Today's Magical Moment: Magic in the thick of the jungle

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park takes explorers on an excursion down the rivers of three different continents. Going deeper and deeper into the jungle, the boat’s skipper is your guide, humorously regaling you with tales of danger as you pass ancient ruins, zany explorers and exotic animals.

The attraction, as we know it today, is much different than Walt Disney’s original vision. During the planning stages, Walt intended for the attraction to have live animals roaming around, much like Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When he realized he couldn’t control the animals’ sleeping habits, he decided he could tell a better story using Audio-Animatronics.

The first version was very serious, based on Walt Disney’s “True Life Adventure Series.” It wasn’t until a few years later that humorous vignettes were added.

Since coming to the Walt Disney World Resort for its opening on Oct. 1, 1971, the attraction is as popular as ever, delighting the young and the young-at-heart alike. Each excursion is different, as skippers interject their own personality into the spiel.

Skippers also create magic for Guests of all ages each day as they invite them to come to the front of the boat and join them as honorary Jungle Cruise skippers. In addition to all the fun and photo opportunities, the honorary skippers also receive a Magical Moment certificate.

Jungle Cruise Skipper Rob Van Vlokhoven always strives to give his passengers his best performance.

“The Jungle Cruise was one of Walt’s favorite rides. It’s all about storytelling and setting the mood at the different scenes. It’s seeing the children smile and the magic about everyone being together having fun and sharing moments with them.”