Adventure on the Jungle Cruise

POSTED: Wed, 05/23/2012 - 05:05 | POSTED BY: Kristen Kirk

Over the years I have enjoyed many attractions and several have been my "favorite", but if there's one that always keeps me coming back for more, it's a relaxing cruise down the major rivers of Asia, Africa and South America. Just climb aboard one of the 15 ride vehicles like the Amazon Annie and you'll embark on one of Disney's most classic journeys. The magic of the Jungle Cruise.

The Exotic Jungle Cruise
Located in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland guests board tramp steamers reminiscent of "The African Queen" and are welcomed by a Skippers that are spunky and creative, with a scripts that make me laugh and groan. Each group of guests set sail from the last outpost of civilization, and begins their journey deep through tropical rain forests of Asia past elephant pools and hippos that wiggle their ears.

Slide all the way forward now... That's the only way we have of keeping the cushions clean!
This classic attraction was not only slated for the original Disneyland's opening day, but shines in the Magic Kingdom and has more sister rides in Tokyo and Hong Kong Disney Parks. Only Disneyland Paris lacks this menagerie of Audio-Animatronic jungle animals, charming vingettes, humorous scripted gags and exotic ruins.

Mysterious Ancient Ruins
The Jungle Cruise was one of the attractions that feed Walt Disney's passion with the 'plussing' his rides and attraction. The story goes that when Walt overheard a mother telling her child that they didn't need to ride The Jungle Cruise again because they had been on it once, Walt was upset and immediately put his imagineers back to work on upgrades. This continuous improvement and change is one of those things that keep Disney Parks attractions as fresh and fun for the folks that are on their first as well as those on their fourty-first visit.

There's old Trader Sam, head salesman of the area.
I love the Jungle Cruise and it's campy, fun feeling that takes guests on a journey not only through the story of the attraction, but through Disney History. It's one of my favorite attractions, is it one of yours? Leave a comment below and let me know why it's special to you.

In:

Wolfie wrote on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 14:40:

I remember riding this way back in 1963 at Disneyland when I was 7. It was the absolute COOLEST jungle cruise ride I've ever been on. Back then, I thought all the animals and jungle natives were real, so they sometimes scared me, but everything was good when we got back to the dock.

Andrew

Charles wrote on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 14:53:

As a child 40 years ago, it was a little scary for me the first time I rode in Disneyland. It was so realistic and the boat pilot had a pistol incase we needed it. As an adult, it is nice a cool and the beauty is there along with some nice adventure that brings back memories. It is fun to watch the children as they experiance the ride for the first time.

crazycatperson wrote on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 19:27:

GO AFTER DARK! Daytime is nice; after sunset you've got the Jungle Cruise AND a dark ride.

J.P. wrote on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 19:47:

This is definitely one of my favourite rides. I never knew it was open after dark until my trip last February when they had a cast member casually inviting people to come on it as there weren't many people in line. What a great change! I love it during the day and, as well, it felt so much more ominous and adventurous at night!

JoAnn C wrote on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 22:50:

I love this ride. I'll have to try it at night.

BoBo713 wrote on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 07:35:

I love this attraction and we always ride it several times during our visit. But what makes it that bit better is the cast members, they go that extra mile to make every trip a bit different. I know they has a script to follow as you journey through the jungl, but most of them have fun with it and really interact with their audience.

Kristen K. wrote on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 12:03:

A couple notes on the West Coast version: When I was doing research on this I discovered that the original Jungle that was planted at Disneyland has actually established it's own ecosystem and has been declared a "real" Jungle vs. man made landscaping. I though that was so cool!

I jumped when the Skipper at Disneyland pulled out his gun and fired off a shot in the Hippo Pool! The spiel was that he had to "scare" them, but it was a gun and it was loud, no pointing fingers or misfires. It was awesome.

Trader Sam looks different in California, I discovered out of all the Disneyland things I think of as "right", when I think of old Sam, it's the guy pictured above from Florida. He's just got more personality.

J wrote on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 17:19:

I have friends who refuse to do this ride anymore because of the jokes, but to me they never get old. Last time I was on, the skipper hesitated on a joke, and I finished it for her, which got me a look and a playful threat not to finish her lines. When we pulled back a kid pointed the dock on the other side of the loading dock, and I said they called a paradox. The skipper looked at me and said, “You’ve been on this ride before.” To which I proudly responded, Yes I have.”

I love the butterflies that can grow anywhere from twelve inches to one foot. We call them the rulers of the jungle.

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