Jungle Cruise: High Adventure & Hilarious Comedy
Jungle Cruise, now a major motion picturing starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, actually started as a ride in Disneyland, California. Opening in 1955, this Disney attraction still continues to carry passengers through the most shadowy parts of the jungle in California – and right here in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Orlando!
Step up to the Jungle Cruise ride and find yourself surrounding by the stuff of explorers: from pith helmets to rucksacks to cargo crates which cleverly reference the Swiss Family Robinson. . .not to mention old-timey posters warning you about malaria!
The entire ride is totally immersive, taking you on a 10,000 mile journey in only ten minutes. Are you ready to totally trounce Phileas Fogg’s around the world in 80 days record? Then step aboard. . .and beware the wild things!
Jungle Cruise: Setting Sail
Before the Jungle Cruise, and even before Disneyland, there was Walt Disney and his True-Life Adventures series. Thirteen short, entertaining nature films were produced throughout the 1950s; eight were Academy Award winners. The series was Walt’s homage to the magic of nature and his voice of concern for the disappearing wilderness.
“These films have demonstrated that facts can be as fascinating as fiction, truth as beguiling as myth, and have opened the eyes of young and old to the beauties of the outdoor world and aroused their desire to conserve priceless natural assets.”1
-Walt Disney
As the series proved to be such an integral part of the Disney Company, it was only natural that Walt sought to include something related to True-Life Adventures in his upcoming theme park. In fact, Walt envisioned an entire section of the park dedicated to it: True-Life Adventureland.2
This was later shortened to Adventureland.
A “jungle cruise ride” was always planned to be at the heart of Adventureland. However, the specifics of the plan underwent some modifications. Namely Walt’s desire to use real animals. As cool as that would have been. . .I’m glad the Imagineers convinced him audio-animatronic lions and crocodiles would be just as good. (Phew!)
The skipper-driven tramp-steamer ride vehicles were largely inspired by the 1951 Humphrey Bogart box office hit, The African Queen.3 With Bogie AND Walt providing inspo for the Jungle Cruise, is it really any wonder it’s such a success? (It’s certainly stayed afloat longer than skipper-driven tour-boat ride Jaws. . .)
Ahead of opening day, Disneyland was promoted on television, and the promotional included Walt giving viewers a drive-through tour of the in-progress Jungle Cruise ride. Walt was behind the wheel of his snazzy Nash Rambler, of course.4 (Nash was a sponsor of Disney).
Part of Disneyland opening day, Jungle Cruise was a hit, but it wasn’t the same as it is today. The main difference was the lack of comedy, which now an essential staple of the ride! Even today Jungle Cruise is still receiving updates (such as removing the “headhunters” scene) – and at Christmas it gets a “Jingle Cruise” holiday makeover!5
This ever-evolving nature of the cruise has made it one of Disney World’s most re-rideable attractions.
Jungle Cruise: Wildlife and Witticisms
When you spend a day at the Magic Kingdom, heading over to Adventureland and hopping on the Jungle Cruise is an absolute must. Aside from being a classic, Jungle Cruise is just downright fun.
Sailing down the river in a shaded tramp-steamer is a great way to escape the Florida heat, as well as buy some time off of your feet! However, don’t expect the laid-back luxury of your regular Disney CruiseTM – this is a journey through the malignant waters of the Mekong River, the swells of the ne’er-do-well Nile, and the exotic Amazon. . .
A few of our favorite audio-animatronic creatures include the elephants, hippos, and tiger! The elephants and hippos are impressive not only for their realism and size, but also because they are in the water alongside your tramp-steamer. The hippos’ heads pop out of the water right next to your boat, and as you cruise through the twists and turns of the river, you’ll eventually find yourself sailing right through a herd of elephants. One even squirts water from its trunk! (You may want to bring you umbrella-phant.)
The tiger animatronic, viewed during your excursion through some Cambodian temple ruins, is also a sight to behold. His lips are curled back to reveal a toothsome snarl, his whiskers quivering in anticipation of the hunt, and his eyes are aglow with that quintessential, iridescent feline green.
How did the Disney Imagineers manage to achieved the special effect of real cat-eyes? Not burst any bubbles, but they’re just marbles painted with reflective coating.6 Sometimes the most simple is the most magical!
Of course, the only thing more iconic about the Jungle Cruise than the animals is your skipper! These loquacious cast members will entertain you with a truly pun-derful script! If you appreciate dry humor, you’re definitely guaranteed some hearty chuckles. (I personally lost it when the skipper pointed to a giraffe and in all seriousness said, “That’s a long-necked cheetah.”)
The Jungle Cruise is a perilous adventure, but the danger is worth. As the skipper heartwarmingly points out, “we’ve laughed together, cried together, and almost died together. We’re basically family now!”
Well. . .they’re like a favorite distantly-removed cousin, anyway. LOL!
Keep Cruising On Those Jungle Vibes
Can’t enough of the Jungle Cruise? I know, me neither!
Luckily, you can continue to indulge that adventurous spirit! One way is, of course, to ride the Jungle Cruise again. While each skipper has a general script, they’ve been known to ad-lib and display their own, distinct personalities, making each ride unique. It’s also a totally new experience to ride Jungle Cruise after dark. The atmosphere is completely different – a little more real, and a little more wild.
You can also go on a culinary Jungle Cruise at the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen! Here you can taste the indigenous flavors of the places you just explored, with an array of Asian and African cuisine. This tropical outpost is sure to fill anyone who’s hungry for adventure!
Have you been on the Jungle Cruise? What was your favorite part (or favorite pun)? Let us know in the comments below!
Adventure is out there!
Cover Image
Photo: Rain0975 via Flickr
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