In 38 days we head to Florida and Walt Disney World. I can hardly wait! These trips are always about the people for me. When we remember these vacations, I always place them by saying things like, “Oh, yeah, that’s the one where Jenny and Juni, and Jonathan and Robin and the boys came along.” or “Right, Grandma and Grandpa were there that time.” Now, because we have fewer points and it takes a few more points to book things, we wait and go every three years. And we just include our kids and grandkids. Did I say just? It will be glorious to have those people around the same table, sharing the same Villa, within arms reach. Be still my heart!
This will not be the first time we’ve ridden Jungle Cruise. Mike, Jake, Emi and I rode it years ago with my mom, dad and my Aunt Phyllis. It will be the first time for James, Eliza, Ida and Linnie. I remember it being so corny, in the best way, and so fun! Here’s what Disney has to say:
Set sail for high adventure on a scenic boat tour of the most exotic and exciting rivers across Asia, Africa and South America.
Go Wild
Embark on a cruise where hippos, elephants and maybe even a headhunter await your arrival.
Trek to a forgotten tropical jungle outpost—home to suspended cargo nets, wooden crates and lanterns—and board a canopied tramp steamer for a tongue-in-cheek adventure led by a trusty skipper through some of the world’s most treacherous rivers.
A True-Life Adventure
During your 10-minute journey, encounter awesome wonders of nature amid some of the world’s most exotic locales. Highlights of your adventure include:
• The Amazon in South America
Drift past a canopy of green trees and flowering orchids where giant butterflies meet rushing waterfalls.
• The African Congo
Tour an abandoned Pygmy site, glimpse a massive python and snap a picture of a camp overrun by curious gorillas.
• The Nile River
Behold bathing elephants, angry hippos and hungry lions—but be on the lookout for a tribe of headhunters, recently spotted in the area.
• The Mekong River
Explore an age-old shrine, home to baboons, cobras and other wild creatures.
Along the way, take in lively narration from your friendly skipper, known for a brave heart and a clever joke… or two. It´s a ride you won’t soon forget!
Early Journeys
The original Jungle Cruise opened in 1955 at Disneyland Park. Based on Disney’s award-winning True-Life Adventure films, Jungle Cruise premiered with a more serious and educational tone. In the early 1960s, however, Walt Disney decided to introduce more drama and lighthearted scenes and asked one of his most accomplished animators, Marc Davis, to sketch some humorous gags.
Today, the attraction exists at Disney theme parks around the world, except Disneyland Paris, and is considered a favorite among Guests.
It’ll be great for the little ones, because it’s just a gentle boat ride with nothing too dark or scary.
Meet me at the Kingdom.
Donna
Who’s who for reference:
- Mike-my husband
- Jake-my son
- Eliza-Jake’s wife
- Linnie-Jake and Eliza’s daughter, 🙂 my granddaughter
- Emi-my daughter
- James-Emi’s husband
- Ida-Emi and James’s daughter, 🙂 my granddaughter
- Jenny-Mike’s niece
- Juni-Mike’s niece
- Jonathan-Mike’s brother
- Robin-Jonathan’s wife