New Permit Hints to Work on Jungle Cruise Underwater Systems

Hey Disney vacationers, get ready to dive into some fascinating news! A new notice of commencement was filed this week, unveiling that Disney has planned extensive underwater work on Jungle Cruise, one of Magic Kingdom’s beloved attractions. The permit lists a longer-than-usual expiration date, stretching until October 2025, which hints at significant work on Jungle Cruise that may be on the horizon. This notice sets the stage for Underwater Engineering Services Inc. (UESI) to step in as the contractor, with only “general construction” noted as the project’s official scope. Let’s dive into the details to the potential work on Jungle Cruise.

Who is UESI?

UESI is a titan in the underwater construction industry, renowned for its expertise and comprehensive services. They excel in commercial diving, marine construction, consulting, and project management. UESI’s reputation for working seamlessly within operational theme parks is unmatched. On their website, they highlight the challenges of performing maintenance in full view of theme park guests, especially underwater. Yet, their experience ensures that the magic stays intact, even as critical work unfolds.

What’s in Store for Jungle Cruise?

While specifics of the construction remain under wraps, it’s worth considering that after over 50 years, Jungle Cruise could be due for thorough inspections, corrosion control, repairs, or even new construction. Importantly, the address on the permit corresponds directly to Jungle Cruise itself, ruling out any backstage or dockside support. This seems to indicate that the work will take place right at the attraction.

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, though. It’s unlikely this means a thematic overhaul or a drastic change to the ride. Walt Disney Imagineering recently updated Jungle Cruise, ensuring that it resonates with a new generation of Disney park goers. Rest assured that the witty skippers and their pun-filled journey will likely continue as usual.

Who’s Managing the Project?

Interestingly, Walt Disney Imagineering isn’t directly overseeing this permit. Instead, it’s managed by Disney World’s facility management team, highlighting that this effort is more operational than creative. The specialized nature of the work likely involves underwater maintenance best handled by experts like UESI.

Will There Be Downtime?

Whether or not this work on Jungle Cruise will cause downtime remains a mystery. However, with UESI’s specialized skills, there’s good reason to believe that the ride will continue flowing smoothly. Most of the work could happen after park hours to minimize disruption. Disney’s facility management team and UESI will surely work together to ensure that the attraction remains operational while maintaining its trademark adventurous charm.

This intriguing development signals that Disney is deeply invested in keeping Jungle Cruise safe, secure, and entertaining for all adventurers. So while we await further updates, just remember to keep your hands inside the boat and have a pun-derful day!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!