PHOTOS: A Big Part of Jungle Cruise GONE as Makeover Begins in Disney World

Earlier this year, Disney announced that Jungle Cruise at both Disney World and Disneyland will be reimagined, including a new storyline and new characters!

Jungle Cruise

The attraction is slated to remain open in Magic Kingdom as these changes are implemented, and it looks like some of that work has already begun!

We hopped aboard Jungle Cruise today and spotted a very noticeable change to the ride — the Trader Sam animatronic has been removed!

Trader Sam has disappeared from Jungle Cruise!

Trader Sam was previously located at the very end of the attraction, where a Skipper would inform guests about his unusual trading policies and practices.

Trader Sam — now missing from Jungle Cruise! You won’t find him if you ride the attraction now.

Now, all that remains is an empty space in the jungle where he once stood!

Trader Sam has been removed from Jungle Cruise as the ride's makeover begins. pic.twitter.com/OLCtDGHVMb

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) April 5, 2021

The changes being brought to Jungle Cruise are part of Disney’s initiative “to make sure that any time we show something culturally significant, that is done in the proper light,” as described by Carmen Smith, executive for Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies.

We’ll continue to check in on Jungle Cruise in the coming weeks and months to bring you the latest updates as this classic Disney World ride undergoes its major reimagining!