Guests travel along the rivers of the world on boats driven by wise-cracking skippers.
Before any park construction began Walt Disney was boldly describing an explorers boat ride down a lush river of romance. Months before the park opened the Disneyland TV series previewed the coming cruise with footage of Disney driving a car through the dry river bed while he touted the wonders to come.
The Jungle Cruise was constructed at the same time as the park was being built. As you can see here in this time lapse video alot of dirt needed to be moved. Trees need to be rearranged. Some of the original walnut trees that had been uprooted from the groves that covered the Disneyland site were rescued, then "uprooted" once again in the jungle -- planted upside down so the roots stuck up in the air -- to begin a new life simulating the bizarre and exotic jungle plants everyone expected to see in such a remote and uncharted jungle.
It has been said that the amount plants need to populate the Jungle Cruise wiped out the inventory of most of the nurseries in the Orange County area.What's more since it covers approximately 3 acres the Jungle Cruise has always been one of Disneyland's largest attractions and one of the most heavily promoted.
Interestingly the Jungle cruise had many names in alot of the souvenir books it was called Explorer Boat Ride,River Boat Ride, Jungle River Boat Ride, Jungle River Boat Safari and finally in 1959 Jungle Cruise On opening day the Jungle Cruise was arguably Disneyland's most important attraction from 1955 until 1962 the Jungle Cruise was the only major attraction in all of Adventureland.
Disney legend Harper Golf laid out the 4 foot deep river and drew some the first concept sketches of the scenery that would appear along its teeming banks taking some of his ideas from another 50's movie the Oscar winning the African Queen.
Walt Disney enjoyed being in the middle of the construction.
What was the press saying about Jungle Cruise:From the Independent Press Telegram article: Disneyland Digs In At Anaheim from February 13 1955 5 months before opening:The journey will be adventuresome -- lifelike wild animals, reptiles and even human natives, all in detailed replica, will threaten the vessel at every river bend. As passengers cross the "equator" they will receive the traditional certificate from Neptune himself.From the Sunday News Journal article: Disneyland A New Wonder Of The Amusement World Nears Completion from May 29, 1955 about 6 weeks from opening: With vast delight, Walt told what the journey would be like: Past Jungle scenes, exotic temples, munching giraffes (plastic but realistic, trumpeting elephants. Yawning crocodiles. Menacing hippos. Cannibals. Under a waterfall and finally down rapids and back to the boat house.From Westways article: All Aboard For Disneyland from July 1955: Thirty-foot replicas of African explorers' boats will depart from a Tahitian village and cruise a five-acre waterway representing the tropical sections of the earth today. Along the channels of the waterway grow a quarter-of-a-million dollars' worth of rare trees, shrubs and exotic flowers imported from the tropics. Lifelike, animated, plastic-and-wire animals and reptiles will swim in the rivers and move through the dense brush on concealed rails and cables. Elephants will trumpet from shore, crocodiles, hippopotami and snakes will glide menacingly through the water toward excursion boats. Shrubs and trees will be graced with beautiful tropical birds.
Once the park opened the official souvenir books devoted more space and photos to the 9 minute Jungle Cruise than any other attraction. The early souvenir books liberally mixed colorful photos with enthusiastic text that described how adventure lurks at every bend of this jungle wonder world.The Jungle Cruise incorporated themes and images from Disney's True Life adventure films of the 50's in this case the 75 minute documentary the African Lion.Africa however is not the only setting of the Jungle Cruise in addition to the Congo and Nile scenes along the water way suggest other international rivers like the Amazon and the Mekong
Early plans called for real animals to populate this wilderness but that idea was quickly scotched when designers realized that jungle wildlife usually sleep all day and even those beasts not sleeping would probably be hiding from noisy intrusive boats. Dozens of realistic mechanical animals and jungle natives eventually went on display among them majestic elephants, snakes, charging hippos, giraffes, half submerged crocodiles and dancing head hunters.
Though their motions were simple and repetitive these machines were considered advanced special effects in the 50's and they gave the Jungle Cruise its unique thrills.
From a current Jungle Cruise skipper. There is a "Jungle Cruise Script" the day any one of us actually uses it, is the day The Jungle dies. The only time you might hear us do a "Standard Operating Procedure" (SOP) spiel, is when a supervisor is on our boat! The Jungle Cruise boats are on a track and they can be switched back to maintenance via a switch. The switch is called the Domingus Switch, after former skipper, VP Ron Domingus.
The Jungle Cruise has been updated at least 10 times since 1955.In 1962 the playful elephants and their bathing pool were added to the water way and the joke: "Is it ok to take their picture of course it is they have their trunks on" was added to the script.The African Veldt Marc Davis' lost safari climbing away from a rhino and the Cambodian ruins all joined the fun by 1964.And by the 1970's the gorillas started playing in the abandoned camp. In 1994 with the construction of Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom the river had to be rerouted.
The gas powered boats also have undergone several revisions early on spot lights were added to allow night cruises The boats gleaming white exteriors and red and white striped roof were replaced with more drab looking paint and canvas coverings to give them a weathered look. The 27 foot boats have always held about 32 passengers. One key aspect of the Jungle that separates it from other Disneyland attractions is the comical patter spoken by thewise cracking skippers.
Initially these cast members wearing safari garb and brandishing blank loaded pistols delivered serious narration about the cruise and its dangerous inhabitants but after a few years that narration with the blessing of park officials was played for laughs the purpose perhaps was to deflate the menace of the realistic spiders jungle beasts and savages with bursts of humor The Cruise eventually became a not stop joke fest that begins before the guests are even in their seats by now most guests can recite one or two of the corny gags that have been repeated thousands of times the crocs looking for a hand out, the rare view of the backside of water, Trader Sam the attraction mascot who will trade 2 shrunken heads for yours and the most dangerous part of the trip return to civilization
Much of this is scripted but skippers have a long tradition of adlibbing new material especially on the last run of the night
Landscapers Morgan, Bill Evens and Jack Evans made creative use of exotic greenery as they planted the dense foliage that soon filled in the area to resemble real jungles of the world. Today there are more than 700 trees and over 40 different kinds of plants representing 6 continents in the Evans jungle.
Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, and Nixon's press secretary Ron Ziegler are all said to have been Jungle Cruise skippers in their youth these might be fanciful legends to go along with entertaining stories of boats that have sunk and skippers who have swung from ropes in the trees but they are all part of the reason that guests have always been fascinated with this beloved Disneyland classic.
Sources of inspiration for the attraction include a 1955 True-Life Adventure, "The African Lion," about a pride of lions, and the film The African Queen. Imagineer Harper Goff referenced the African Queen frequently in his ideas; even his designs of the ride vehicles were inspired by the steamer used in the film. The project was placed on the schedule to open with the July 17, 1955 debut of Disneyland.When plans began to develop, Bill Evans, the Imagineer responsible for landscaping Disneyland, faced the daunting task of creating a convincing jungle on a limited budget. Aside from importing many actual tropical plants, he made wide use of "character plants" which, while not necessarily exotic, could give the appearance of exotic context.
In a particularly well-known trick, Bill Evans uprooted local orange trees and "replanted" them upside-down, growing vines on the exposed roots.
The boat names are: Amazon Belle, Congo Queen, Ganges Gal, Hondo Hattie, Irrawaddy Woman, Kissimmee Kate, Magdalena Maiden, Mekong Maiden, Nile Princess, Orinoco Adventuress, Suwannee Lady, Ucayali Una, Yangtze Lotus, Zambezi Miss on the exposed roots. Disney controls the clarity of the water (known as "turbidity") in order to obscure from guests' view the boat's guidance system and undesirable items like perches and mechanized platforms of the bathing elephants and hippos.
From a current Jungle Cruise skipper. There is a "Jungle Cruise Script" the day any one of us actually uses it, is the day The Jungle dies. The only time you might hear us do a "Standard Operating Procedure" spiel, is when a supervisor is on our boat!!
Jungle Cruise Required a "C" ticket in 1955 a "D" ticket in 1956-1957 a "E" ticket in 1959 an "E" ticket in 1964-1965
The native village was originally a dense jungle filled with tikis, masks, and several more natives. Trader Sam used to wear a mask and a gorilla across the channel was trying to grab his merchandise.
From WED Disneyland Dictionary 1968 Jungle Cruise is enjoyed by guests aboard brightly canopied launches that carry 36 passengers each. Visitors become jungle explorers in a journey down the rivers Of the world, where hippopotami and alligators churn the muddy waters, elephants trumpet and cannibals "threaten" each boat with raised spears. Jungle animals, moving and roaring in lifelike realism, include giraffes, lions, zebras, water buffalo and rhinoceri. Rare plants imported from the far corners of the globe fill this jungle world with brilliant flowers and lush foliage.
From Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Disneyland 1982: The spiel delivered by the boatmen on this nine-minute adventure trip is not always quite as lively as it could be. After all, the average boatman does have to repeat the same jokes over and over again during his working day. But every once in a while, when your "white hunter" turns out to be one of the handful of natural comics who do the job, the presentation can be really funny. Be sure to look for the hefty Canary Island date palm to the right as you approach the loading dock in the queue area. One of the few trees that Walt found on the property when it first came into his hands, it was planted in 1896 and had acquired so much sentimental value to the family that owned the land that they requested that it be preserved. Transplanted from its former location-which would have been just about in the center of the parking lot's section C-it stands here today.Trivia buffs should note that Bob Mattey, who helped develop the creatures, also worked on the man-eating plants of many Tarzan movies, the giant squid from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the mechanical shark in Jaws. The large-leafed upright tree in the Cambodian ruins section of the attraction is a Ficus religiosa, an example of the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment in India many centuries ago.
One of the few trees that Walt found on the property when it first came into his hands, it was planted in 1896 and had acquired so much sentimental value to the family that owned the land that they requested that it be preserved.
Transplanted from its former location-which would have been just about in the center of the parking lot's section C-it stands here today.
April 7, 2017: Dwayne Johnson's turning Jungle Cruise into a movie. The movie has been in pre-production since 2015. The film will start production in spring 2018 Release Date will be 2020 Jungle Cruise movie in theaters on July 30, 2021
Specs Capacity: 2278 per hour-- Capacity per boat: 34-- Cycle Time 10:48-- Load Time: :40 -- Unload Time :30 -- Trip Time: 9 minutes -- Dispatch Interval :54 -- Trips per hour 67 Distance Traveled: 1820 feet Speed 2.20 MPH
Some of the original walnut trees that had been uprooted from the groves that covered the Disneyland site were rescued, then "uprooted" once again in the jungle -- planted upside down so their roots stuck up in the air -- to begin a new life simulating the bizarre and exotic jungle plants everyone expected to see in such a remote and uncharted jungle.
From a current Jungle Cruise skipper. There is a "Jungle Cruise Script" the day any one of us actually uses it, is the day The Jungle dies. The only time you might hear us do a "Standard Operating Procedure" (SOP) spiel, is when a supervisor is on our boat!!
The Jungle Cruise boats are on a track and they can be switched back to maintenance via a switch. The switch is called the Domingus Switch, after former skipper, VP Ron Domingus.
In the design stages of this attraction Walt wanted real animals. Then it was realized that real animals could not be seen on each ride so it was decided to use mechanical animals.
At the end of the ride, there are crates stacked to the boat's starboard side. One has the name Emmer painted on it. Greg Emmer took over as Vice President of the Magic Kingdom after Bill Sullivan retired.
The new boats cost the Company $100,000 each. That price does not include the engine and other customizations they make to the craft. The guide rails are made of stainless steel and cost $2,000 each (two for each boat).
Called Explorer's Boat Ride in 1956 guidebook
Statistics:
Boat Names: Amazon Belle, Congo Queen, Ganges Gal, Hondo Hattie, Irrawaddy Woman, Kissimmee Kate, Magdalena Maiden, Mekong Maiden, Nile Princess (out of service), Orinoco Adventuress, Suwannee Lady, Ucayali Una, Yangtze Lotus, Zambezi Miss
Opening Day: July 17, 1955
Ride Time: 8 1/2 minutes
Capacity: 1,800 per hour (10 boat operation)
Attraction updated:
1962: Bathing pool of Indian Elephants
1964:Trapped Safari, African veldt region
1976:7 new scenes 31 new figures
1995:Channel moved to allow for Indiana Jones Attraction
The baboons at the safari camp used to sit on the African termite mounds.
A total of six lions have been removed since opening day; one that growled when the African Veldt was added, two lionesses from the Veldt that were fighting over a bloody strand of zebra meat, a lion and a lioness that each had a zebra leg in their mouth and a dead, hanging on a spit over a fire in the native village.
Also removed from the Veldt were African wild dogs barking at the pride.
The native village was originally a dense jungle filled with tikis, masks, and several more natives. Trader Sam used to wear a mask and a gorilla across the channel was trying to grab his merchandise.
Morgan Evans designed the landscape for this attraction
The famed pistols are Smith and Wesson .38 Specials that fired two types of blanks
Near Trader Sam (at the conclusion of the attraction) is a shield with two green lights. If those lights are flashing at any time it means we are switching the tracks. If a boat were to proceed past the flashing lights it is very likely the boat will derail.
March 24,2001 the famed pistols were removed from the boats.
Oct. 1,2004 the famed pistols were returned to the boats.
Ron Ziegler, Richard Nixon's press secretary during the Watergate scandal, once worked as a skipper
Boat Names:
Amazon Belle*
Congo Queen*
Ganges Gal*
Hondo Hattie
Irrawaddi Woman*
Kissimmee Kate
Magdalena Maiden
Mekong Maiden*
Nile Princess*
Orinoco Adventuress
Swanee Lady*
Ucayali Una
Yangtze Lotus
Zambesi Miss
*=Original 1955 boat
Required a "C" ticket in 1955
Required a "D" ticket in 1956-1957
Required a "E" ticket in 1959
Required a "E" ticket in 1964-1965
From WED Disneyland Dictionary 1968
Is enjoyed by guests aboard brightly canopied launches that carry 36 passengers each. Visitors become jungle explorers in a journey down the rivers Of the world, where hippopotami and alligators churn the muddy waters, elephants trumpet and cannibals "threaten" each boat with raised spears. Jungle animals, moving and roaring in lifelike realism, include giraffes, lions, zebras, water buffalo and rhinoceri. Rare plants imported from the far corners of the globe fill this jungle world with brilliant flowers and lush foliage.
Required a "E" ticket in 1970's
From Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Disneyland 1982:
The spiel delivered by the boatmen on this nine-minute adventure trip is not always quite as lively as it could be. After all, the average boatman does have to repeat the same jokes over and over again during his working day. But every once in a while, when your "white hunter" turns out to be one of the handful of natural comics who do the job, the presentation can be really funny. Incidentally, no less than former presidential press secretary Ron Ziegler once held his audiences captive in just such a way. As jungle cruises go, this one is as much like the real thing as Main Street, U.S.A., is like Marceline, Missouri long on loveliness and very short on the visual distractions and minor annoyances that constitute most of the rest of human experience. There are no mosquitoes, no Montezuma's revenge. And the Bengal tiger and the trio of king cobras at the ancient Cambodian ruins, the great apes, the gorillas, crocodiles, alligators, water buffalo, hippos, and lions in the water and along the shores represent no threat-though, according to maintenance crews, they're almost as much trouble as real ones. Trivia buffs should note that Bob Mattey, who helped develop the creatures, also worked on the man-eating plants of many Tarzan movies, the giant squid from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the mechanical shark in Jaws. The large-leafed upright tree in the Cambodian ruins section of the attraction is a Ficus religiosa, an example of the tree under which the Buddha received enlightenment in India many centuries ago. Another specimen is located just outside the women's rest room in Adventureland. Be sure to look for the hefty Canary Island date palm to the right as you approach the loading dock in the queue area. One of the few trees that Walt found on the property when it first came into his hands, it was planted in 1896 and had acquired so much sentimental value to the family that owned the land that they requested that it be preserved. Transplanted from its former location-which would have been just about in the center of the parking lot's section C-it stands here today.
March 2, 2011: The Walt Disney Studios is excited to be in development on a feature film based on the Jungle Cruise, one of the most iconic attractions in Disney theme park history. The film will pair up Tim Allen and Tom Hanks. Release Date: UNKNOWN
April 7, 2017: Dwayne Johnson's turning Jungle Cruise into a movie. The movie has been in pre-production since 2015. The film will start production in spring 2018
August 1, 2018: Jungle Cruise will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra with a script from a team consisting of Glenn Ficarra, Michael Green, and John Requa. Paul Giamatti, Jesse Plemons, Edgar Ramirez, and Jack Whitehall are all set to join Blunt and Johnson in the film. Release Date: 2020
Jungle Cruise movie in theaters on July 30, 2021
Those of you adventurers entering the world-famous Jungle Cruise, please notice there are two lines, one on the right and the other on the left. If you'd like to keep your family together, please stay in the same line. However, if there is someone in your family you'd like to get rid of, just put them in the opposite line and you'll never see them again.
Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please. Would the party that lost the roll of 50 $20.00 bills, wrapped in a red rubber band, please report to the turnstile ... we have good news for you. We found your rubber band.
To speed things up, we ask that you tell the loaders -- the men who will be helping you into the boats -- how many there are in your party. For instance, if there are four people in your party, say ''Hi, Mr. Smiling Boat Loader, there are four people in my party...'' and he will save you four seats. If there are eight people in your party, say '' Hi, Mr. Smiling Boat Loader, there are eight people in my party...'' and he will save you four seats.
Those of you who have just entered the Jungle Cruise are probably resigned to the fact that, being at the end of the line, you have a long wait. Well, we aim to please here at the world-famous Jungle Cruise. So, on the count of three, I want everyone to turn around. One ... Two ... Three. There- those at the back of the line are now at the front. Doesn't that make you feel better?
Your attention, please. We do not allow cutting in line here at the world-famous Jungle Cruise. Anyone caught with a pair of scissors will be asked to leave.
There are 87 varieties of poisonous snakes on the North American continent. We at the Jungle Cruise are proud of the fact that we have 82 of these varieties in the wooden rafters directly over your heads. Fear not, though, they will NOT attack a moving target, so please try to keep the line moving. If the line won't move, simply run in place.
Today only, ladies and gentlemen, we will be allowing veterans to board the world-famous Jungle Cruise without waiting... veterans of the Civil War, that is, in full dress uniforms, accompanied by their great grand parents and their horse. Everyone else will have to wait in line.
Some of our scouts here at the world-famous Jungle Cruise claim they have spotted tigers in the waiting area the last couple of days. But we know that's ridiculous. After all, tigers are striped, not spotted.
We have some pretty smart animals back in the jungle. Take monkeys, for example. You ask them to name one of their relatives, and they go ape. And snakes, they're pretty clever too. Ask them what the 19th letter of the alphabet is and they'll say S-S-S-S-S. Tigers are known for their intelligence, but you can't trust them. Yeah, you never know when they might be a lyin' (lion). But I think rhinoceroses are by far the smartest animals in the jungle. Just last week, I asked what four minus four is, and he said nothing.
Adventurers and adventurettes, horseplay is not allowed while waiting to board the world-famous Jungle Cruise. If you want to play with your horse, you'll have to do it elsewhere. We do, however, allow you to monkey around in line just as long as you don't go bananas.
It's a four-hour wait from there. Have you been upstairs yet?
Other Assorted Jokes:
What do you get when you cross an elephant with a rhinoceros? Eckiphino. Well, that's not really what you get, but you must understand, this is a family attraction.
Why did the elephant ride on the Jungle Cruise? Frankly, I don't know, but I wish someone would find out- he's sunk five of our boats in the last week alone.
Why did the ape get a job? He was tired of monkeying around. Why did the elephant quit his job? He was tired of working for peanuts.
Knock, Knock... Who's there? ... Toucan. ... Toucan Who? ... Toucan not fit through the turnstiles at the same time.
Knock, Knock... Who's there? ... Safari. ... Safari Who? ... Safari, so good. You'll be on the Jungle Cruise in just a few minutes.
Boat Loading:
That cushion in that back of the boat is actually a whoopee cushion. Don't believe me, go ahead sit down. (People sit, Skipper makes farting sound over PA.) How embarrassing and in front of people you don’t even know.
(To the boat loader) So how does that new vacuum of yours work? Boat loader: It sucks!
Watch your step as you enter the boat. If you're entering from the back, come up to the front. If you're in the front, just follow the simple instructions of your simple-minded loader.
Please listen to the boat loaders. They used to work in a sardine factory until they got canned. They didn't mind too much though- they worked for scale.
Come all the way to the front- up by me. There's no truth to the rumor that you get a longer ride in back.
Slide all the way forward now... That's the only way we have of keeping the cushions clean!
Some of you might want to come up and sit on our sacrificial altar (pointing to the center cushion). We like to balance out the boat so when we sink, we go down evenly.
Please move in together as close as possible and try to cover up all of the blue seat cushions. There have been extensive scientific studies that have proven that the color blue attracts deadly flying piranhas. (Using color of boat for blue.)
Please remember that the tighter you get the better the heating system on the boat works.
(As people load in the back) There's no dancing in the back there, folks... no dancing... you will have to be seated. Dancing is only allowed on the promenade deck.
If you could just sit in the doorway there- it keeps the wild animals out and the chickens and turkeys in.
I get paid for the number of people I take out... not the number I bring back!
Don't worry if it's crowded now... there'll be lots of room on the way back.
How many of you are on the Jungle Cruise for the first time? Good! So am I.
Let's get one thing straight... if we start to sink, the captain will be going down with the boat. I'd like you to meet your new captain (looking at nearby guest)... What did you say your name was?
Those of you sitting in the back are going to get a charge out of this trip. Yeah- you're sitting on the battery. Some people find that revolting, but I think that there is a positive and negative side to everything. Shocking, isn't it.
Pulling away from the dock:
Were out of here like a bad LA football team.
Well, folks, there's the Jungle, and as Captain EO used to say (in a high voice) ''Fire up the thrusters! We're going in!''
Welcome aboard the Leaki Tiki. Adventure lovers, my name is (name) and I'll be your captain- unless we run into trouble- in which case your new captain will be taking over. (Looking at nearby guest)... What did you say your name was?
Hello, everyone. I'd like to welcome you aboard the world-famous Jungle Cruise. My name is (name) and I'll be your skipper for as far as we get.
Hello, everyone, and welcome aboard the Jungle Cruise. My name is (name), and I'll be your skipper, guide, social director, and dance instructor for the next three months.
Hello everyone and welcome aboard the World famous Jungle Cruise. My name is (name) and I'll be your SKIPPER today -- on a three hour tour. (pause) On a three hour tour. (the last line should sound like the gilligan's island song a bit more than the first one)
Where are you from (sir/madam)? (Guest answers) Sorry? (Guest repeats) Oh- I heard you the first time, I was just sorry.
Everyone turn around and wave good-bye to the folks back on the dock... They may never see you again.
Now, let's everyone turn around and wave good-bye to those people on the dock we've left behind. (In low voice) Come on folks... pretend like you're having a good time.
OK... before we go much further, everyone raise your right hand and repeat after me. ''I hope.... we do return.'' Good! Better turn and take one last look at the dock- you may never see it again!
Before I came to the Jungle, I worked in an orange juice factory, but I got canned because I couldn't concentrate. My boss almost beat the pulp out of me...
You know they saw you can always judge the quality of a ride by it’s line, well how long did you folks wait? My point exactly. (Good at night with short lines)
Hello and welcome to the world famous Jungle Cruise. My name is (name) and I'll be your captain, cruise director and dance instructor for the next five exciting days and six romantic nights.
A Jungle Cruise version of the Haunted Mansion spiel:
Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis. Is this boat actually leaving the dock? Or is it your imagination? And consider this dismaying observation: this boat is completely surrounded with water, and I'm you skipper. Which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out! Of course you could always swim away!!! (flash lights on and off and make the sound of thunder at night)
Other Disney Attraction spiels to repeat for rowdy crowds and annual passholders:
Ala Pirates of the Caribbean: (In a high voice) I think you knows too much. You've seen the cursed treasure. You know where it be hidden. You may not survive to pass this way again. (Deep echoing voice) DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. . .
(In high pitched pioneer voice from Thunder mountain) No hold on to those hats and glasses folks. Cause this here is the WILDEST RIDE IN THE WILDERNESS!
''Cinnamon Toast and Taco's In the door.'' In case you have ever wondered what the spanish speaking announcement is saying in the line for the Matterhorn Bobsled ride - that's the translation, folks!
Welcome to Fantasmic, tonight our friend and host Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to create magical imagery for all to enjoy. Nothing is more wonderful than the imagination, for in a moment you can enjoy a beautiful fantasy- or an exciting adventure. But beware, because it can also turn your greatest fears into an overwhelming nightmare. Are the powers of Mickey's imagination strong enough, or bright enough to withstand the evil that invades Mickey's dreams? You are about to find out. So sit back, relax and experience fantasmic. A journey beyond your wildest imagination. . .
Rain Forest:
As we leave the last outpost of civilization, we travel deep into the mouth of the Irrawaddy river of Asia into a tropical rain forests, where it rains some 365 days a year. (Alternate: We're now leaving the last outpost of civilization and entering the jungle by way of the Irrawaddy river of Burma.)
As you can see, countless varieties of plant life grow in abundance here. In fact, we've counted more than 100 varieties of rare bromeliads in this area. Many of these tropical plants get their nourishment simply from the air.
Now please watch out for these carnivorous vines (pointing). Last week, one of them reached into the back of the boat and pulled a woman right out. It was awful! And just before she disappeared, she was feeling just vine.
(Pointing) In fact she was sitting right where that (lady/man/girl/boy) in (color) is sitting!
Feel that mist on your faces. Don’t worry that’s only the monkeys in the trees.
Feel that mist on your faces. Don’t worry that’s only poisonous bacteria that will eat you all alive
Indiana Jones Ride:
Look here we have a bunch a very strange jungle species, ya see that one there (pointing to a male) the one with the wider hips that’s the female of the species.
Look here we have a bunch of Asian albino hairless apes. Ya watch (waves to people, they wave back) monkey see, monkey do.
Over there is what we call the Indiana Jones Adventure and the Temple of the Four-Hour Line.
Those folks over there are all lost, looking for the Jungle Cruise I think. Hey guys! The Jungle Cruise is that way!
Ancient Shrine:
See those crocodiles over there we have trained the to stay perfectly still so you can take better pictures.
Do you know what the difference between the crocodiles and alligators are. The crocodiles are made of plastic and the alligators are made with fiberglass.
You know the crocs are always looking for a hand out. Ya but be careful, I once had an English teacher on board and she didn’t listen to me and now she’s teaching shorthand.
Just so you know, all of the animals at the world famous Jungle Cruise are real. Except for the ducks. They are mounted on rails, just like the boats.
Elephant Pool:
Look here.it’s the republican national convention. You can take picture because they all have their trunks on. Oh by the way. If you want to see the Democrats they’re back at the Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools.
And it looks like a whole herd has come down to bathe! Don't scare them now... of course, the big shot gets the private shower... but I kind of like the little squirts myself.
And look at all the elephants out here today! This comes as a complete surprise to me cause I had no idea these guys were going to be here. If you want to take pictures go ahead- all the elephants have their trunks on.
And just ahead, you'll notice an alligator playing with an elephant. That's something you don't see everyday. (Long pause) But I do.
See that elephant right there, that's the richest elephant in the whole jungle. Yeah - it's 'Donald Trunk'.
Hey look (pointing at the elephant facing away from the boat). There's a full moon in the jungle tonight.
Bengal Tiger:
(In low voice) That's no house cat over there. Bengal Tigers can jump over 20 feet, and we must be at least, well... 19 feet away! Don't worry, he'll jump right over us.
That Bengal Tiger over there weighs about 500 pounds. He's looking right at you (sir/ma'am)- better keep smiling.
That Bengal Tiger can jump up to 35,000 feet...out of a plane that is.
Everyone look at that huge Bengal Tiger! Bengal Tigers weigh 500 pound and can jump over 20 feet.
Squirting Elephant:
As we leave the elephant pool, we head into... uh-oh- a big one is coming up on the right and it looks like he's aiming for us! (Elephant squirts over bow and goes down again, then comes up) Oh no! He's coming up again - you folks on the right get down! Well... I guess he didn't have time to reload. (Or) Well. I guess he didn’t have enough trunk space.
OK, we're leaving the elephants now and pressing further into the... Wait a second, it looks like one of the larger elephants did not want to be disturbed. He's coming up again... you folks in the back get down! (After elephant does not squirt) Sir in the (middle/back)- that was very clever the way you hid behind your (child / wife / that lady... do you know her?)
As we leave the elephant pool, we head into... uh-oh- a big one is coming up on the right and it looks like he's aiming for us! (Elephant squirts over bow and goes down again, then comes up) Oh no! He's coming up again- you folks on the right get down! (Elephant comes up but does not squirt -- make a silly laugh at them) I guess he forgot to reload.
Safari Outpost:
You know, a lot of safaris camp around this area. Hmm.... that could be one up ahead. (Points) Uh-oh... this one has some uninvited house guests! They do have a unique way of washing the dishes. (Points to water) Those gorillas sure did a sloppy job parking that jeep! But I guess monkeying around comes naturally to 'em.
You know, a lot of safaris camp around this area. Hmm.... that could be one up ahead. (Points) Uh-oh... this one has some uninvited house guests! One of those gorillas is going to have an eye opening experience. Should be mind blasting. I couldn't get that jeep started. They got it to turn over.
Well, safari so goodi. Let's move along.
Nothing to be concerned about. Just a bunch of gorillas having a good time. I wouldn't get too close, though. They may look like a nice bunch, but let me tell you- those guys are really animals.
Now please, if you're wearing yellow, don't make any noises like a banana... it drives them ape! They find it very appealing.
Ah, that explains things! It looks like that safari has some uninvited house guests! (pause) (Yelling to gorillas) Hey! Where'd you guys learns to parallel park anyway? (Back to guests) Ah, they're not listening. I guess they're too busy monkeying around.
Plants:
Since we are in an area filled with rare tropical foliage, I'd like to take a moment to point out some of the plants to you. There's one, there's one... (Point left, point rear left, point right, etc)
I'd like to take a moment to point out the plant life and tell you everything I know about them. (point with silence)
Anybody know the names of those? Anybody? Oh well.
See that bamboo over there? It grows to be 6 stories tall, but people say it can grow to 7 stories but that’s a whole other story.
Gorillas and Crocodile:
Now there's a croc with a snappy personality! Ha- he's going to get himself a knuckle sandwich if he's not careful.
Well, will you look at that- some of the camp's food made it downstream. But I don't think it's going to waste.
Look there that’s something you don’t see every day. I do.. Every day every 15 minutes
Schweitzer Falls:
(Skipper has back to falls, distracted by the gorilla/croc scene) Uh- oh, lean in back there! Lean in! (Motions to guests and spins wheel around) Whew! That was close!
And now, we're approaching the beautiful Schweitzer Falls, named after that famous African explorer, Dr. Albert Falls.
This is the backside of Schweitzer Falls, named for the backside of the famous explorer, Dr. Albert Falls.
Ahead is beautiful Schweitzer Falls, and I (wheel appears to jam and skipper tries to free) Oh no! You folks in the back lean in! Duck! Whew! That was close! (Best to use body language with all foreign crowds)
Don't worry about the waterfall; it won't get you wet. The water in the falls, like everything else at Disneyland, is completely synthetic. To the left is the beautiful Schweitzer Falls, and if you look over here to your right.... and then back to your left, you can have a second look at Schweitzer Falls.
Nile River:
We've turned on to the Nile river of Africa, the longest river in the world, winding across more than 4000 miles.
We’ve now turned down the Nile River the longest river in all of Anaheim that’s right a whole 200 feet.
We’ve now turned down the Nile River and if you don’t believe that you must be in denial.
Bull Elephants: Up on the Elephants bank, we have African bull elephants. Those enormous ears and great tusks distinguish them from the Indian elephants we saw earlier.
Do you know how you can tell that that's an African elephant? (wait for response)... It's because we're in Africa
On the left bank there- it's a huge bull elephant. The large sloping forehead and enormous ears mark the African bull; the second most feared animal in the jungle. On the other, THE most feared animal in the jungle- his mother in law
Look there, that’s Skippy (alt: Speedy, Dumbo) the fastest elephant in the jungle watch (lights first elephant then flashes it to the elephant on the right) Pretty amazing huh?
African Veldt:
Look at that family of baboons, there's Pat and Shirley Baboon, Daniel Baboon, and the hair stylist Vidal Baboon .
Don't worry kids! That zebra is just sleeping. Those lions are his friends!
The Lions are protecting the sleeping zebra.
Do you know why it's so hard to eat zebra? You keep getting white meat - dark meat - white meat - dark meat.
Look it’s Simba and Nala from the Lion King.
How do you tell the difference between the male and female Zebras? The males have black and white stripes and the females have white and black stripes.
(Pointing) By the look of those baboons up there, something's up on the great African veldt. Ah-ha! It looks like that pride of lions has made a kill, and the clean-up crew, those hungry vultures, are waiting for their share. This region points out the basic law of the jungle- ''survival of the fittest.''
Oh, it looks like the entire baboon family has come down to the water's edge today, along with the other residents of the African veldt. See the striped animals over there? Those are zebras. And the big tall ones with the long necks? Those are giraffes. And the black ones over here with horns- well, I've never seen them before. They must be gnu!
We're about to enter the Africa veldt, an immense grassland home to an endless variety of wildlife- baboons, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, gnus, g-lions, g-zebras. (hard g-sounds)
Here's a little advice. Never play poker in the jungle, because there are lots of cheetahs around. If they say they're not a cheetah, then they're probably just a lion.
Okay, I have a confession to make. I was once the second giraffe on the grassy knoll.
Up on the grassy knoll, a fake giraffe is choking on a plastic leaf.
Just for your information, all of the animals here on the veldt are real. But their feet have been bolted to the ground for your safety.
(Pointing to Lions eating zebra) Over there is the original hard rock cafe.
Over there is an example of the first Law of the Jungle: Don't be a zebra.
Watch out for those vultures folks, they are always looking for charrion bags.
Trapped Safari (Rhino):
There's that lost safari we've been looking for. Obviously mixed up in some kind of native uprising. That rhino seems to be getting his point across, and I'm sure that guy on the bottom will get the point in the end! Hey I know that guy on the bottom, his names Juan. Ya, and it looks like that rhino is going to get a hole in Juan. Well, bottoms up, fellows!
Uh-oh... look! That safari's in a tight spot there. But that rhino seems more than willing to give them a lift.
On the bottom, there's Ahontis. Looks like the Rhino is trying to poke Ahontis.
Well- you know what they say... safari, so good-ee. So I guess we'll be moving on.
Hippo Pool:
We are now turning onto a pool of dangerous hippos, so please, sit still and don't rock the boat. These huge creatures are quite curious and could easily upset our boat. So please, don't do anything that might attract them!
Last week, they overturned six of our boats... only FIVE of them were MINE, though!
Don't worry, the natives tell me that they are only dangerous when they wiggle their ears and blow bubbles....
Don't worry, the natives tell me that they are only dangerous when they climb up in the trees and start doing big hippo cannon balls right down on top of us
How many of you are willing to go on? (Show of hands) How many of you want to turn back? How many of you are apathetic about the situations? Uh-oh... it looks like one of them's going to try to charge our boat! (shoots) Looks like we've scared them off. I bet he'll have a headache tomorrow!If we're all real quiet, you can sometimes hear the baby hippos calling for their mothers. (Low voice) Shhh- be real quite now... listen .... (leaning out of boat, yells) ''Hey mom!''
Uh oh, that large hippo is going to attack us! Watch out! (shoots) I just saved your lives, folks. (pause) YOUR WELCOME! (If applause) Please. . . . Don't. . . . Stop. . .. . Please don't stop!
Now as we enter the Hippo pool, I want to tell you about a ancient ritual that they have. They place their young in the trees to feed on the leaves until they are 6000lbs and then they cannon ball through the jungle foliage to the boats below and sink them to the bottom of the jungle rivers a whole 2.5 feet down. Oh, look there’s one now (shoots up into the trees).
Entering HeadHunter Country:
We are now entering the most dangerous part of our journey. Shhh. . . This is a bad place to be headed.
Over there are the remains of my last crew. (pointing to the skull canoe) You can tell they had a good time. Look, they are still smiling! That's what happens after about 10 hours at Disneyland, folks. Those smiles are just plastered right on their faces.
We're entering headhunter country now... be very quiet. In that canoe over there... the remains of my last crew. They had a good time, even to the end- they're still smiling.
Shhh... we're entering headhunter country now... don't make a sound. In that canoe over there... some of the native's arts and crafts. Art's the one on the top!
We're not out of danger yet- this is headhunter territory. Remove your jewelry please. The natives have been complaining of indigestion.
I wouldn't worry too much about the headhunters. They normally only attack children wearing glowing jewelry (for night cruises)
Native Village:
The natives seem to be celebrating the kill of that lion... maybe we can sneak by. Don't attract their attention.
I studied their language in college lets see if I can translate for you. Put your right foot in, shake it all about, Put your right foot out, shake it all about.
Hey look it’s the Village People, let’s see what they’re saying.. Y-M-C-A.
This group is trying to come up with a name for themselves for their upcoming CD, they have two choices, either the Village People or Fine Young Cannibals.
Attacking Natives:
Keep your eyes on these bushes on the right there. (Turns around quickly) They're on the LEFT this time.
(Pick the color of the shirt of a child) Head hunters always attack kids wearing (blank) colored shirts
Uh-oh, it looks like a native war party on the left. You folks, please get down on the floor. (Makes whooshing sound into mike) Ah, those are spears by the way.
sshhh sshhh shhh sshhh shhh (eventually changes from shhh sound into a panting sound. Then in a surfer dude's voice) WHOA! Great sound effects!
Women and children- stand up! All the men- get down! If they hit you with a spear, just pull it out and throw it back at them- we're not allowed to keep souvenirs. We certainly don't want you to be stuck with it for the rest of the trip.
On the left, a friendly group of native traders. Ukka Mucka Lucka... Ubonga Swahili Ungawa... Wagga Kuna Nui Ka... It's a good thing I speak their language. (Turns to guest) They want to trade their coconuts for your (wife/child/husband)... I think we should hold out for at least four.
Okay ladies and gentlemen the natives usually attack from the right hand side of the boat. (Native attack) Wait one minute here! What are you guys doing on the left side of the boat? You know I told you to attack from the right and another thing what are you doing just standing looking stupid with those spears in your hand your supposed to throw them! Get back down and try that one again! (Timing is right so the natives go back down on skippers command)
If you get hit by a spear, pull it out at throw it back. You can't keep souveniers. We wouldn't want you to get stuck with one.
Falls:
Beautiful Schweitzer Falls is upon us again. The overhanging rock formation will afford us a different view this time. I have a special treat for you, folks. You may never have seen this before... there it is- the backside of water!
Now hold onto your seat cushions because we're about to do something really special- no extra charge. Are you ready? We're now going UNDER water!
Toucan:
On that old stump there are spectacular toucans, some of the most colorful birds in the jungle.
Toucan do much better than one can.
Over there are three toucans- also known as a six pack of birds.
Rapids of Kilimanjaro:
Uh-oh, up ahead- the treacherous rapids of Kilimanjaro. Very sharp and dangerous rocks through here... notice the huge waves crashing against our hull. (Makes crashing wave sounds in mike)
Ho hum... here we are at the famous rapids of Kilimanjaro. We'll probably have to shoot them. (Leans over and shoots rapids with thumb and index finger.)
(Steering wheel back and forth) Notice the skill and finesse your skipper uses to guide the boat through safely. Those of you who wish to take pictures, feel free.
If we start sinking, we'll have to lighten our load. (Turns to guest) You folks over there want to get your belongings together? You may be leaving us shortly.
That last rock on the right is a 1:100 scale model of the Matterhorn Bobsled ride! (check it out, it really looks like it. .. )
Hang on... we're coming across some white water here. One of those jagged rocks could easily rip the bottom right out of our boat. If we start to go down, just grab for the bright red seat cushions. (color not on boat) They're the only ones that float.
We're now entering the incredibly dangerous white water rapids of Kilimanjaro. Grab hold of something solid, like those safety bars of the person next to you because we're going to be bouncing up and down a lot! (jumps up and down, side to side) Whew! Did you feel the sheer power of that?
On the right here are some fascinating rock formations. Really interesting. It's sad though. I come through here all the time, point these out to people, but they just take them for granite. (Alternate: See that rock right there, it's actually made of limestone, but many of my crews just take it for granite.)
Python/Water Buffaloes:
Hey look there, what kind of snake is that? (People answer with the names of kinds of snake) No, it a plastic snake.
Python’s are one of the less intelligent animals in the jungle. If they were smart do you think that he would be hugging that dead tree stump when food is all around him.
Up ahead is our pet snake, Monty. (pause) Monty is a python
Yup, there's one little python, sitting in a tree, H...I...S...S...I...N...G
Uh-oh... Look ahead there! A huge python. It looks like he tried to put the squeeze on that baby water buffalo... Actually, he's very affectionate, and if we get much closer, he could get a crush on you!
And on the left, a huge python, one of the jungle's most fascinating and studied creatures. After all, look at all the animals that totally get wrapped up in the subject!
That huge python is over 24 feet long and known to swallow little children whole!
Trader Sam:
There's old Trader Sam, head salesman of the area. Business has been shrinking lately, so this week only, Sam's offering a two-for-one special: two of his, for one of yours!
There's old Trader Sam... Three explorers came through here last week and Sam invited them for dinner. When he told them what the menu was, they completely lost their heads.I got their late. All I got was the cold shoulder and some finger food.Trader Sam was thrown out of college, ya, he was caught buttering up one of his professors, now he’s a psychologist. You can tell who is clients are, he a shrink to the ones on the left and the ones on the right are his basket cases.
Return to Civilization:
Thank You for riding and have a good day. And as Michael Jackson would say (In a feminine voice)
Thank You for riding and have a good day. And as Charley Browns teacher would say (In the teachers weird voice) Wa, wa, wa.etc. And now as Millie Vanilli would say (mouths the words) Thank You for riding and have a good day.
And now, probably the most dangerous part of our journey- the return to civilization! I certainly hope you've enjoyed our cruise. However, if your in-laws are still with you, you've missed a golden opportunity. However, bring them back later tonight for our ''in-law'' special... halfway for half fare, no questions asked.
Well we've laughed and we've cried. We've almost died! I love you like family. Now get out! I'm sorry, that was rude. Please get out.
And now, the most dangerous part of our journey- the return to civilization and those California freeways. Talk about a jungle!
The Jungle Cruise was brought to you in part today my the letters, ''e'', ''r'' and the number ''101''
You know, many times people ask me how many people work at Disneyland. (Counting the visible cast members) Hmmm, I'd say about one out of seven!
As we approach, please notice that there's a dock on the left, and a dock on the right. But don't let it confuse you. It's a paradox.
Make sure you have all personal belongings with you... cameras, purses, small children... anything left on board will be thrown screaming to the crocodiles.
Any children left on board become property of the Walt Disney company after 24 hours.Please make sure you have all you belongings with you including your small children, if you leave them we will be forced to take them back to It’s a Small World and glue their feet to the floor and make them sing that hideous song over and over and over.
Please keep your hands inside the boat, I sure don’t want my new dock ruined. If you liked your ride my name is (name) if you didn’t my name is Tom and I work on the Submarine Voyage.
Unloading: Two of the world's largest pygmies will assist you from the boat.
Please take your kids by the hand and watch your step.
You will be helped off the boat by two of the black footed albino pigmies over on the dock. These guys weigh over 500 pounds and can jump OVER TWENTY FEET!
OK rise like bread folks, no loafing around. I know my jokes are stale and crumby, and I'm sure I could do butter but its the yeast I can do on the sourdough I make here. I think I get my rye sense of humor from my dad. It's no wonder. He's Danish. I was born under a croissant moon and I used to be the toast of the town, until one day I just got spread too thin. Hey, where are you going, I'm on a roll! Oh well I guess you have to jam. OK, everybody stand up please.
Those of you on the dock side will be helped out by the front, those of you on the water side should turn around and you'll be helped out by the rear... of the boat that is. This is adventureland, not fantasyland!
The jungle cruise has been brought to you today by the hippo farmers of America. Hippo: The other-other white meat.
When I count to three, everybody stand... the last one standing is a baby hippo. Ready? One... two... four! Look at all the baby hippos!
Do stand up... off your seats, on your feets. All right... if you don't stand, you'll have to go again! I knew that would get you up. Look down and watch your step as you exit. If you feel faint, don't hesitate to throw your arms around the necks of the unloaders... that's ladies only, please!
If you feel your feet getting wet as you leave the boat, you've probably gone out the wrong side. Don't fall in the water as you leave... we'll have to charge you extra.
Well folks, I hope you all enjoyed your trip around the jungle. I had such a good time- I'm going to go again! (low voice)... and again, and again, and again...
Bye now.. come back and see me again when you have the courage... and enjoy the rest of your stay in the Magic Kingdom. Aren't you going to say good-bye, after all we've been through together?
Please be sure to tell your friends how much you enjoyed the Jungle Cruise... it helps keeps the lines down. Please don't go out the window- you'll get a window pane. That would be a shuttering experience. It would be enough to make a venetian blind.
Please exit the boat the same way you entered... pushing and shoving.
Watch your step, and please don't step on small children indiscriminately. Pick the one you want and make sure you get him!''
If the unloaders grab you on the elbow or wrist as you pass, that's their way of saying they love you. You can repay them by stomping on their foot or kicking them in the shin. Of all the groups I've taken on this ride, you're the most ... recent.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your day here in this magic and enchanting land that we call ... work. If you would like to see me on the David Letterman Show next month... please write him a letter and tell him you would like to see me there!
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