PHOTOS: NEW Characters Debut on the Jungle Cruise in Disney World

We’re checkin’ back in with the Jungle Cruise in Disney World!

The Jungle Cruise

This classic ride has been getting a HUGE reimagining on both coasts, and we’ve been closely following the progress over in Magic Kingdom. Recently, the new Trader Sam scene has begun to appear, and another scene has disappeared along the river. And now, we’ve got some exciting news on an iconic part of this attraction!

Part of the Jungle Cruise’s changes involve a new storyline with brand-new characters. Guests will follow this motley crew’s misadventures through the jungle — complete with an animatronic skipper! And last night, Imagineers installed this group on that famous rhino pole scene.

©Disney

That means that this morning, this iconic scene officially debuted along the river. And of course, we stopped by to see it!

Hello, new characters!

Our new cast of characters includes Felix Pechman XIII (that’s the skipper!), an acclaimed Canadian botanist (Dr. Leonard Moss), a celebrated Mexican artist (Rosa Soto Dominguez), Japan’s preeminent entomologist Dr. Kon Chunosuke, and the puffin-obsessed Siobhan “Puffin” Murphy. You can learn more about their backstories here!

We’re sure they’ll get the point in the end!

Disney emphasizes that each of these characters now has “their own story and cultural heritage.” And of course, they’re all connected in some way to Alberta Falls, grand-daughter of the world-renowned Dr. Albert Falls! Next time you visit Magic Kingdom, keep an eye out for this exciting addition. And as a reminder, the Disneyland Jungle Cruise will reopen with ALL these changes on July 16th!

Learn More About These New Characters!

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Are you excited to see these changes? Let us know in the comments!