After nearly a year closed, Disneyland is trying to bring back the magic of the park while also adapting to the needs of changing times. Disney has also announced that it is rethinking its classic attraction, the Jungle Cruise, following years of vocal criticism from fans and media.
The Creation of the Jungle Cruise Ride Was Personally Overseen By Walt Disney
The Jungle Cruise ride involves a wisecracking skipper who ferries people along a waterway. It is one of the last remaining attractions created with Walt Disney overseeing the project personally. The attraction is present at both US theme parks in California and Florida, and although the ride was inspired by documentaries focused on nature, it has not aged very gracefully. One of the sights that guests would see along the river route is a scene depicting wild, primitive, and threatening native people.
Disney Confirmed the Upcoming Overhaul of the Jungle Cruise
Disney has confirmed the ride’s overhaul in a recent press release, and one of the changes will be a new and animated skipper character. In a statement, Disney’s creative development and inclusion strategies executive Carmen Smith said that it was their responsibility to ensure the experiences they create and the stories they share reflect the perspective and voices of the modern world.
A Jungle Cruise movie is also due out in 2021. It will star Emily Blunt, Jesse Plemons, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson, who will play the role of the skipper. While Disney has not confirmed any overlap between the ride and the movie, a coincidence seems to be unlikely.
Throughout the year, the Jungle Cruise ride was one of several Disney attractions that were called out for having distasteful imagery. The Splash Mountain log flume ride was criticized for the featured characters from Song of the South and its cringe-worthy depictions of Black people. Last year, Disney said the ride would be reconfigured to include characters from The Princess and the Frog.
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride was also criticized for its animatronic scenes that depict pirates selling female captives. That ride was also changed and now the pirates auction off non-human loot.
Why Sicily Has All of the Adventure Any Traveler Needs
Sicily is an island with a ton of history, located right off the coast of southern Italy. Having been centrally located throughout a few of history’s greatest empires, it has some of the world’s best and most-preserved Byzantine mosaics, Greek temples, Roman amphitheaters, cathedrals, and more. Mt. Etna, an active stratovolcano, is also located in Sicily. This island has unique cuisine, which often uses Arab and Greek Spices along with French and Spanish techniques. Here, you can find some of the world’s most exquisite seafood, which can be accompanied by local wines.
Sicily is a Prime Location
This island is directly between Europe and Africa. Through the ages, invaders were not only attracted to Sicily because of it’s appealing and strategic location, but they also recognized how much of a paradise the island is. Sicily has pleasant and blue skies, a temperate climate that helps with the lush vegetation along with marine life.
In recent years, Sicily has become more of a hot spot amongst international travelers, and it consistently draws an increasing number of visitors. Despite being visited often by tourists, the Sicilians are still tied to their land and tradition through their heartland, olive groves, vineyards, and beautifully kept dirt roads, which lead to family farmhouses.
Things to Do in Sicily
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, and it is a city you don’t want to miss visiting. In Palermo, you can find the Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, the Massimo Theatre, along with the Ballaro Market. One of the most visited places in Sicily is the Monreale Cathedral, which is not far from the city of Palermo.
Cefalù is a small fishing town that is full of colorful boats that are sailing the teal-colored waters or docked at the pier. You can find stunning panoramic views, narrow streets, and the Cefalù Norman cathedral.
The things to do in Sicily are endless, and it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.