image via https://gideonsbakehouse.com

Did you go to the Grand Opening this weekend? Were you at all shocked that there was a long wait for something new at Disney? What ended up being your favorite flavor (because lets face it, we know you waited)?

Let us know in the comments below and Have a Magical Day!

DLR APs Get Parting Gift

   While we say "hasta la Buena Vista" to the Disneyland Annual Pass program, AP holders are getting one last hurrah by Disney.  Reported today, AP holders who use their coveted discount while purchasing merchandise on Downtown Disney Property in Anaheim get a gift of a magnet celebrating its 65th anniversary.  

Photo taken by Joelle S. on Facebook

   The magnet comes six months after the actual 65th anniversary, which is allegedly being celebrated for an entire decade due to Coronavirus lockdowns.  Reportedly, one AP holder was overheard thanking Disney for the blessing this magnet would bring them, while also questioning whether or not to renew their pass this year.  No word on whether or not the lack of Annual Passes will affect their decision.