159. Imagineer Kevin Lively on Being a Skipper and Updating The Jungle Cruise

Kevin Lively helped create the Jungle Navigation Co LTD Skipper Canteen at The Magic Kingdom.

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There’s no easy way to update a classic Disneyland attraction. We connect with them emotionally and want to preserve that feeling. Disney Imagineers faced this challenge when they refreshed The Jungle Cruise last year. This beloved attraction has changed frequently since its original version in 1955, but it’s tricky to balance keeping it modern and retaining the atmosphere. These hurdles were overcome by Kevin Lively and other Imagineers with The Jungle Cruise. As a former Jungle Cruise Skipper, he recognized the importance and possible obstacles with this project.

Kevin explains this process of updating The Jungle Cruise on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast. As a Story Editor, he worked closely to ensure the changes fit comfortably. On this podcast, Kevin and I begin by talking about his background and interest in working for Disney. He started working at Disneyland at the Opera House and ultimately became a Jungle Cruise Skipper. Kevin’s role as an ambassador for the attraction took him around the world to connect with other Skippers and promote The Jungle Cruise. The next step was a move to Walt Disney Imagineering, which isn’t a common transition from working at the parks.

Kevin Lively sits with Imagineer Kim Irvine, who has worked at WDI for more than 50 years. — Photo by Kevin Lively

We also chat about Kevin’s other projects including the Adventure Trading Company, a cool interactive game at Disneyland. The play-test experience found an interesting way to connect merchandise with play inside the park. Kevin also describes his work on the Jungle Navigation Co LTD Skipper Canteen restaurant. There are so many great details inside that space, and Kevin describes some of his favorites. Finally, he talks about the experience of creating holiday overlays like The Jingle Cruise and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree. I really enjoyed talking with Kevin and learning more about his role as a Skipper and within Imagineering.