[Chat] Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

[MrsMonroe]

Walt Disney once heard a child ask his mother if they could get on the Jungle Cruise and the mother said no because they rode it last time. upset by this he then began to update the attraction every few years... when he died that stopped and other than minor changed in 1995 and 2005 the ride hasnt really changed and is super dull and even boring. if Walt saw this he would be very angry.

how can we change the ride and rewrite the script, yes i know how much you all love the ride but things need to be changed

[DARTH MAUL]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

I'm sure the animatronics could be updated, but the ride is fully functional and in good shape. Other things need more attention.

[MrsMonroe]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

why not plus everything? every ride needs updating! ESPECIALLY fantasyland... can some one show disney a paint shop lol

[Bronco21]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

^^Because Disney theme parks do not have an unlimited budget and corporate isn't going to update something that is still very popular. Besides, isn't the reason we have the jokes on the jungle cruise is because guests thought it was boring? I'll take corny jokes and fake animals over 80% of DCA.

[MrsMonroe]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

but the dark rides deserve attention as well as aging attractions. screw it im gonna go to college and find a way to be put in charge of Disney or by millions of shares and force them to spend the money :!$#%:

[jeannie527]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Jungle Cruise is one of my all time favorite rides. I always laugh at the jokes, even though I have heard them several times. My boys enjoy it, and to see them have fun is the whole reason I love Disneyland. A lot of posters on here get so picky about things here and there, but I never see any of that because I see Disneyland thru the eyes of my 6 year old and 3 year old. And that is joy and wonder, the whole point of Disneyland to begin with. There are some rides I don't like and wish would be changed/removed, ie Autopia, but my sons would be heart broken. Jungle Cruise is one of those rides that isn't going anywhere. And if you find it boring then maybe you shouldn't ride it.

[MrsMonroe]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Jungle Cruise is one of my all time favorite rides. I always laugh at the jokes, even though I have heard them several times. My boys enjoy it, and to see them have fun is the whole reason I love Disneyland. A lot of posters on here get so picky about things here and there, but I never see any of that because I see Disneyland thru the eyes of my 6 year old and 3 year old. And that is joy and wonder, the whole point of Disneyland to begin with. There are some rides I don't like and wish would be changed/removed, ie Autopia, but my sons would be heart broken. Jungle Cruise is one of those rides that isn't going anywhere. And if you find it boring then maybe you shouldn't ride it.

maybe i find it boring because i notice all the things that arent working and skippers who dont do a good job... maybe it because i work there but i dunno...

[SwankbelliedPirate]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Yeah.....Think ABC's "The River". Now there's a script change for ya.

[Sandy P]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Besides all, i m admired of it!

[Dirton]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Personally I’d love to see a bit more interaction with the animals and less campy scripted jokes.

I know it will never happen but if they could create a similar experience to that of the Safari from DAK that would be amazing, especially since that’s the original idea Walt had.

I think it would be cool to see an Australian section.

[Crickets]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Jungle Cruise is fantastic the way it is-- corndog jokes and all.

[techskip]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

It's not Disney enough. They need to have Disney Characters as Skippers while rehashing whatever the latest blockbuster movie is. No more jokes, I'm serious, we need lots of Characters and lots of Movies so we can sell Plush and TShirts and Plastic Stuff...

[greeeneyes17]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

I love the Jungle Cruise, though I do admit some of the skippers could do a better job.
They are what make the ride, after you've been on it a few times, and it's supposed to be funny every time and I've found many a skipper who doesn't care too much and lazily rolls the jokes off their tongue.

As for the rest of the ride, I think it's great and maybe needs a little TLC but otherwise in great shape. And besides, I think 99% of the people on this website/ the public would beg to differ with you because it's a classic ride.

[RegionsBeyond]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Walt was very keen on 'plussing' every ride in the park while he was alive, that is accurate, if he rode it and came up with ideas.

With Jungle specifically, the only story I recall was him riding and being unsatisfied with the length of the attraction himself (skippers rushing through it) and insisting it should take 10 minutes, not less. He came back and checked up on it for months afterward to make sure, or had others check for him. He did want new scenes to add humor prior to that, but he added scenes and effects to several other attractions and areas of the park near constantly: such does not reflect that he thought Jungle particularly was flawed all the time.

Current Jungle does depend a lot on the Skipper, and some are less funny on individual trips who may well do awesome later: that's a variable which just occurs. In the past 10 years of going to the park, I have never experienced a skipper who wasn't trying or at least attempting to put their own spin on the jokes/putting a lot of energy into the presentation. Sometimes it just doesn't work for individual passengers.

As for the scenery, audio animatronics, scenes, etc, I see nothing looking worn out or that 'doesn't work' at current. It still draws guests in and I've seen many a boatload of guests having a great time. So I'd respectfully disagree that is in such 'bad' shape as insinuated in the original post. Guessing that 'Walt would be very angry' about a ride he oversaw and approved changes for because he liked it, based on someone's personal non-enjoyment of it (which is perfectly fine to have, by the way, I don't think every ride in Disneyland is amazing either) seems to me to be putting words in the mouth of someone who is a) deceased, b) was notoriously both a stickler for quality and had a very personal grasp of what was right for Disneyland which was his own (sometimes complex) vision of what was right and wrong, added to the fact of no one here knew the man in person enough to accurately guess what he would like or not like with 100 percent correctness about the modern park.

Just my thoughts

[Dirton]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

It's not Disney enough. They need to have Disney Characters as Skippers while rehashing whatever the latest blockbuster movie is. No more jokes, I'm serious, we need lots of Characters and lots of Movies so we can sell Plush and TShirts and Plastic Stuff...

Yeah because crappy jokes make the ride amazing!

Keep trolling and not adding!



Anyway if they wouldn't go a more realistic way id love to see more of a wicked sense of humor added with characters like Shrunken Head Ned. The terrible jokes that are disney approved detract from the ride. Unless disney is going to give more freedom to the skips and we see a return of those on par with the mighty Captain Mikey.

[techskip]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Yeah because crappy jokes make the ride amazing!

Keep trolling and not adding!

Anyway if they wouldn't go a more realistic way id love to see more of a wicked sense of humor added with characters like Shrunken Head Ned. The terrible jokes that are disney approved detract from the ride. Unless disney is going to give more freedom to the skips and we see a return of those on par with the mighty Captain Mikey.

First off... that was sarcasm. Second... I worked with Bubbleduck, knew him very well and helped train him (or as you call him Captain Mikey). Third... this is from a very old thread.

I have put a great deal of thought into this. My experiences as both a Skipper and a parent have allowed me to see the Jungle through the eyes of a child. I know that there will probably not be another refurbishment for some time but I thought I would toss this in. I had planned on printing it out and handing it in but my new job started much sooner then I had anticipated.

Boathouse Band Loop expansion- During peak season Indy uses Upper 1 of the boathouse to maintain their own line. Our band stage hasn't been used in a long time. It would require the removal of a branch but the area is already a natural extension of the band loop. With minimal work the band loop can be doubled in size. This would also allow extra time before Upper 2 is opened. I would also recommend re routing the line in the band loop because several areas are extremely narrow due to badly placed props.


Native hut in the lagoon- I have included a picture of the old native hut and catamaran. The old design is more authentic and would add to the show. Because the lagoon is smaller and the boathouse is closer I would recommend building it larger and possibly closer to the catwalk.


Toucans- During the last refurbishment the toucans were moved into the rain forest. The problem with the current location is that they are extremely difficult for the guests to see. If they were moved across the river to the other bank, possibly near the Indy dock it would be easier to see and it would provide Skippers with the option of butterflies or toucans. Also add small old world monkeys, air AA’s similar to the technology used in Tiki. There are a variety of simple movements such as tails, hands, and swinging that can be easily duplicated. A rainforest should be full of life, not 3 butterflies and a couple toucans.


Sunken City interlace a combination of old archways and rainforest along the Indy exit to give context to this currently dead area. There should be a gradual change from rainforest to city, not a "Boom here we are" which is the current effect.


Bob- Bob looks great from Indy's exit however from the boat it is extremely awkward to look behind you and up just to catch a fleeting glimpse of the monkey idol. If he is turned around and lowered, possibly near the first archway, it would be visible from both Indy and Jungle. This would also work with a landslide effect and various articles in ruins placed on the berm


Crocs- I would add another croc snapping on the other side of the boat as well as two crocs on the right bank. It would be an impressive animation trick if they could duplicate how crocs slide into the water, that splash and the subsequent snapping would really bring the temple to life.


Spiders- Add air driven animations that actually drop down towards the boat on the outside edges. they would need to be placed out of reach of guests but still give the impression of attacking the boat. This effect would be simple to accomplish. Also alternate the drop pattern and continue it until the boat was clear of the arch, a sensor placed in the archway could achieve this effect.


Elephant Pool- The Elephant pool is absolutely amazing, The only addition I could think of is possibly 3 to 5 elephants on the left side (1 or 2 adults and some calves). If you added animation on both sides it would give the impression of navigating through the herd.


Gorilla Camp- having a dock across from the camp was originally discussed during the last rehab. This would allow for a ricochet effect and add to the sense of danger.


African Veldt- The entire placement of the animals just looks odd. I know that the Imagineers wanted to add a drinking Giraffe. If they moved the giraffes to the left side of the river (on the island near the large turnout) they would be able to add the drinker. I would also move the Zebras around and mix them in with the Gnu. If there was a budget I would also add more Gnu, they usually number in at a million or more, with a couple thousand Zebra. It would be possible with 3 or 4 more Gnu to give the appearance of the herd crossing the river. In the wild a Giraffe will only drink if it is completely safe from lions and even then only if 2 or 3 others are standing guard. To have Giraffes eating from the trees, one drinking, and several Impala along with a zebra or Gnu would really be a sight. It would completely immerse the Guests in that scene.


Trapped Safari- The trapped safari is probably one of the most memorable scenes. The only addition I could think of is moving the hyenas over slightly and adding a baby rhino attacking some of the safari’s gear (also added of course)


Hippo Pool- C curve has a blind spot that prevents you from seeing the trapped safari once you have entered the hippo pool. Imagineers talked about adding a sunken boat. I believe it should be cut in half, half on one side of the curve and half on the other. They could add a smoke effect to the smoke stack. I would also recommend floating debris in the water and various pieces of the boat and cargo strewn about on the banks. This is a great opportunity to make the pool “dangerous” and also explain the loss of the Mekong and the Maggie.


Native Village- Add more spears with skulls on them. Make the entrance more forbidding. Place Natives on both sides of the ambush and add blowguns. IF they are able to duplicate Indy’s air cannon effect it would enhance the entire scene.


Piranhas- Take out the shrine or enhance it by making it authentic to Mayan culture. Add a jaguar on the left bank near the second rock on the left side. The jaguar would really add to the effect of being in the Amazon. The Jaguar is one of many symbols of Mayan culture, having a combination of stone carved shrine and an actual cat would completely immerse guests in that environment.


The Jungle Cruise is an amazing attraction. I knew I wanted to be a Jungle Skip when I was 4. I did it when I was 18. I realize these enhancements may never be made but if they serve as an inspiration then it was worth the effort.


*This was submitted by me to my Management team on the last day of my employment. I was under the impression that it was discarded. When I posted it on Micechat I was informed that it was not discarded. I was notified that a "mutual friend" notified WDI and they snagged it... no one has ever admitted as to who placed that call.

and the add on

To expand slightly on the whole "Indy Exit" stretch. I had proposed adding 3 more archways along that stretch, bringing the total to 5. I also suggested making a 6th as a "spare" in the event that any of them needed to be switched out. The archways would provide a location for additional misters. They would provide a home for additional AA's. They would also allow for a gradual "overgrown jungle" feel instead of "BAM here's the temple ruin".


At the time Tiki had been begging for additional "spare" parrots in order to make swap out repairs easier. I had suggested ordering additional parrots as well as additional small birds (toucans etc). This would be on Tiki's budget. It would allow for standardized AA's, standardized movement, standardized repairs and overall lower maintanence costs. Due to the simplicity of air powered AA's they could quickly add iguanas, monkeys, and snakes to the mix. On another thread I also talked about plant based AA's (venus fly traps, attacking vines etc.)


Another complaint is that Indy's outside queue is "too hot" in Summer. Since the rainforest is being expanded right next to Indy it would be the perfect time to expand the mister system overall. Indy would either take this, or share the budget for this (due to their use). This again would standardize the equipment/repairs.


So with a little bit of effort the Rainforest could have monkeys, toucans, parrots, butterflies, snakes, iguanas, spiders, attacking plants, ruins, AND misters... just a thought. Add in the other wildlife I mentioned and you are talking about 1/4 to 1/3 "new life" in Jungle.

Contrary to popular belief, I do care deeply about Jungle. I just didn't want to steal someone else's thread.

[Dirton]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

some awesome ideas, there are a lot of wasted spaces in jungle as you noted. I think what makes the best attractions are the amount of details, the icing on the cake as it were, that make re-riding them a blast. To me the bride scene in HM is a perfect example.


Btw: Sorry, joke well delivered. I would actually prefer a more straight forward forum but things are pretty uptight around here.

[Linus]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

I love the Jungle Cruise as it is. No one goes on JC for a thrill, you go to get that old Disney feel. The Campy jokes and old props help that.

[techskip]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Here's the character list for Female

Female CharactersMercenary’s Widow- Married at a young age to a debonair solider-of-fortune, she was dragged around the world from exploit to exploit. She and her husband eventually ended up in the jungle outpost of Adventureland. Suddenly, her husband dies of a rare tropical disease, leaving her alone and penniless at this rough outpost. The operators of the Jungle Cruise Trading Company took pity on her and allowed her to run a launch for the company. She is rather timid and not at all sure of herself. She sometimes becomes lost on the river and handles her firearm with trepidation.


The River Pilot’s Daughter- Born in Adventureland to a river pilot and his native wife she grew up in the jungle. After her mother died, she accompanied her father on all of his adventures and came to know every inch of the river by heart. Now grown, she has stepped into her father’s shoes and runs a launch of her own. She is very confident and outspoken, having to fend for herself in this rough environment. She is always up for danger and handles both her gun and boat with the upmost skill.


The Nurse- Originally sent into the jungle by the Foreign Office to help the colonial outpost, she stayed on after the outpost closed in order to open a clinic for local natives. After the Trading Company opened, she joined the crew and took up residence in the boathouse in order to have a central location. She runs her launch up and down the river to the various villages and outposts to minister to the health needs of the inhabitants. She takes on passengers in order to make ends meet and help out with the Trading Company’s business. She handles her boat well and is rather familiar with the river, but is a little stuffy, being a Briton out of her element.


The Mobster’s Girl- She was the girlfriend of a mobster back in the States, but ratted him out to the Feds. Frightened, she jumped on the first plane headed out and landed herself in the middle of Adventureland. She decided to make the best of a bad situation and passes herself off as an experienced pilot in order to get a job from the Trading Company. Although she is not really familiar with the river, she is gutsy and willing to take a chance, much to the chagrin and well-being of her passengers. She is of course a crack shot with her pistol.


The Stranded Survivor- She really can’t remember who she is. She was found by the natives and raised as one of their own. As soon as she was old enough she set out to find out who she really was. She was taken in by a family in Adventureland and through them learned how to read, write, and more importantly speak English. Having mastered the basic skills she convinced the Trading Company to let her run a launch in hopes of finding out what happened out there. She is continually searching for some clue to her past. She knows the jungle better then anyone, can speak a dozen native dialects, knows every local custom, and can track anything that walks, swims or soars. She can handle a boat decently but is an extremely bad shot and will only handle the gun in the most dire of circumstances.


The Actress- Born and raised on the stages of London, this beautiful lass always dreamed of being on the silver screen. She traveled to Adventureland after reading articles about the various celebrities that have come here to visit the temple ruins. She convinces herself that her job with the Trading Company is only temporary and hopes to meet someone with the connections to put her in the movies. She views her tours as an audition, always over acting and making everything as dramatic as possible. She is gutsy, but careless, and her over acting usually makes a bad situation that much worse. She can handle a launch decently, and uses the gun with the flare and bravado of a movie star heroine.


The Fashion Guru- Once considered the most fashionable dressmaker in all of Europe, she was forced to move to Adventureland after the Depression struck. At first she was able to make a living as a seamstress until that too failed. She joined the Trading Company in hopes of trading her wares with the local villages, possibly gaining some insight into the local customs and fashions. She is a fast talker, good with the launch and better with the gun.


The Debutant- Born into a life of wealth and privilege, she is one of the few who came to Adventureland of her own accord. Against the wishes of her family she struck out on her own in hopes of making it… on her own. She is fiercely independent and very strong willed. She convinced the Trading Company to hire her and take out a launch as a way of earning her keep. With every letter her father sends her a check, only to have it go up in flames as she tosses it into the fire. She can speak several languages and handles both the launch and the gun with elegant grace and charm.

---------- Post added 06-29-2012 at 10:59 AM ----------

the traditional Male Characters

The Tall-tale Teller- Born and reared in Adventureland, this crusty old river pilot knows the river like the back of his hand. He has seen a lot on his excursions and is more then happy to relate each and every adventure he’s ever had to his passengers. In fact, every time he comes across anything on his excursions, he is reminded of a previous adventure and lets his mind wander back to his previous exploits, usually at the expense of his passenger’s safety. He is extremely confident in handling his launch, even too confident at times. He has also been known to run guns and moonshine when business is slow.


The Mechanic- Born and reared in Adventureland. Although he is more then happy to take boatloads of tourists around the river, his main concern is keeping the Company’s launches in working order. He is a little slow, but knows boat engines inside and out and could repair a rusted out motor with dental floss and a bar of soap. He is generally liked by the other skippers, although his sense of humor is a little off. Fairly confident with both gun and boat.


The Swashbuckling Journalist- This extremely debonair gentleman came to the company from the British Daily Journal. He got into a scuffle with one of his bosses and landed a less then desirable assignment here in Adventureland. Being only a slightly competent reporter, he found that he had to take on a second job with the Jungle Cruise Trading Company. The Company was hesitant about hiring this cocky outsider at first, but his persistence paid off. He seems very popular with the female passengers but is self confident to the point of being vain, which often causes him to get into situations more serious then he can handle.


The Exiled Politician- He was once head of a small third world nation, but was overthrown by one of his top generals. Under the cover of night he fled for his life, traveling to the most remote place he could think of. Being a fast talker and used to dancing around the truth, he convinced the Trading Company to let him purchase a launch and take passengers in order to get by. Unfortunately he is one who has always been waited on hand and foot and has always had all of his needs taken care of by others. Therefore, he truly is not cut out or prepared for life in this harsh jungle. Being a mediocre skipper and constantly relying on maps to make it around the river, it is his fast talking ability which seems to, time after time, save his hide.


The Cowboy- He lost his ranch back in the States when the Depression struck. Finding no jobs to suit his unique skills he decided to try his luck in Adventureland. He read the ad looking for skippers and convinced the Trading Company to take him in. While his skills with the launch leave a lot to be desired, he is by far the best shot on the river and an expert at tracking animals. He is daring, seeking out danger and excitement with reckless abandon, usually at the expense of his crew.


The Cook- This happy go lucky fellow was once the proud owner of several fine-dining establishments, the Depression changed everything. He took the first steamer to Adventureland in hopes of starting with a clean slate. The Trading Company hired him on the spot hoping he would open a cafe in the boathouse to draw in more passengers. He politely declined what was more then willing to be the crew’s cook. He is boisterous and loud, with an amazing sense of humor, and is well liked by the entire crew. He can handle both gun and launch, but prefers to stay near the boathouse because he is easily lost and turned around in the dense jungle. He has been known to take on passengers when he occasionally ventures deep into the jungle to trade with the natives for spices. He may not be very knowledgeable about the jungle but he knows the best way to prepare almost any meal.


The Doc- This man of medicine is actually a veterinarian, a horse doctor to be exact. He lost his practice when he treated a horse that won a race, a race that authorities later determined was rigged. He came to Adventureland seeking a second chance. The Trading Company hired him as the crew’s doctor. Although he specializes in animals he can dress any wound, man or beast, and is extremely useful in the most dangerous situations. He doesn’t usually take out a launch unless there is a patient to attend to. Often times he will reminisce and tell his passengers about his past exploits, like saving the life of a stranded baby hippo. He is an expert with the launch, knows the river well and can handle the gun but prefers the non-violent approach to animals.


The Military Hero- He is a highly decorated solider who decided that after seeing the worst in life, he would seek out the best. He heard about the Trading Company through Col Blumbert, an old family friend. He ventured to Adventureland in hopes of seeking out the peaceful jungle’s quiet tranquility. He was hired before the Trading Company offered tours to the public. He prefers to be alone, transporting cargo, and only takes on passengers if he has to. He is brave and will face down any danger, no matter the odds. He is an expert with both the gun and the launch.

---------- Post added 06-29-2012 at 11:00 AM ----------

And the wild cards

[Dirton]

Re: Change the Jungle Cruise!!!

Holy crap thats awesome, see i would love to those types of characters add, much like the ones in HM or pirates. I know it's more about the animlas but they could spred it out. Like i'd love if at the gorilla camp we could see the actual adventures who lost their camp.