MK's Jungle Cruise???

[k5thbeatle]

Now that AK has been going strong for a number of years do they need to update/upgrade the Jungle Cruise ride? Should they maybe even replace it? What could they do to make it better? Other than the argument that it is a "classic" what is your opinion?

 

[Robo]

Now that AK has been going strong for a number of years do they need to update/upgrade the Jungle Cruise ride? Should they maybe even replace it? What could they do to make it better? Other than the argument that it is a "classic" what is your opinion?

The Jungle Cruise is the only attraction that's enjoyment-level is 100% based on which CM you get as a "host" (Boat Pilot).
The cruise itself is basically "nothing" if the pilot chooses to recite the tired old script verbatum (which IS what is supposed to happen, so I'm not being critical of those who DO this).
But we ride JC several times each MK day in hopes of lucking into a GREAT pilot.

And we have had some really remarkable trips witcch featured very funny "original" jokes performed with great comic timing, by a pilot who knew how to deliver corny lines that were NOT just the "standard script" recited at the "right places".

I even spent one entire (lucky) trip with my video camera rolling and pointed ONLY AT THE PILOT so I could actually capture one of these great, "original" narrations.
At the end of that cruise, the entire boat spontaneously erupted into applause for this VERY funny guy.

I then rode another couple of times (different day) with what proved to be "regular script" pilots... so I just shot the "exterior scenes" around the boat so I could edit those scenes in with audio from the "great" pilot's voice from the first day.

So, if you are lucky, you might be able to see the "old" Jungle Cruise with "new eyes" if you happen to cruise with a great creative pilot.
It DOES happen (and I now have the video to prove it.)

 

[jonimce]

They will NEVER do away with Jungle Cruise. This was Walt's fovorite ride.

 

[LaughinPlace289]

They will NEVER do away with Jungle Cruise. This was Walt's fovorite ride.

Amen to that. If Disney got rid of Jungle Cruise I think I would officially lose all faith in mankind. (Not literally but I would be very sore about the whole thing)

 

[Mecha Figment]

shhhh. but JC is schedueld for referbishment. although its' competing with peter pan and a few other rides right now for the running top spot.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

Jeremy is the best skipper on the Jungle Cruise!! I've been on this numerous times, and he had us all cracking up on the entire ride..It was my mom's first time, and she absolultely loved it and she said it was because of Jeremy.

And i hope they never get rid of this ride...it's a great one for families of all ages.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We had not done this for years, so we did it again in January. It was so much fun. Our son got to steer the boat through the tunnel. Our skipper, Bwana Bill was wonderful. (maybe it was Bwana Bob ). Anyway, he was funny.

 

[jonimce]

OH, please tell me it will be open in August.

 

[carolfoy]

I love the jungle cruise, but only, as another poster pointed out, if you get a great pilot.
Our last visit ended with our limo driver informing us that he was a CM on the JC seven years previous, he still remembered his script by heart and recited it all the way back to MCO. It was a wonderful way to leave the world.

 

[dbm20th]

The jungle cruise was originally intended to have real animals. Only after Walt was told how impossible it would be did he realize that he needed to make these robots. Now, Kilimanjaro Safaris accomplishes what Walt set out to do, so the Jungle Cruise gets relugated to the "nostalgia" category.

I think it is also important to look at the responses here. They all say that the ride is only really enjoyable if the CM is funny! Thus potentially concluding that the ride itself is pretty un-fun. That seems like a standard beneath WDW.

As far as I am concerned, time marches on. There are great rides that have stood the test of time, POTC and HM for example, but JC is not one of them.

 

[jonimce]

And did you know Robin Williams was fired from his job at JC. He was so into it, his cruise took too long.

 

[Mecha Figment]

i think somebody got a bit to much pixy dust.

 

[mattsdragon]

The jungle cruise was originally intended to have real animals. Only after Walt was told how impossible it would be did he realize that he needed to make these robots. Now, Kilimanjaro Safaris accomplishes what Walt set out to do, so the Jungle Cruise gets relugated to the "nostalgia" category.

I think it is also important to look at the responses here. They all say that the ride is only really enjoyable if the CM is funny! Thus potentially concluding that the ride itself is pretty un-fun. That seems like a standard beneath WDW.

As far as I am concerned, time marches on. There are great rides that have stood the test of time, POTC and HM for example, but JC is not one of them.

First off, it is a classic, and deserves it's place in the park.

Now, with regard to the above post, there are many rides at WDW in which the CM enhances the end product. I've seen some amazing CM's at TOT that completely made the ride even better, so while people don't necessisarily enjoy the "script" as much, they aren't saying it's a stinker.

JC continues to be one of the most popular rides in the park. I'd say that for that reason, it has, in fact stood the test of time. I don't see your logic in your concluding arguement.

JC will never be Kilamanjaro, nor should it be. At least it doesn't have the stupid poacher sub-plot, and we expect all the animals to be animatronics on JC. Remember, this is a park for children. Until we get 4 and 5 year olds voicing their opinion on the internet, let's not forget that perhaps we don't remember completely what it is like to see the world through a child's eyes.

 

[dbm20th]

Now, with regard to the above post, there are many rides at WDW in which the CM enhances the end product. I've seen some amazing CM's at TOT that completely made the ride even better, so while people don't necessisarily enjoy the "script" as much, they aren't saying it's a stinker.

JC continues to be one of the most popular rides in the park. I'd say that for that reason, it has, in fact stood the test of time. I don't see your logic in your concluding arguement.

JC will never be Kilamanjaro, nor should it be. At least it doesn't have the stupid poacher sub-plot, and we expect all the animals to be animatronics on JC. Remember, this is a park for children. Until we get 4 and 5 year olds voicing their opinion on the internet, let's not forget that perhaps we don't remember completely what it is like to see the world through a child's eyes.

Okay let's start with the first paragraph. You don't really think that ToT is "made" by the CM, do you? That just isn't being fair. That ride could have no CM at all and it would still be terrific. JC can't say the same thing, and the majority of the previous posts agree with that without the CM the ride is boring. What other attraction can say that?

Paragraph 2...
Having a terribly insufficient loading system and creating terrible lines does not mean that it is wildly popular. It just means it is, once again, out-dated. Perhaps a faclift is what this ride needs. I don't know how to find this out, but I would like to see how many people ride this in comparison with others at MK. But honesty, that is not the point here.

Paragraph 3...
No it is not KS and it could never be. KS is one of the great achievments at WDW. It is one of the crowning jewels in WDI's crown and they will tell you that. Yes the poacher sub-plot is a silly little thrown in for kids to get excited, but focusing on that is like going to a World Series game and not liking it because the music in between innings wasn't very good.

 

[jonimce]

But it was still Walt's favorite ride.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Universe knows I love the classic rides, and I never fail to ride JC during a trip to WDW. However, I would have no problem with Disney spending a few million $$$ to upgrade and change the ride - AS LONG AS THEY KEPT THE LIVE PILOT.

If they replaced a few of the scenes with newer, more interesting ones, you have to believe that the CMs would come up with with new & funny gags for them. It's one thing when an old JC PM can still remember the script - it's a little sadder that the ride is so ridgid that older GUESTS remember the script. I don't want to see JC becoming Rocky Horror Picture Show....

PS. If you are lucky enough to time it right, try to get on JC when the fireworks go off - really great sight!

 

[dbm20th]

But it was still Walt's favorite ride.

Keep in mind how few rides he actually got to see. I think we could be pretty certain, considering his desire to move AA technology forward, that JC would not have been his "favorite ride" for long.

Also, where have you read that? I have heard different

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Disneyland's Jungle Cruise underwent a major refurb last year, with added effects. It would be a simple matter to update and refurb MK's Jungle Cruise the same way.

 

[dbm20th]

Disneyland's Jungle Cruise underwent a major refurb last year, with added effects. It would be a simple matter to update and refurb MK's Jungle Cruise the same way.

Can you tell us a little about those refurbs? I am not familiar with it. Big difference.

LAst night I was watching some film that I have with JC, and it reinforced my belief even more. The AA's need a major upgrade. They are sooo old school that it looks down-right silly. But the ride can be funny and fun if they overhauled the AA's

 

[jonimce]

We were told that JC was Walt's favorite rede by one of the best CM's at DW. Her nane is Rae and she is one of the guides for "The Keys To The Kingdom" tour. She is one of the few who has gotted Disney's top award given to employees. This is a must for Disnyholics. We thought we knew alot about Walt and Disney until we took this tour. Boy, did we learn alot. Walt died befor Disney World opened. This was his Favorite ride in Disneyland. This is why it was also built in the MK.
I recomend everyone do this tour. (you must be 16)
This is also where we heard about Robyn Williams. There were a couple more famous comedians that worked here but right now I'm drawing a blank. Have to ask my DH. He would rember.