Ultra-Rare Piece of Disney Parks History Sells For Thousands on History Channel's "Pawn Stars"

A former Disneyland employee decided to part ways with an ultra-rare piece of Disney Parks history and was shocked to find out just how much it was worth.

Three men stand behind a counter with a collection of trophies in the background. The man on the left has short hair and tattoos on his arms, the man in the middle is bald and has a serious expression, and the elderly man on the right with gray hair holds an ultra-rare Disney Parks history collectible. — Credit: History Channel

One of the Most Iconic Attractions at Disneyland and Disney World

The Jungle Cruise is one of the most iconic attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Disney’s True-Life Adventure nature documentaries inspired the experience, which offers guests a lighthearted adventure through several of the world’s most exotic rivers. The adventure takes visitors on a boat journey through various themed areas, including the Amazon, Nile, and Mekong rivers.

A boat full of people travels along a jungle river surrounded by dense greenery and ancient, crumbling stone ruins. The sky is clear and blue, evoking the spirit of Disney's Jungle Cruise, an iconic adventure-themed attraction. — Credit: Disney

The attraction is filled with animatronic animals like elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, along with humorous narration from skippers who deliver a blend of corny jokes and puns. This style of storytelling has made the Jungle Cruise a beloved classic since it first opened in Disneyland in 1955.

At Walt Disney World, the Jungle Cruise has remained a favorite since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971.

Boats lined up on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland — Credit: Psychosisblue/Flickr

The attraction’s timeless charm lies in its blend of adventure and comedy, with skippers tailoring their spiel to their audiences, making each ride a slightly different experience. Over the years, the Jungle Cruise has undergone updates and changes but continues to capture the spirit of exploration and fun that Walt Disney originally intended.

A Cast Member Decides to Part With a Huge Piece of Disneyland History

Once upon a time, a remote-controlled version of the ride could be found at the Disneyland Hotel. Fans could drive tiny versions of the Jungle Cruise boats through various obstacles.

The offering, called Safari Adventure, opened at the hotel in 1999 and quickly became a guest-favorite activity at Disneyland Hotel.

A vibrant outdoor scene at a theme park or amusement area featuring a miniature boat ride attraction. Two model boats navigate through waterways around small, rocky islands. People are watching from behind a wooden fence. Buildings in the background are warmly lit. — Credit: Flickr/LorenJavier

Back then, a Disney Parks fan named Nick worked as a cast member at Disneyland. His job was that of a skipper at the World Famous Jungle Cruise attraction inside the park.

Nick was lucky enough to be gifted one of the miniature Jungle Cruise boats from the Jungle Cruise attraction, and until last year, he had kept the iconic piece of nostalgia.

But upon deciding to sell it, he visited the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. The shop has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1989 and serves as the setting for the History Channel series Pawn Stars.

Five men are standing outside under a bright blue sky in front of a building with a sign that reads "PAWN SHOP" and "OPEN 24 HRS." The three men on the left are wearing black shirts and the two men on the right are in red shirts. Palm trees can be seen in the background. — Credit: History Channel

A Rare Piece of Disney Parks History Draws Attention

Owner Rick Harrison instantly recognized the piece of Disneyland history as a miniature model of the iconic Jungle Cruise boats.

Fans of the show know that it takes a lot to get Rick excited about an item, and this time, Rick was ecstatic.

Two men standing behind a glass counter in a shop, examining a model boat placed on the counter by a customer in a maroon shirt. A woman stands to the side of the counter. Shelves with various collectibles and memorabilia are displayed in the background. — Credit: History Channel/”Pawn Stars”

Nick talked with Rick and his assistant, Chumlee, about the miniature boat, telling him that only two in the world still worked. His boat was one of them. As such, Nick told Rick he wanted to get at least $5,500 for it.

Rick immediately called in one of his associates, Joel, who’s an expert in toys, their history, and their present-day value. Joel was pleasantly surprised at the condition of the boat and noted that it still contained all of the original figurines, including the skipper, each of which was hand-painted.

An Amazing Offer For an Amazing Piece of Disney History

“The Disney Jungle Cruise boats are extremely rare,” Joel explained. “They only made 22 of them, so if it works, the collector market is incredible for them.”

To ensure that the mini-boat actually worked, Rick Harrison, his assistant Chumlee, Joel, and Nick went to a local hotel to try it out in the hotel pool. They soon discovered that the boat was easily controlled by the remote and was in great working condition.

A model boat with a red and white striped canopy, the number 12 on the front, and small figurines inside is placed on a glass display case. Two people’s hands are visible near the boat, one to the left with tattoos and another to the right gesturing. — Credit: History Channel/”Pawn Stars”

Though Joel, the toy expert, said the boat was easily worth at least $7,000, Harrison only offered Nick, the owner, $4,300.

Though the offer was $1,200 lower than what Nick had originally hoped to get in exchange for the boat, he eventually agreed on the price, and a deal was made.

Nick hopes to use the money he made from the sale of the mini-Jungle Cruise boat to book an actual cruise in the future.

Close-up photo of small figurines on a miniature boat with a striped canopy. The figurines depict individuals engaged in a scene, with one facing away and two seated at the boat's helm. The background is out of focus, emphasizing the boat and its figures. — Credit: History Channel/”Pawn Stars”

Here’s hoping Nick gets to see the backside of water when he ventures out on his actual cruise!