Disney's Jungle Cruise Attraction To Be Rethemed Imminently

The Disney Experiences brand is world-renowned, with theme park resorts across multiple continents. In addition to domestic offerings like Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, the House of Mouse has four other parks internationally.

One thing that connects the parks across the world is the many seasonal events that take place throughout the year, and with September now upon us, Halloween is here and happening right now.

While Disney World has Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disneyland has the Oogie Boogie Bash (as well as many other experiences), other locations have their own take on the spooky season. At Hong Kong Disneyland, an all-new offering is debuting this year.

Hong Kong Disneyland is about to get a little darker this Halloween season, as Disney has officially revealed a brand-new event: Uninvited! A Villains Takeover Party. This limited-time experience, which will take place between September 19 and November 2, will see some of Disney’s most iconic Villains storming Main Street, U.S.A., bringing a unique blend of entertainment to the park.

Disney is calling it “The Biggest Villains Party of All,” and from the details, it looks like it’s aiming to live up to that title. “After being uninvited from yet another royal gathering, Maleficent decides to stir up some fun of her own and goads the invited guests to call forth her uninvited counterparts,” Disney wrote in its blog post.

Fans can expect to see not only the Disney Villains themselves but also their underlings taking part in the chaos. Early concept art already teases appearances from favorites like Oogie Boogie, Gaston, Jafar, the Evil Queen, Hades, Captain Hook, Lady Tremaine, and more, setting the stage for a Halloween celebration unlike anything the park has hosted before.

Not only will Hong Kong welcome this “Biggest Villains Party of All,” but the resort will also change its beloved Jungle River Cruise attraction.

The Jungle River Cruise at Hong Kong Disneyland takes a classic Disney attraction and gives it a bold new spin, making it one of the most distinctive rides in the park.

While fans of Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will recognize the humor and animal-filled river scenes, the Hong Kong version sets itself apart. From elephants spraying water to hippos lurking just below the surface, the adventure is packed with surprises, but the finale really leaves a mark.

Instead of ending with a playful gag, guests come face-to-face with an explosive showdown between fire and water spirits, complete with roaring flames and erupting geysers—a dramatic effect exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Adding to the experience, the Jungle River Cruise is also presented in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English, with the language depending on the skipper, giving the attraction a local flavor that sets it apart from its American counterparts. Opening with the park in 2005, the ride has remained a staple for visitors, proving that even the most classic Disney experiences can evolve in new and unexpected ways.

Now, Disney has announced that the Jungle River Cruise will be receiving some kind of Halloween retheme this fall season. Posting on Instagram, Hong Kong Disneyland’s Managing Director Michael Moriarty shared a cryptic video of the Jungle River Cruise attraction at night, with the caption: “Something’s amiss at the Jungle River Cruise…Who’s ready for a new after-dark story?”

While it is not yet completely clear what is happening over at Hong Kong’s Jungle Cruise attraction, guests heading out to the resort can expect a different type of excursion very soon.

“Cast off on a thrilling expedition where elephants, gorillas, hippos, and maybe even a headhunter await your arrival,” the official Hong Kong Disneyland website reads. “Trek to a dusty tropical jungle outpost—laden with hanging cargo nets, wooden crates, timber canoes, and rusty anchors—and board a weathered tramp steamer for an exciting adventure along a remote tropical river. Led by your trusty skipper, leave civilization behind as you navigate through treacherous waters rarely seen by man.”

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