MK's Jungle Cruise???

[dbm20th]

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.

Well there was a rumor that Steve MArtin worked it in Disneyland, but I don't think that is true. Also, Wayne Brady worked at WDW, but I don't think he worked that ride.

JC was inspired by Walt's animal documentaries. This ride does not do them justice at all.

 

[jonimce]

I'm pretty sure Steve Martin did work for Disney, but I can't remember. I'm waiting for my SIL to call back. He did the tour with us and would remember.
Also you have to remember that JC was built in the 60's and back then it was the latest tec.

 

[johnvree]

The Jungle Cruise is still a great ride. Sure the Pilot makes a big difference, but the ride itself through the jungle-like landscape is pretty cool. The animals are definitely dated, but my kids still love them (they were 5 and 6 last time we were at WDW).

Is JC that much different than POTC? Both attractions involve boat rides on a track that take you through scenes with animatronic figures. Don't get me wrong, POTC is my favorite attraction. But just like it is getting a face lift, maybe that's all JC needs.

 

[Karnak]

I don't think it needs to be upgraded. I still laugh at the idea of seeing "the backside of water." It's a very nice boat ride methinks.

However, I do wish they would begin the boat rides when the park first opens. The last two times I visited the Magic Kingdom the park opened at 9:00 am, but the Jungle Cruise didn't open until an hour later. I have no idea why they do it that way.

Enjoy.

 

[dbm20th]

I'm pretty sure Steve Martin did work for Disney, but I can't remember. I'm waiting for my SIL to call back. He did the tour with us and would remember.
Also you have to remember that JC was built in the 60's and back then it was the latest tec.

Yes, Steve Martin did, but he didn't work as a pilot for JC. That's what I meant.

In the 60's, there was a lot of "latest technologies" that we don't use anymore. JC was the latest and greatest, but it was quickly surpassed by amazing AA advancement, very quickly surpassed. Imagine how great it would be if the rhino could be knocking the tree down and charging it, rather than slowly, and unrealistically just moving its head up and down. It can still be campy and silly, but fascinating and amazing at the same time. As many here have already said, it takes the pilot to make it good.

And add to all of that the fact that the line is brutally unmanageable, even when no one is there

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

According to the film that Steve Martin narrarates at Disneyland commemorating the park's first 50 years, he worked at Disneyland as a youth. And speaking of Walt loving the JC, his favorite childhood hero was Abraham Lincoln, which didn't stop Disney from taking out Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Just because Walt loved something doesn't make it safe from retirement.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I absolutely love the classic Disney rides. However, as someone posted here, you can tell something is amiss with JC because as of now most people's enjoyment is directly linked to the quality of skipper.

I am in no hurry for JC to be closed, but if WDW announced they were using that space for a new e-ticket I wouldn't complain too much. Until then I'll keep enjoying JC ocassionally.

 

[jonimce]

I still say, in with the new and save some of the old . I ask you, when was the last time you rode a carosel or the scrambler? They both still make me laugh, although I love the newest and scaryest coasters. (I'm a coaster nut) Both of these rides were also around in the 60's, witch by the way was when I was a wee tot.

 

[dbm20th]

I still say, in with the new and save some of the old . I ask you, when was the last time you rode a carosel or the scrambler? They both still make me laugh, although I love the newest and scaryest coasters. (I'm a coaster nut) Both of these rides were also around in the 60's, witch by the way was when I was a wee tot.

Point well taken

 

[linda0706]

How very true about the CM making the difference on this ride! We had a guide earlier this month with the personality of dirt. He didn't tell a single joke, and the regulard script was delivered in a monotone.

Get this - when he pulled up to the dock at the end the CM on the dock asked him to pull up the the next spot. Our guide actually berated him over the intercom for the change. Then when he finally got the boat ready to unload I guess we all didn't stand up fast enough. He said "Ride's over, get off!"

 

[johnvree]

How very true about the CM making the difference on this ride! We had a guide earlier this month with the personality of dirt. He didn't tell a single joke, and the regulard script was delivered in a monotone.

Get this - when he pulled up to the dock at the end the CM on the dock asked him to pull up the the next spot. Our guide actually berated him over the intercom for the change. Then when he finally got the boat ready to unload I guess we all didn't stand up fast enough. He said "Ride's over, get off!"

These are the people I do not hesitate to register a complaint about. Usually, I will give a person the benefit of the doubt and assume he/she is having a bad day. But think how many people's experiences were ruined that day.

 

[dbm20th]

How very true about the CM making the difference on this ride! We had a guide earlier this month with the personality of dirt. He didn't tell a single joke, and the regulard script was delivered in a monotone.

Get this - when he pulled up to the dock at the end the CM on the dock asked him to pull up the the next spot. Our guide actually berated him over the intercom for the change. Then when he finally got the boat ready to unload I guess we all didn't stand up fast enough. He said "Ride's over, get off!"

Honestly, that could ruin any ride, no matter what it is

 

[Robo]

...when he finally got the boat ready to unload I guess we all didn't stand up fast enough. He said "Ride's over, get off!"

I won't dispute that you had a "surly" guide.
But I must jump in to say that it is "Standard Procedure" (if not actually IN the SCRIPT) for the guide/captain/pilot/CM to say, "Fun's over, get out." Or, The ride's over, get OUT!" or similar.
(Same way "Timon" says, "You've all been such a WONDERFUL audience... now, GET OUT!" at the conclusion announcement of the Festival of the Lion King at DAK).

Now, I know you're going to swear to me that THIS guy really MEANT it (and he probably DID) but its still "part of the show" on a regualar basis.

I have heard this line even from some of the "trainees".

We have had some trips on JC that were "DOOSIES" when WDW was training several new CM's from CHINA (Hong Kong Disneyland).
Nothing beats "double-entendre" English language PUNS when spoken by folks to whom English is a second language (and they don't understand the double-meanings)!

The reason I bring this up is that I'll never forget the ride we had with a Hong Kong CM who said, at the conclusion of our JC ride, "Funn Ov-a, Gi-Owwt" (Fun's over, get out!)
Everyone just SAT there, until one of the Dock unloader CMs invited us to disembark.

You had to be there... just thank goodness you WERE'NT.

 

[MJMcBride]

I started a thread a few months about how JC should be changed and basically got tatooed by all the fans who want to keep everything they way it is. I still say the ride desperately needs something. It has gotten old. And, no, I don't think it needs a 50ft drop or a fire breathing dragon. My suggestion is to update the AAs and use Disney jungle characters. Thrown in Simba, Baloo, Tarzan, etc. How great would the temple be if that was changed to feature a realistic Scar and hyneas. Cool right.

 

[Eeyorecln]

Steve Martin worked at the Magic shop on Main Street in DL. As for the refurb. in DL, they added pirahnas(sp?) they do scare you the first time especially if you're leaning against the edge of the boat while the kiddies enjoy the ride. My DH gave me a hard time for that one. I know there are also a couple other things can't remember right now. By the way, all 4 of my boys from 1 YO to 7 YO loved it. Very few rides can atest to that I can assure you. So, the JC must be doing something right.

 

[dbm20th]

I started a thread a few months about how JC should be changed and basically got tatooed by all the fans who want to keep everything they way it is. I still say the ride desperately needs something. It has gotten old. And, no, I don't think it needs a 50ft drop or a fire breathing dragon. My suggestion is to update the AAs and use Disney jungle characters. Thrown in Simba, Baloo, Tarzan, etc. How great would the temple be if that was changed to feature a realistic Scar and hyneas. Cool right.

God, I hope WDI reads this. Now that I would wait in line for

 

[linda0706]

I won't dispute that you had a "surly" guide.
But I must jump in to say that it is "Standard Procedure" (if not actually IN the SCRIPT) for the guide/captain/pilot/CM to say, "Fun's over, get out." Or, The ride's over, get OUT!" or similar.

I didn't know that...funny how that one line was the only time on the whole trip he showed any expression or emotion! It sounds like a great line if the guy is in character throughout the ride. Must have been breaktime coming up for our guy. (Actually I HOPE it was breaktime coming up for him. He was not in a pixie-dust-spreading-mood.) Not to worry, though, he certainly did not ruin our trip.

Many years ago when I lived in Orlando & had season passes we used to go alot in the evenings for a couple hours. One of my favorite things to do was ride JC after dark. All you could see was where ever the guide shined his light & if you used your imagination it seemed more lifelike & spooky. (OK, I admit, I'm easily amused)

 

[lillygator]

I know this ride is cheesy but its a favorite with little ones, and I like it too!

 

[jonimce]

I never thought of riding this at night. Going to try it this trip.