Birt Family Focus

The Jungle Cruise -- 9/11/01
Photos by Carol and Kris

This week I'm heading into the wilds of Adventureland. One of my favorite attractions here is-SURPRISE- The Jungle Cruise. Despite the recent efforts to make this attraction more PC, it is still quite a hoot. I heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little levity with their adventure. There is plenty to be had here, but watch out, it can get pretty cheesy. Personally, though, I like cheese.

One of the original rides in the Magic Kingdom and patterned after it's sister in Anaheim, this is a boat ride through the major river systems in South America, Africa, and Asia. The captains are very knowledgeable about the tour areas. In fact, I learned all about man-eating vines and what you get when you cross an elephant with a Rhino. You don't know? Eckifino!!! hehe- Sorry- couldn't resist.

The boat loaders are very helpful and knowledgeable, too. One found my red rubber band. Once, I rode with a party of four and they got me four seats. Once I rode with a party of 8 and they got me four seats. Ba-dum-bum! Yes folks, along with the thrills and chills of wild animals, cannibals, and treasure in ancient temples, you get cheesy jokes-and lots of them. What more could you ask for? Well- one more thing- ride this in the dark- it's a whole different experience!

We have ridden this so often, even my little daughter anticipates the jokes and does some of the punch lines before the captain can. This is pretty funny- most of them make a joke out of that, too. This attraction is a favorite with our whole family, and we feel sure it will be with yours, too. Just don't go on it expecting to be truly scared-that's not going to happen. Go into it looking for serious silliness and you will be richly rewarded.

Well, now is the most dangerous part of our little tour - the return to civilization. Please gather up all your belongings and take small children by the hand. Remember, any children left behind will be sent to It's A Small World where they will have their feet glued to the floor and be forced to sing that awful song over and over and over...well I said they were cheesy- didn't I? ;-) BTW- you can visit www.themedattraction.com/jungle.htm to find some neat pix and the entire script in all it's variations. Have fun!