(CNN) — Disney has finally redone its Jungle Cruise ride after years of being criticized for the attraction’s controversial depictions of Indigenous people.
“As Imagineers, it is our responsibility to ensure experiences we create and stories we share reflect the voices and perspective of the world around us,” said Carmen Smith, creative development and inclusion strategies executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, in a statement at the time.
The announcement comes ahead of the July 28 release of a “Jungle Cruise” film adaptation starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
The new additions include both new scenes and new characters, such as a safari group stuck in a tree, the company said.
‘A sense of inclusivity’
Disney’s team wanted “bring a sense of inclusivity” to the ride, while also keeping it “classic,” said Chris Beatty, creative portfolio executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, in a video explaining the updates.
“We want to make sure that everyone that rides the Jungle Cruise can see themselves in the characters and in this experience,” he said.
The ride is just one of a few Disney attractions that have been called out for outdated racial depictions in recent years.
Top photo by Allen J Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
