You remember Trader Sam, don’t you? Trader Sam is the jungle’s “head” salesman who lurks throughout the last leg of your journey through the jungle. He offers you a real deal, two heads for one of yours! Well, a few weeks back fans spotted the sudden disappearance of the Trader Sam animatronic within the world-famous Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. Speculations arose around the Disney blogosphere, as Disney officials kept tightlipped about his whereabouts. All that remained in his stead was a mound of dirt and a bit of awkward silence.

Thankfully, as of yesterday, Disney has come clean about the location formerly left barren by Sam’s removal. Though it appears that the man, the myth, the legend has officially flown the coop, his name will live on in a fun and creative new finale scene!

Trader Sam’s Gift Shop

Walt Disney Imagineering concept art for the scene uncovers the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Lost & Found kiosk, on the platform where Trader Sam used to reside. According to inside sources, Alberta Falls, the company’s proprietor, has left Trader Sam in charge of the lost and found, and he has taken the opportunity to rebrand it as “Trader Sam’s Gift Shop.”

However, as one might expect, wild and mischievous animals have invaded the shop while Sam is out acquiring additional inventory for his eclectic den of antiquities.

In an effort to remove offensive material and update the story, Walt Disney World will continue to eliminate select aspects and implement new show scenes throughout the refurbishments of Jungle Cruise. Interestingly enough, the attraction will remain open throughout this reimagining. However, the Disneyland version, also receiving a refurb, will not be reopening with the park.

Say CHEEEEEESE!

One little element we have spotted while taking a glance at the concept art is a “Cruise Photo” station. Could this possibly mean that the classic attraction will receive a Memory Maker photo op? We sure hope so!

We Will Drink To That

Ever since the announcement of an attraction refurbishment, Tiki fans have begun to wonder and worry if change may be coming to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Part bar, part attraction – this beloved hotspot is literally littered from head to heel with whimsical throwbacks that celebrate the timelessness of tiki. Yet, despite how unique, could this rum-soaked slab be on the chopping block?

While nothing is certain, this recent concept art, which intentionally keeps the name Trader Sam within the attraction leads us to believe that the bar and its name are here to stay!

We will drink to that!