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Credit: DisneyBEHOLD! The eighth wonder of the world: the amazing BACK SIDE OF WATER! Disney’s Jungle Cruise attraction has been entertaining Guests since it first opened at Disneyland in 1955. Over the years, this iconic ride has become a staple of Adventureland, delighting visitors of all ages with its humor, charm, and sense of adventure.
On that historic day in 1955, visitors boarded brand-new boats to journey through a safari setting filled with animatronic animals. Since then, the ride has continued to evolve. Jungle Cruise Skippers keep the experience lively by delivering endless puns, witty commentary, and dry humor, ensuring every visit feels fresh and unique.
The Jungle Cruise Experience
Jungle Cruise offers an eight-minute voyage through a river system designed to mimic lush rainforests. Guests can explore rivers inspired by Asia, Africa, and South America. Each twist and turn of the river promises a new sight to behold and a laugh to enjoy.
The “dirty” appearance of the water is actually an illusion. Disney adds green dye to make it look more natural while cleverly concealing the boat’s track. This attention to detail helps immerse Guests in the experience, making the river feel alive and authentic.
During the journey, Guests will encounter animatronic animals in natural-looking habitats, including crocodiles, hippos, and gorillas. A standout feature is the bathing elephant pool, where the animatronics are so realistic that photos often circulate as if they were of real animals. Don’t worry—all the elephants keep their trunks on, so snap as many pictures as you like!
Skippers drive the boats and deliver a constant stream of jokes. Each Skipper adds their personal flair to the script, ensuring no two rides are ever quite the same. From clever wordplay to unexpected surprises, their humor is a core part of the Jungle Cruise experience.
Accessibility and Language Services
Disney’s Jungle Cruise is designed to be inclusive, making it accessible to Guests of all ages and abilities. Those using wheelchairs or ECVs can remain on their devices throughout the ride.
For Guests who need additional assistance, Disney offers a variety of options. Sign language interpretation and assistive listening devices are available upon request. The “Ears to the World” translator is another fantastic resource, offering translations of the experience in French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. These devices are complimentary and can be picked up at Guest Relations.
Locations of Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise attraction can be found in multiple Disney parks around the world. In the U.S., it’s located in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World Resort) and in Disneyland Park (Disneyland Resort). Internationally, Guests can enjoy the attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland. Interestingly, at Tokyo Disneyland, the boats travel in the opposite direction!
At Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Jungle Cruise tucked behind Adventureland’s tiki statues, right across from Aladdin’s Flying Carpets. At Disneyland, it’s located near the Tropical Hideaway and features a two-tier queue system that is fully accessible.
U.S. parks now use the Lightning Lane system for Jungle Cruise, replacing the older FastPass option. While waiting in line, Guests can enjoy clever decorations and visual gags that set the tone for the adventure ahead. The queue’s background music, hosted by the fictional Albert Awol, adds a retro flair with humorous announcements and sound effects.
A Brief History of Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise was one of the original attractions at Disneyland when the park opened in 1955. Unlike many other rides, it wasn’t based on a movie or intellectual property. Instead, it drew inspiration from the adventure film The African Queen.
Walt Disney initially wanted to include live animals in the attraction, but logistical challenges made this impractical. Instead, Imagineer Harper Goff, famous for his work on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, designed animatronic animals to bring the jungle to life.
The lush jungle environment was created by horticulturist Bill Evans, who used exotic plants and innovative techniques. For example, some trees were planted upside down to resemble mangroves. Adventureland’s location took advantage of existing eucalyptus trees left behind by the area’s previous owners, adding to the jungle’s authenticity.
Due to its popularity, Jungle Cruise was included in Magic Kingdom when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. It has remained a fan favorite ever since, with updates and enhancements keeping it fresh for new generations of Guests.
Ride Vehicles and Skippers
Jungle Cruise’s boats are iconic in their design, seating multiple passengers in an open layout. This allows everyone to have great views of the animatronic scenes and wildlife along the riverbanks.
Each boat is piloted by a Skipper, whose role is to entertain Guests with humorous narration. The Skippers’ delivery is purposefully dry, and their jokes often include playful puns and wordplay. Every Skipper brings their own personality to the role, so repeat rides can offer entirely new experiences.
The boats operate on a hidden track, giving the illusion that the Skipper is steering freely. This clever design enhances the sense of adventure and keeps the focus on the storytelling.
Dining: The Skipper Canteen
After your jungle expedition, you can continue the adventure at Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. This restaurant, which opened in 2015, offers a menu inspired by flavors from Asia, South America, and Africa.
The Skipper Canteen features three unique dining rooms: the crew’s Mess Hall, Dr. Albert Falls’ Jungle Room, and the secretive S.E.A. Room. Each space is filled with whimsical details that pay homage to the Jungle Cruise attraction.
The menu includes dishes like Dr. Falls Signature Grilled Steak, a perfectly seasoned New York strip served with flavorful sides. Another standout is Sankuru Sadie’s Seafood Stew, a rich and aromatic dish featuring shrimp, mussels, and fish in a coconut broth. Don’t forget to try the Kungaloosh! chocolate cake or the Schweitzer Slush, a refreshing non-alcoholic drink topped with green apple boba balls.
The Jingle Cruise Holiday Overlay
During the holiday season, Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise. This festive overlay has been a tradition since 2013, bringing a holiday twist to the beloved attraction.
The Jingle Cruise features holiday decorations throughout the queue and ride scenes. The boats are given playful holiday-themed names, such as Garland Gertie and Candy Cane Connie. The Skippers also update their scripts to include Christmas jokes and puns, making the experience feel fresh and festive.
The overlay has become a favorite among Disney fans. Its charming details and seasonal humor make it a must-see during the holidays.
The Jungle Cruise Movie
In 2021, Disney brought the Jungle Cruise to the big screen with a movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The film is set in the early 20th century and follows riverboat captain Frank Wolff and scientist Lily as they search for the Tree of Life.
The movie’s blend of adventure, humor, and heart captured the spirit of the attraction. Its success introduced Jungle Cruise to a broader audience, renewing interest in the ride.
Timeless Appeal
Since its debut in 1955, Jungle Cruise has remained one of Disney’s most beloved attractions. Its combination of humor, storytelling, and adventure continues to captivate Guests of all ages.
Whether you’re laughing at the Back Side of Water or enjoying the Skippers’ jokes, Jungle Cruise offers an experience that’s both timeless and unforgettable. Have you ridden the Jungle Cruise? Share your favorite memories and HIT IT SKIP!