Marc Davis

Marc Fraser Davis (1913-2000) is a legendary Disney animator also known as the, "The King Of Animation". He designed much of the Jungle Cruise during a comedy-oriented refurbishment in 1977/1978. Amongst his creations for the Jungle Cruise were: the original trapped safari being prodded by a rhino, Chief Nah-mee, the Indian Elephant Bathing Pool, the gorillas raiding the base-camp, and macaques rummaging through ancient treasures in Shir Lee Temple among various others.

Jungle Cruise tributes[]

Above the mess hall of the Skipper Canteen is the office of one, "Skipper Marc" who is in-charge of animal studies. Illustrations inspired by Davis' concept-art also appear in the menus of this restaurant.
In the Jungle Cruise Adventure Game, an illustrator in the Cruz and Lyons families is modelled after Davis.
At the World of Disney in Disney Springs is concept-art of the Indian elephants of the Indian elephant bathing pool, etched into an animation table inferred to have belonged to a fictionalized Marc Davis.^[1]
In the Magic of Disney Animation was a poster for a Mickey Mouse film titled The Jungle Cruise. One, "M. Davis" is mentioned as the set-designer for this film.^[2]
Davis' Main Street window seemingly references his work on the Jungle Cruise as it advertises him running, "Far East Imports" where he sells, "Exotic art".^[3]
In Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions, there is a letter to one Skipper Bob from, "Marc" and, "Alice", referencing Marc Davis and his widow Alice Estes Davis as, "Friends of the Jungle". The letter identifies Bob as having encouraged the two to stop using crocodile skin products.
Above the Banana Troop door in the Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise is a banner from Bakersfield, California, a tribute to Davis' place of birth.

Marc's wife Alice is referenced in the Skipper Canteen with a book titled, "A Small World of Traditional Wardrobe", alluding to her work on It's a Small World. Davis' character Maleficent is also featured on a map made by the Society of Explorers and Adventurers albeit in her dragon form which Davis did not design.