Team Sklar!
A NEW DIRECTION FOR ADVENTURELAND?
In the years since its opening, the classic Adventureland theme has become increasingly less relevant to modern audiences. Youth of the 21st century no longer see the now largely-explored Amazon, Congo, South Pacific Jungles as the adventurous realms they were in the past. But where there is challenge, there is room for evolution.
2021's bold reimagining of Adventureland takes a fantastical approach to the classic Disneyland jungle, while nevertheless retaining the core principle of "strange jungle brimming with adventure". Namely, replacing the animals of the jungle with a fantastical race of animal humans.
"No, no" CEO Bob Chapek reassured baffled fans, "I don't know what a furry is, but I can guarantee from our team that this wasn't written as an excuse by a furry."
In the deep jungles of Isla Adventura, past misty mountains and steep-stone canyons, lies the realms of the animal-humans. Are they native to this land, or is there something more mystical... or possibly even sinister afoot? Such a history remains hidden only to the bravest of adventurers who seek such secrets.
Such fantastical tribes include (but are not limited to) the Lions, Pythons, Gorillas, Elephants, Meerkats, Gazelles, Wildebeests, Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, Hippos, and Crocodiles, These tribes live within relative unity of each other, all sworn to protect the magical Animaus Jewel. Why that is will remain a mystery until uncovered by you.
So take a trip to our Anthromorphic Adventureland -- sail aboard this reimagined fantastical Jungle Cruise, laugh in the unaltered Enchanted Tiki Room, and explore the newly-revitalized Sunshine Terrace, replacing the bottleneck Magic Carpets of Aladdin with an open jungle-plaza for guests to explore. Adventure Awaits!
Jungle Cruise: Legend of the Animaus Tribe
Ride
We begin our trip through the jungle and all seems familiar to those that have been on the original version, but then we see some of the bushes begin to rustle, with a closer look giving us a glimpse of some... animal people? Our skipper is quick to explain: this jungle is said to contained a mythical gem known as the Animaus Jewel that is said to have uplifted some of the local wildlife, making them human-like. Of course, such a far-fetched legend... is actually 100% true ("It's Disney, what were you expecting?"). In fact, they formed a tribe and apparently have great relations with the Jungle Navigation Co. So much so, that they arranged a welcome party for us! And so, with all this build up, we turn the bend and...
The welcome party is just a single lion-man. Who's asleep. ("He always was prone to lying around.") Based on the state of the scene he's in, it seems that something came up and everyone else left in a hurry, which the lion-man slept through.
Leaving this honestly kind of pathetic sight behind us, we pass by a giant python ("Probably checking out the lion guy; python can easily crush on people, after all.") and end up at a safari camp, which is current being raided by a bunch of primate tribesmen. Some of them seem to be looking for something in particular while others are more interested in learning about human culture, like the chimp trying on some safari gear in front of the mirror or the gorilla that managed to "get that old jeep to turn over."
Moving on, we see some of the younger members of the tribe practicing riding on regular elephants. The elephant boy is doing fine ("Like a pachyderm version of Goofy and Pluto.") His cheetah friend on the other hand.. well, maybe he was aiming to be shaken violently.
The group of meerkat tribesmen standing watch on the sandstone rock formation indicates one thing: we've reached the tribe's feeding grounds. Indeed, we see gazelles, wildebeests, rhinos and all kinds of animal people sharing primitive, but delicious looking meals (though the giraffes are struggling to eat on the same level as the other). And on the far end of the area, we see some zebra warriors standing over a regular lion they just killed "giving acupuncture treatment to a sleeping lion."
Just behind them, we see actual humans for once in the form of a safari party. Unfortunately, they're a bit "hung up" at the moment, as they've been chased up a tree by a strange and monstrous creature, which is currently trying to take a bite out of the group, snaring and... laughing? Indeed, once we move a bit, we find that the "creature" is just a puppet being controlled by a couple of hyena tribesmen, who can't help but laugh to themselves. The skipper is very quick to tell them off for "barking up the wrong tree."
Reaching a calm portion of the river, the skipper decides to reveal something to past the time: during their last cruise, they came across a brilliant gem that, while they don't what exactly it is, would no doubt sell for thousands. As the skipper shows off the gem and talks about what they plan to do after selling it, they are completely oblivious to the crocodile head in the water that seems to be glaring dagger at them...
After pasting by Schweitzer Falls ("Named after famed explorer Dr. Albert Falls."), we find a destressing sight: the remains of a Jungle Cruise boat, imbedded with spears. As the skipper gets worried about their- I mean, our safety, suddenly, ambush! Hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic tribesmen pop out of the water, weapons drawn and with killing intent. Some quick steering from the skipper saves us, but we're not out of the woods yet!
We find ourselves in the village of the tribe, where war drums play out and warriors prepare themselves for the hunt. As we pass by the village, we see the chief of the tribe, a mighty elephant man, proclaim to the boat, "Return the Animaus Jewel to it's rightful place, or suffer the consequents!" As we're processing the meaning of the chief's words and realizing how much our skipper has screwed up, suddenly, another ambush! Warriors pop out from the bushes and attack the boat with spears and blow-darts (actually just bursts of air). We survive through sheer luck and now our skipper some things he needs to answer for.
"Alright, I can guess what you all want me to do now... OH, HEY, LOOK! IT'S THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD: THE BACK SIDE OF WATER!"
One failed distraction later, the skipper relents and decides to do the right thing: return the Jewel to the temple where he found it. Entering the dimly lit temple, we reach a alter that looks like where the Jewel should be place. Seeing this, our skipper takes the Jewel and (though the magic of slight-of-hand and projection mapping) throws it onto the alter, where it creates pulses of light that go through the entire temple. Further through the temple, we see a regular tiger standing alert, when it starts to glow and shifts onto it's hind legs; this must be the Jewel's magic at work!
Emerging from the temple, we are greeted by what looks like most of the tribe in the mists of celebration. Several are on boats, dancing and playing music. Others didn't even bother with a boat, splashing and playing in the water. And under the waterfall, the chief's daughter, a large beauty of an elephant, preforms a stunning song-and-dance. Even the kids with elephants from before are here, messing around with us. All is right with the tribe once more.
Unfortunately, we can't stay for the festivities. You saw how long the line was for the cruise before; imagine how it would be with one less boat! Before we return to civilization, though, we encounter one last tribe member: a parrot man, trying to hitch a ride to the Tiki Room!
Sunshine Tree Terrace
In the new Adventureland, Sunshine Tree Terrace is now a full service restaurant (while still providing a counter service for those who just want a snack like the Citrus Swirl, which can only be found here). The new appetizer and entree options are eclectic with inspiration from Asian and African cuisines. The kitchen has been expanded and the restaurant is part indoors and part outdoors (extending into the former Agrabah plaza).
Appetizers
Pork Egg Rolls - - $11.99
Chicken Samosas - - $10.99
Fried Plantain - - $8.99
Entrees
“Monkey” Dumplings - Brown-colored, monkey face-shaped dumplings with chicken filling - $16.99
Hakuna Mutata Stew - Beef with root vegetables served with rice - $19.99
Roasted Chicken - Served with rice and vegetables - $15.99
Stir Fry - Served with rice - $14.99 (chicken or beef extra $3)
African Salad - - $13.99 (chicken extra $3)
Dessert
Chocolate Lava Cake - - $9.99
Cup - Orange Cream (made with DOLE Whip® Orange and Vanilla Soft-serve), Citrus Swirl, Vanilla, Chocolate, or Twist - $4.99
Floats - Vanilla, Chocolate, Dole Orange, Twist, or Citrus Swirl served with choice of Soda - $5.99
Drinks
Assorted Fountain Beverages - - $3.99
DASANI® Bottled Water - - $3.50
Freshly Brewed Joffery's Coffee™ - regular or decaf - $3.99
Twinings of London® Hot Tea - - $3.99
