Since theyre changing the attraction, I would like to submit the following ideas for a makeover.
I propose two tracks/versions of the attraction, selectable by the guest before they get on the trucks. As is, the queue already splits in two at the load area. They could easily make one load area designated for the Safari only, where there would be no story, just a driver/guide who would point out the different animals, their characteristics and other random facts while on the ride.
In order to keep the ride somewhat entertaining, the other load area could be for a story-oriented ride thru maybe aimed at a younger or family audience. Since the attraction is currently focused around finding the elephant, Little Red, I thought, why not keep it elephant focused, but add characters from a Disney movie who were specifically tasked with finding someone. In Disney's The Jungle Book, a herd of elephants led by Colonel Hathi, is recruited by Bagheera to help find the lost man cub, Mowgli, who has run off into the jungle and is in danger of being killed by Shere Khan.
The load area would be changed to include pictures of the Colonel, his wife and his son, in the background they could maybe play a music loop of the March from the movie. At some point before you load, Colonel Hathi could either come on in a video, or just audio, and yells out: “COMPANYYY! ATTENTION! Very Good! Welcome to the Dawn Patrol. Today we will be marching thru the Savannah on a mission to… “ when the Colonel is interrupted by his son, Hathi Jr. “Hey Pop, Hey Pop! There’s a lost elephant wandering around the Savannah.” As in the movie, Hathi is reluctant to change his plans, but Jr and maybe even Winifred convince him and says his name is Little Red and he’ll get hurt if he’s not found. Throughout the ride, the Colonel and Jr are talking back and forth to you and each other as you search for Little Red. Along the way the driver is also conversing and telling you a little about the animals you are passing by, and where the animals are, interspersing comments about Little Red, and asking if anybody sees him. As before, the story would be loosely wound around the exhibits and the driver. They could add in music from The Jungle Book or other Disney music, perhaps even the same music they currently “tune in” on the radio, as many people seem to enjoy it.
