Two small frog figures have traveled all over the Magic Kingdom since opening. They’re always together, a reminder for Imagineers that even the little things matter.
Maybe there’s a movie script somebody can make out of this. Remember the Bob’s Burger episode — one of the strangest — where Bob and his family have a man who believes he’s a mannequin stay with them after he’s found in their storage unit? I’m thinking something along those lines for a Disney+ original all about the two little froggy figures that have been bouncing all around the Magic Kingdom ever since Walt Disney World opened.
Designed and implemented by Marc Davis, the frogs were originally placed in the Jungle Cruise before being removed. The reason might be harsh for them to hear, but thankfully frogs don’t have ears in the same way humans do. You see, the frogs were taken out of the Jungle Cruise for looking too “dumb.” Ouch. But the frogs didn’t just go into a garbage bin somewhere. Instead, they were saved and taken to an embankment where the Walt Disney World Railroad would be able to see them from afar.
It seemed time was being harsh to the frogs. Decades of weathering and sitting in the hot Florida sun will do that to an amphibian. But lo and behold, the frogs have found their way back into the hearts of cruise guides everywhere. They may not be as famous as Skipper Dan, but they’re pretty darn important. Disney, during the refurbishment of the Jungle Cruise, gave the little froggy pair a new paint job, swapped out their eyes, and did a little work on their mouths. Now, they’re sitting back in the place where they belong, dreaming once more of the back side of water!
When The Magic Kingdom (and subsequently The Jungle Cruise) opened in 1971, you could find a similar set of frogs on your river voyage through the jungle. This set was designed by Disney Legend and “old man” Marc Davis! (2/4) pic.twitter.com/XfQEniaMgO
— Remnants of Forgotten Disney (@DisneyRemnants) July 13, 2022
However in 2021, during the refurbishment of The Jungle Cruise and just shortly after Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, the frogs made their way back to the attraction! Now they can now be seen on a log, just to the right of your boat at the beginning of the attraction! (4/4) pic.twitter.com/ChI3KSjHFs
— Remnants of Forgotten Disney (@DisneyRemnants) July 13, 2022
Thank you to Remnants of Forgotten Disney for the awesome photos of the frogs featured in this article. Who knew there were people out there with such dedication as to follow two small frog figures throughout the years?
For all the latest news that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place! As always, drop a comment down below and let us know your thoughts on frogs, turtles, lizards, and salamanders you love at Disney World. Or just leave us a comment if that’s a little too bizarre.
