Chapter 9 - Magic Kingdom - Adventureland - Part 1 Posted July 2017/Updated Feb 2022
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Where we're going in this Chapter:
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Adventureland is a unique land at the Magic Kingdom. You can get stranded in a Tree, float down dark mysterious jungle rivers, listen to tropical birds sing, and partake in a Pirate plunder. It’s an adventure.
As you leave Main St USA and Cinderella’s Castle Plaza and entering Adventureland you’ll notice that the landscape surrounding you is getting denser. As you reach the bridge leading to Adventureland, turn around; you’ll note that both Cinderella's Castle and Main St. are no longer visible. Again with attention to detail the Imagineers immerse the guests into the atmosphere with sensory effects through sights, sounds and smells. The jungle drums at the bridge should be a warning of what’s to come. Come lets venture into this land of adventure.
As you leave Main St USA and Cinderella’s Castle Plaza and entering Adventureland you’ll notice that the landscape surrounding you is getting denser. As you reach the bridge leading to Adventureland, turn around; you’ll note that both Cinderella's Castle and Main St. are no longer visible. Again with attention to detail the Imagineers immerse the guests into the atmosphere with sensory effects through sights, sounds and smells. The jungle drums at the bridge should be a warning of what’s to come. Come lets venture into this land of adventure.
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Click on photo to enlarge
Adventureland Veranda
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Once over the bridge, to your right is the Adventureland Veranda which opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971, at first serving mainly chicken and hot sandwiches. In 1977 the restaurant received sponsorship from Kikkoman and the menu changed a bit to include Teriyaki hamburgers topped with pineapple, stir fry, and sweet and sour hot dogs. The restaurant went into a reduced operating schedule in 1993 before being closed in 1994. It has reopened as a restaurant on a few occasions while other restaurants were going through remodeling. In 2015 the interior had been renovated to become The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen.
The Terrace after 1994 mainly served as a meet and greet location along with a spot to get cookies and hot chocolate during the Christmas Party. For more history on this lost treasure see: http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/advv.htm http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2010/11/adventureland-veranda.html 
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In 2018 the veranda became the Magic Kingdom’s Club 33 location.
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Adventureland Music
From the tribal drums when you cross the bridge into Adventureland to the background music it sets the mood for the area. The upbeat background music has a Caribbean flair. The bouncing rhythms can make you want to dance. It can make you feel as if you are ready to explore the jungle, visit the tikis, or even meet up with pirates.
The music of steel drums can also be heard in the background music of Adventureland. It takes you to the feel of visiting an island in the Caribbean. If guests listen closely to the background music, they might recognize some classic Disney songs including Someday My Prince Will Come, Kiss The Girl, and It’s A Small World.
Below is a taste of the Adventureland Music Loop.
From the tribal drums when you cross the bridge into Adventureland to the background music it sets the mood for the area. The upbeat background music has a Caribbean flair. The bouncing rhythms can make you want to dance. It can make you feel as if you are ready to explore the jungle, visit the tikis, or even meet up with pirates.
The music of steel drums can also be heard in the background music of Adventureland. It takes you to the feel of visiting an island in the Caribbean. If guests listen closely to the background music, they might recognize some classic Disney songs including Someday My Prince Will Come, Kiss The Girl, and It’s A Small World.
Below is a taste of the Adventureland Music Loop.
Sunshine Tree Terrace
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As we walk further into interior of Adventureland we arrive at our first refreshment Outpost, Sunshine Tree Terrace.
Refreshing Citrus fruit-flavored treats, such as Orange Slush, Citrus Swirl, Raspberry Lemonade Slush, and Juice are on the menu at the Sunshine Tree Terrace. Also offered is Chocolate/Vanilla soft serve Ice Cream, Iced Cappuccino, Espresso, assorted Fountain Beverages and Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’re looking for the Famous Dole Whip, it’s deeper in Adventureland and served at the Aloha Isle near the Tiki Room https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/sunshine-tree-terrace/menus/ |
Jan 2015
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Sept 2016
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The confusion is understandable, Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace have change locations a few times in the past 5 years.
Orange Bird
Let’s take a little historical side trip regarding a character that that made a short comeback in 2012 - 2015.
History
The Orange Bird was created in 1970 as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission in exchange for them sponsoring the Tiki Room attraction at Magic Kingdom. Accompanied by singer Anita Bryant, the two appeared in ads for Florida oranges and Bryant narrated a record album telling the character's story. After the Anita Bryant ad campaign was dropped in the late 70s, the Orange Bird had a solo career and appeared in a few educational shorts in the 1980s such as Foods and Fun: A Nutrition Adventure and The Orange Bird and the Nutrition Bandwagon. Eventually, the bird would fade into obscurity when Disney and the FCC severed their ties in 1987.
Years later, at Tokyo Disneyland in 2004, the Orange Bird would experience a revival as the Japanese became infatuated with the character and the character received a lot of merchandising to coincide with Japan's annual Orange Day on April 14th of that year. The Orange Bird soon returned to appearing regularly on merchandise in the US as well.
Eventually, in April 2012, the Orange Bird made a proper return to the Sunshine Tree Terrace.
Information:
History
The Orange Bird was created in 1970 as a mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission in exchange for them sponsoring the Tiki Room attraction at Magic Kingdom. Accompanied by singer Anita Bryant, the two appeared in ads for Florida oranges and Bryant narrated a record album telling the character's story. After the Anita Bryant ad campaign was dropped in the late 70s, the Orange Bird had a solo career and appeared in a few educational shorts in the 1980s such as Foods and Fun: A Nutrition Adventure and The Orange Bird and the Nutrition Bandwagon. Eventually, the bird would fade into obscurity when Disney and the FCC severed their ties in 1987.
Years later, at Tokyo Disneyland in 2004, the Orange Bird would experience a revival as the Japanese became infatuated with the character and the character received a lot of merchandising to coincide with Japan's annual Orange Day on April 14th of that year. The Orange Bird soon returned to appearing regularly on merchandise in the US as well.
Eventually, in April 2012, the Orange Bird made a proper return to the Sunshine Tree Terrace.
Information:
The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
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As we mentioned the former Adventureland Veranda area across from the Swiss Family Treehouse and is now home to the "World Famous Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen”.
Be prepared to plunge into the atmosphere and legacy of the Jungle Cruise!
The restaurant proprietor is Alberta Falls, daughter of Albert Falls from the Jungle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise Skippers will be your servers, the same skippers who guided your steamer down the Nile, Amazon and Congo Rivers.
Be prepared to plunge into the atmosphere and legacy of the Jungle Cruise!
The restaurant proprietor is Alberta Falls, daughter of Albert Falls from the Jungle Cruise. The Jungle Cruise Skippers will be your servers, the same skippers who guided your steamer down the Nile, Amazon and Congo Rivers.
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Skipper Canteen Story Written by Alberta Falls
Noticing that Adventureland had become more of a spot for globetrotters than cargo shipping, a Skipper approached Alberta with the idea to offer guided tours of the Jungle Rivers to passengers, thus started the Jungle Cruise. |
Dr. Albert Falls A portrait of Dr. Albert Falls has pride of place when you enter the Skipper Canteen. Dr. Albert Falls is best known as the name behind Schweitzer Falls from the Jungle Cruise. But Dr. Falls also founded the Jungle Navigation Co. in 1911, a shipping business that moved cargo along the Jungle Rivers. However, once his granddaughter, Alberta, took over the company, business unfortunately declined. 
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Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant
The Restaurant is divide into several different themed rooms.
The largest room is themed like a Crew Mess Hall and smaller dining rooms will come off of that room. It’s filled with artifacts from traveling the Jungle Rivers for Niles… and Niles… and Niles….
The Restaurant is divide into several different themed rooms.
The largest room is themed like a Crew Mess Hall and smaller dining rooms will come off of that room. It’s filled with artifacts from traveling the Jungle Rivers for Niles… and Niles… and Niles….
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Some of the Skippers have offices upstairs, as does Alberta herself. The upstairs door on the left says Skipper Marc, which is most likely commemorating Imagineer Skipper Marc Davis, who is best known for the Haunted Mansion and contributed several humorous updates to the Jungle Cruise including the Rhinoceros Chasing Explorers up a Pole scene, always gets the point in the end. The other offices are tributes to Skipper Harper (Goff) and Skipper Bill (Evans). Goff designed the waterway and the boats. Evans did the landscaping.
One of the smaller rooms is the S.E.A. Room—a once-secret meeting room for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers was hidden behind the bookcase. When the once secret Society met here, this bookcase would be closed hiding the entrance. Members accessed the room by pulling on a volume of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.
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But now it always open to the public.
This room is filled with artifacts from the Jungle Cruise.
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Take a careful look at the portrait over the fireplace.
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Throughout the Skipper Canteen, the shelves are filled with books, with clever references to:
And there are some books that are a play on words (Spotted Tigers by G. Rowl) or puny amusement (Fleas Navidad and Other Winter Insects).
Here are a handful of the many delightful titles, along with their relevance to the Skipper Canteen and/or Disney in general.
- Disney parks (The Eyes of Mara by Jones, obviously a reference to Indiana Jones and the Disneyland attraction)
- Imagineers (Crooning Flowers by Sherman and Sherman, referring to the Sherman Brothers and the songs they composed for the Enchanted Tiki Room)
- inside jokes (Friends for Dinner by T. Sam, a reference to Trader Sam the cannibal from the Jungle Cruise attraction)
And there are some books that are a play on words (Spotted Tigers by G. Rowl) or puny amusement (Fleas Navidad and Other Winter Insects).
Here are a handful of the many delightful titles, along with their relevance to the Skipper Canteen and/or Disney in general.
- In Search of the Yeti by Harrison Hightower III. Hightower is a member of the fictional S.E.A. based on Imagineer Joe Rohde, who was one of the driving forces behind Disney's Animal Kingdom and Expedition Everest. Hightower has several different books on the shelves, including Treasures of the Animal Kingdom.
- A Manor of Fact by Mystic is a reference to Henry Mystic and Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland. Mystic, also a member of S.E.A., is also represented by other books including Treasures from the Manor and Primates as Shipmates, referring to his mischievous pet monkey Albert, who causes trouble in the Mystic Manor attraction.
- Captain Mary Oceaneer is the author of Parrots as Pets, referring to her diving companion parrot, Salty. Oceaneer also is the author of Charting Course.
- Leaders Throughout History by Professor G. Kalogridis is a reference to George Kalogridis, the president of Walt Disney World.
- Songs of the Tiki Bird by Professor Boag honors performer Wally Boag, who helped write for The Enchanted Tiki Room and voiced the parrot Jose.
- Universus Arboribus by B.M. Evans is a tribute to Imagineer Morgan "Bill" Evans, who loved putting Latin names on the Disney park horticulture.
- A Journey to the Stars by Kimball alludes to Imagineer Ward Kimball, who wrote and directed three episodes about outer space for Disneyland's Tomorrowland.
- Hamlet: A Lion's Tale by Shakes Speare acknowledges that Disney's animated feature film The Lion King was inspired by the Shakespeare classic play.
- Native Orange Birds of the Southeastern United States by Dr. Sidd Truss (pronounced "citrus") is a nod to the Florida Orange Bird of the Florida Citrus Commission that was prominent for the first decade of Walt Disney World.
- Banjos and Baboons by Goff is a reference to Imagineer Harper Goff, who was a banjo player and also the designer of the Jungle Cruise attraction.
- Primates of the Caribbean by Coats is for Imagineer Claude Coats, who did set design for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
- A View from Above by S. W. Buckets refers to the Skyway attraction.
- Mission to the Red Planet by Tom Morrow is a reference to the old Mission to Mars attraction.
Click on photo to enlarge
There are so many tributes in this restaurant, Skipper Canteen is an imaginative and entertaining addition to the many legends of the Jungle Cruise with many details to be discovered by adventurous explorers.
And the last dining room is the Jungle Room, which was former family parlor of Dr. Albert Falls himself.
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As in S.E.A Room note the decor and carvings, many are reminders of scenes from the ride.
Check out the beautiful chandeliers, reminiscent of a the Tiki Room, are definitely a highlight of the parlor!
There is so much to see in the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant. The Imagineers have out done themselves to meld this restaurant’s theme to the Jungle Cruise.
But it is a restaurant, so as Alberta says in her letter, “Please relax and enjoy your meal”.
Check out the beautiful chandeliers, reminiscent of a the Tiki Room, are definitely a highlight of the parlor!
There is so much to see in the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant. The Imagineers have out done themselves to meld this restaurant’s theme to the Jungle Cruise.
But it is a restaurant, so as Alberta says in her letter, “Please relax and enjoy your meal”.
World-Famous Jungle Cuisine
Be set for an exotic flavor adventures at the Jungle Canteen. It’s not your ordinary menu. The menu features dishes inspired by the rivers of the world and the cuisine of Asia, South America and Africa.
Be set for an exotic flavor adventures at the Jungle Canteen. It’s not your ordinary menu. The menu features dishes inspired by the rivers of the world and the cuisine of Asia, South America and Africa.
But it’s sure to please everyone. Check out the current menu at:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/jungle-navigation-skipper-canteen/ Check out Disney Food Blog for more details (with photos) on what’s offered on the menu: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/12/16/full-review-the-new-jungle-navigation-co-ltd-skipper-canteen-in-disney-worlds-adventureland/ |
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Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse |
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Next on our tour, across from the Jungle Canteen, is the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. This Treehouse is an greatly overlooked attraction, maybe because most guest aren’t familiar with background story or the fact that it is a walkthrough, or both. Well let’s stop and take a look.
The Treehouse is modeled on the 1960 Disney film called the “Swiss Family Robinson”. The story is an adaptation from a novel written by Johann David Wyss in 1813, also called “Swiss Family Robinson”. Link: Works by Johann David Wyss at Open Library |
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The Treehouse is a re-creation of the home the shipwrecked family in the movie builds for themselves, right down to the organ in the "living room" and the skylight in the parents' bedroom.
The story of the movie is about a shipwrecked family of five that salvages material from their downed ship, the Swallow, to create a home among the leaves of a huge old tree on a South Seas island. There are bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a library, all set up just like other 19th-century homes. As the story goes, the family has to battle a band of pirates, and then are rescued……well, maybe. You really should see the movie. But regardless the Treehouse is another example of the attention to detail by the Disney Imagineers and well worth seeing. 
As you climb the 116 steps of the Swiss Family Treehouse, you will pass through the various rooms, with placards telling you the story of the Robinsons and their sons: Fritz, Ernst, and Francis.
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As you enter the Treehouse path, you’ll note a sign:
"On this site July 17, 1805 the Swiss Family Robinson comprised of myself, my good wife and three sons, Fritz, Ernst, and little Francis ... were the sole survivors by the grace of God, of the ill-fated ship Swallow. - Franz R." Note: In the original novel and Disney Movie, Father Robinson's name was actually William. Also, there was no name given to the doomed vessel, the only name given in the novel was to the house itself, which was called, "Falconhurst." |
As you continue to ascend up the tree the next room they encounter is the Parents’ Bedroom. This is the bedroom for Franz and his wife, Elizabeth. The most prominent pieces of furniture in the room are the large bed, and the colorful curtains. If you look closely you can also find a bottle of Brandy hidden in the rafters. 
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Each room in this fantastic treehouse is full of 19th century articles that have been salvaged from the shipwreck. Here is a brief description about what you’ll find in each room:
As you begin to climb the treehouse, the first room they encounter is the Family Living room. The Living Room is filled with mahogany furniture, dishware and an organ that all stand beside the large wheel from the shipwrecked Swallow ship. The organ plays the attractions theme song “The Swissapolka”. 
Across from the parents’ bedroom, you’ll encounter the Jungle Lookout.
A plaque next to the lookout says: The Jungle Lookout. "In this compound we often pause to contemplate our small world - Here adventure beckons with every view and every sound, the jungle and it's river call out their mystery & invite us to new discovery." From the Jungle Lookout there are incredible views of the 360-degree views of Adventureland and the Magic Kingdom. 
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The Crow’s Nest is the highest point in the Treehouse and it’s the living quarters of sons Franz, Ernst and Francis. Each boy has a hammock to sleep in. And as expected the room is also filled with a ragged chest and clothing cluttered about. There’s a plaque outside of the room states: Fritz-Ernst-Francis Their Room completed on the first anniversary of our deliverance July 17, 1805. |
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Coming down you will pass the Study/Library. A plaque above the library states, Library These good books - the recording of man's ideas and achievements were salvaged from our ship. We shall never hunger for food for the mind nor the soul. In the Library/Study are a desk and a table, which hold two important books. The first is the Bible, which is located on the desk. On the nearby table, guests can see an encyclopedia. Both of these books were salvaged from the sunken ship |
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Then down to the bottom level of the Treehouse we reach the Kitchen and Dining Room. A plaque outside the kitchen reads: Our Kitchen and dining room complete with running water volcanic stone hearth & oven utensils of our own making and salvaged from the wrecked “SWALLOW” plus natures bounty & my good wife's cooking amply fulfill our wants. The kitchen has an oven stove, but it also has many large tables made of wood. |
As you climbing the Treehouse you’ve probably noticed the Water System – which starts at the base of the tree, with a large wooden wheel gathering water from a stream and carrying it up to the various rooms via pulley system using bamboo cups. Once the water reaches the various rooms in the house, the bamboo pipes carry the water into barrels.
After passing by the kitchen, you will exit back out into Adventureland.
Disney Fact:
- The Swiss flag in the Swiss Family Treehouse is the only flag of another nation that is on display permanently over a Disney attraction.
- This Swiss Family Robinson was one of three operating attractions in Adventureland on opening day along with the Jungle Cruise and Tropical Serenade.
- Just outside of the Treehouse, guests can find other items salvaged from the SWALLOW.
- The Swiss Family Treehouse has 116 steps, 9 limbs, 1,400 branches and 300,000 polyethylene leaves.
- The only organic part of the tree is the Spanish Moss which covers the leaves and branches.
- The Swiss Family Treehouse was constructed to look like a Banyan Tree, which are local to Florida.
- The official Latin name given by Disney to the tree is Disneyodendron eximus.
- The original Swiss Family Treehouse in Disneyland was modeled after a Moreton Bay Fig Tree found in Anaheim.
- Woody Strode served as the model for the natives found in the Jungle Cruise
- The Swiss Flag that flies over the Swiss Family Treehouse is the only flag of another nation permanently flown over an attraction in the Magic Kingdom.
Source:
After passing by the kitchen, you will exit back out into Adventureland.
Disney Fact:
- The Swiss flag in the Swiss Family Treehouse is the only flag of another nation that is on display permanently over a Disney attraction.
- This Swiss Family Robinson was one of three operating attractions in Adventureland on opening day along with the Jungle Cruise and Tropical Serenade.
- Just outside of the Treehouse, guests can find other items salvaged from the SWALLOW.
- The Swiss Family Treehouse has 116 steps, 9 limbs, 1,400 branches and 300,000 polyethylene leaves.
- The only organic part of the tree is the Spanish Moss which covers the leaves and branches.
- The Swiss Family Treehouse was constructed to look like a Banyan Tree, which are local to Florida.
- The official Latin name given by Disney to the tree is Disneyodendron eximus.
- The original Swiss Family Treehouse in Disneyland was modeled after a Moreton Bay Fig Tree found in Anaheim.
- Woody Strode served as the model for the natives found in the Jungle Cruise
- The Swiss Flag that flies over the Swiss Family Treehouse is the only flag of another nation permanently flown over an attraction in the Magic Kingdom.
Source:
- http://themickeywiki.com/index.php?title=Swiss_Family_Treehouse
- http://www.yesterland.com/treehouse.html
- http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/swiss-family-treehouse
- http://guide2wdw.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/swiss-family-treehouse/
- http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/05/swiss_family_treehouse_2.html
- https://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/opening-dates
- http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_swiss.htm
- http://www.mainstgazette.com/2009/12/disneyodendron-eximus.html
- Yee, Keven. Walt Disney World Hidden History Second Edition. N.p.: n.p., 2014. Print
- The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World: an Imagineer's-Eye Tour Alex Wright - Disney Editions - 2005
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Swiss Family Crates
As you come out of the Treehouse, turn left and head down to the Jungle Cruise.
But the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse attraction theme extends downstream to the Jungle Cruise Loading Dock
At the exit to the Jungle Cruise take a careful look at the crates stacked there.
At the exit to the Jungle Cruise take a careful look at the crates stacked there.
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One of the crates is addressed to Thomas Kirk.
Thomas Kirk, Esq. - Actor Tommy Kirk appeared as middle son Ernst Robinson in Swiss Family Robinson. He was a Disney regular, also starring in such films as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (M. Jones Cartographers). Island of Bora Danno – This is a reference to the eldest Robinson boy, Fritz, played by James MacArthur. MacArthur starred in the Disney movies Kidnapped, The Light in the Forest, and Third Man on the Mountain (inspiration for the Matterhorn at Disneyland). But it was his role as Danny Williams on the TV series "Hawaii Five-O" that brought him his greatest fame. As costar Jack Lord's Detective Steve McGarrett would say, "Book 'em, Danno." 
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The other crate is addressed to Kenneth Annakin.
Kenneth Annakin Director of Imports - Ken Annakin directed Swiss Family Robinson, as well as the Disney films The Sword and the Rose and Third Man on the Mountain. Wyss Supply Company - This refers to Johann Wyss, the author of the 1812 book Swiss Family Robinson, which the film was based on. Colony of New Guinea - New Guinea, an island colony north of Australia, was the original destination of the Robinson family and their ill-fated ship, Swallow. |
Jungle Cruise
Now on to the Jungle Cruise.
If you’ve already been to the Jungle Canteen then you’ll know that the Canteen is based on the backstory of the Jungle Cruise.
If you’ve already been to the Jungle Canteen then you’ll know that the Canteen is based on the backstory of the Jungle Cruise.
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The Jungle Cruise takes guests on a river cruise down several major rivers of Asia, Africa and South America. Guests board a replica of a tramp steamers from a 1930s British explorers' lodge and are taken on a tour past many different Audio-Animatronic jungle scenes. The trip is led by a Disney Cast Member delivering a humorous and corny narration. This narration is based on a written and practiced script, but generally is largely delivered ad-lib.
The early version of the Jungle Cruise was done without jokes and was based on Disney's True Life Adventure Series.
The themed backstory, Jungle Cruise is set as a depression era British outpost on the Amazon River, operated by the fictional company, The Jungle Navigation Co., whose advertisement poster is painted on the wall near the exit of the attraction. The thatched roof material around Jungle Cruise is actually made of metal, not straw.
The early version of the Jungle Cruise was done without jokes and was based on Disney's True Life Adventure Series.
The themed backstory, Jungle Cruise is set as a depression era British outpost on the Amazon River, operated by the fictional company, The Jungle Navigation Co., whose advertisement poster is painted on the wall near the exit of the attraction. The thatched roof material around Jungle Cruise is actually made of metal, not straw.
The Jungle Cruise Queue
Again throughout the attraction the Imagineers have embedded such attention to detail. The queue of the Jungle Cruise is heavily themed with period artifacts, tools, gear, photos and more. It is intended to resemble an outpost where an exploration of the Jungle Rivers may be booked. The queue was designed to wind about extensively so that guests may see all of the different artifacts in the queue.
There are several inside jokes. Several of the items in the storage cage are addressed to various characters at the Adventurers Club (formerly at Pleasure Island). The most notable section of the queue is the office of Albert AWOL. Albert AWOL is the "the voice of the jungle “who provides queue music and interspersed with radio commentary. You can hear assorted scratchy 1930s records played over the PA system with a somewhat witty DJ bantering and making corny announcements and reading "the jungle news" on Congo's KBGO. One of the songs Albert AWOL plays is "You're the Top", by Cole Porter, and parts of the lyrics, which are very clearly audible and discernible go like this: "You're the melody/from a symphony/by Strauss!/You're an O'Neill drama!/You're Whistler's mama!/You're Mickey Mouse!" Albert Awol is a fictional Jungle Cruise boat captain and disc jockey for the Disney Broadcasting Company. Considered the "Voice of the Jungle", he broadcasts everything from news, to quizzes, reminders, weather, etc. on the DBC (Disney Broadcast Company). He also serves as a period disc jockey for the station, filling the airwaves with music from the 1930s Depression era.
Santa, Please stop here for Christmas
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Boats
There are 15 vehicles, with a maximum of 10 in operation at any given time.
The Sankuru Sadie is the only boat in the Magic Kingdom's fleet to have ever sunk.
Retired boats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_Cruise
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-world/magic-kingdom/adventureland.htm
There are 15 vehicles, with a maximum of 10 in operation at any given time.
The Sankuru Sadie is the only boat in the Magic Kingdom's fleet to have ever sunk.
- Amazon Annie (Renamed "Eggnog Annie" during Christmas)
- Bomokandi Bertha (Wheelchair lift equipped) (Renamed "Brrrrr Bertha" during Christmas)
- Congo Connie (Renamed "Candy Cane Connie" during Christmas)
- Ganges Gertie (Renamed "Garland Gertie" during Christmas)
- Irrawaddy Irma (Renamed "Icicle Irma" during Christmas)
- Mongala Millie (Renamed "Mistletoe Millie" during Christmas)
- Nile Nellie (Renamed "Noel Nellie" during Christmas)
- Orinoco Ida (Renamed "Orino-cocoa Ida" during Christmas)
- Rutshuru Ruby (Renamed "Reindeer Ruby" during Christmas)
- Sankuru Sadie (Renamed "Sleigh Ride Sadie" during Christmas)
- Senegal Sal (Renamed "Poinsettia Sal" during Christmas)
- Ucyali Lolly (Renamed "Yule Log Lolly" during Christmas)
- Volta Val (Renamed "Vixen Val" during Christmas)
- Wamba Wanda (Wheelchair lift equipped) (Renamed "Wassail Wanda" during Christmas)
- Zambezi Zelda (Renamed "Fruitcake Zelda" during Christmas)
Retired boats
- Kwango Kate (Retired in 2000)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_Cruise
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-world/magic-kingdom/adventureland.htm
As guests approach the loading dock, a small shack is spotted across the river, situated along the bank. The shack has a wrap-around porch with a roof supported by bamboo poles. The roof is made of thatched straw and is angled at a steep grade, representative of the imperial architecture of the 1930s European jungle colonies.
The Cruise
Each of the scenes in the Jungle Cruise attraction is taken from the True-Life Adventure Film Series that Walt Disney produced in the early 1960s.
The tour proceeds as follows:
The tour proceeds as follows:
- The skipper introduces himself or herself, and begins to take the boat full of guests down the tropical rivers of the world.
- The ride starts out in the Amazon River, where the passengers encounter butterflies with one-foot wingspans, or twelve inches.
- The boat then passes Inspiration Falls, which transitions into the Congo River in Africa.
- The skipper explains that there is a pygmy welcoming party waiting for them, but when the boat arrives at the beach, the canoes are empty, and the place deserted.
- The skipper wonders what scared off the pygmies, and they soon discover that it was a giant python.
- The boat then passes a camp that has been raided by gorillas, which transitions the cruise into the Nile River.
- After encountering two elephants, the boat passes along the African Veldt, where numerous African animals watch a pride of lions eat their kill.
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- As we turn the bend, we encounter two alligators Old Smiley and Ginger, watch it she snaps (sorry about that)
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- After they exit, they come across an elephant bathing pool where numerous elephants are relaxing in the water.
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- The boat narrowly avoids being sprayed by water from one of the elephants. |
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- The cruise concludes after passing Chief Nami, the head salesman of the jungle, who offers two shrunken heads for one of the passengers. (Note: also known as Trader Sam, who runs the Bar over in the Polynesian Resort.)
Trader Sam is holding his Christmas special
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Two Heads for one of youra
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While winding their way towards the loading dock, guests pass by a shipping crate to be shipped to “Evans Exotic Plant Exporters.” The crate pays tribute to Bill Evans, a master horticulturist who was brought in by Disney to create the lush jungle environments that guests enjoy on the attraction today.
Each variety of plant throughout the attraction was carefully selected by landscape architect Bill Evans to ensure that the foliage would be able to endure Florida's unique climate: hot summers and relatively cool winters. The most difficult aspect of this was making sure these plants had the appropriate look and feel of traditional tropical plants in the equatorial jungle. |
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At the exit of the Jungle Cruise, note the signage on the walls.
Imagineers Goff and Evans can be credited with the creation and initial design of the ride. Marc Davis, recognized for his work on venerable attractions such as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, added his own style to the ride in later versions. The "Indian Elephant Bathing Pool" and "Rhinoceros Chasing Explorers up a Pole" were among his contributions.
Photo: Disney.com
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Jingle Cruise
During the Christmas holiday, The Jungle Cruise is transformed into the festive Jingle Cruise. The animatronics are decorated, the boats are re-named, and the guides are full of dry holiday humor. 
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Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats
Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats opened in 1997. It was located next to the exit of the Jungle Cruise, the Junior Jungle Boats allowed guests to become skippers of their own miniature Jungle Cruise boats. A sign outside the area read, "Jungle Expedition Skipper Training School, established 1854". Used the the large wheel guests could steer their boats, through a small obstacle course.
The attraction gets its name from Shrunken Ned who is a fortune telling witch doctor, located in the South Sea Traders store in Disneyland. Shrunken Ned’s real name is Col. Nedley Lostmore.
Ned's backstory states that while he was exploring the dense jungles, he was turned into a shrunken head. Col. Nedley Lostmore brags that he is “the jungle’s only self-service witch doctor”.
The skipper training school being established in 1854 is reference to the fact that in 1854 David Livingstone started his journey to Africa. On the trip he would name Victoria Falls and the Zambesi River.
Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats was removed in September 2012.
Reference:
Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats opened in 1997. It was located next to the exit of the Jungle Cruise, the Junior Jungle Boats allowed guests to become skippers of their own miniature Jungle Cruise boats. A sign outside the area read, "Jungle Expedition Skipper Training School, established 1854". Used the the large wheel guests could steer their boats, through a small obstacle course.
The attraction gets its name from Shrunken Ned who is a fortune telling witch doctor, located in the South Sea Traders store in Disneyland. Shrunken Ned’s real name is Col. Nedley Lostmore.
Ned's backstory states that while he was exploring the dense jungles, he was turned into a shrunken head. Col. Nedley Lostmore brags that he is “the jungle’s only self-service witch doctor”.
The skipper training school being established in 1854 is reference to the fact that in 1854 David Livingstone started his journey to Africa. On the trip he would name Victoria Falls and the Zambesi River.
Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats was removed in September 2012.
Reference:
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Tiki Gods
As you come out of the Jungle Cruise Plaza and back upto the Arabian Plaza guest will come across six tiki gods designed by Disney Legend Marc Davis. When originally installed, these humorous fellows were simply a show piece with no water feature. When it came time to replace these tikis, the Imagineers knew they wanted to retain the humor Marc Davis was going for when he created them years earlier. However, the Imagineers also knew they wanted to add to the exhibit. They crafted new tikis with the ability to create a steamy backdrop and squirt passersby with streams of water. The tiki gods are a link to Enchanted Tiki Room which is located just across the walkway. They were/are a transition from the Arabian backdrop of the plaza area to the tropical environment of birds, flowers, and tikis found in the Tiki Room. 
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Arabian Plaza
As we travel back into civilization, guests are treated to Arabian themed area complete with Camels, Magic Carpets, and Bazaars (shops).
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Spitting Camels
As guests approach the Arabian Plaza and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, they should be cautious of the camels. The camels will spit water at the passersby’s. Contrary to opinion, the spitting is random and not controlled by a hidden person. If you get spit on consider it luck.
There are two spitting camels, one faces the walkway coming from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and squirts passersby, the other camel spits water onto guests as they ride on the Magic Carpets.
The camels were originally featured in the Aladdin’s Royal Caravan parade that ran at Disney-MGM Studios from 1992 until 1995. Following the end of the parade's run, the spitting camels were placed outside of the park's Soundstage Restaurant. The Soundstage Restaurant closed in 1998. The spitting camels were eventually relocated to their current location in the Magic Kingdom during the construction of the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in 2001.
Note: If you want to get hit by the spitting camel while flying your carpet, fly at mid-level. Or you can always stand in front of the one facing the walkway.
Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride
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On the center of the Arabian Plaza stands the Magic Carpets of Aladdin which can take you on a flight over Agrabah on an 'enchanted' carpet.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is based on the Disney animated feature Aladdin.
According to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin's backstory, the Genie bottle that serves as the centerpiece of the attraction was discovered when the well that had previously been located in the center of Adventureland was dug up at the turn of this century. Then the Genie conjured up an entire fleet of magic carpets (16 in all) for trill-seeking Guests to experience a flight around the Plaza. |
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Once seated, the riders are instructed how to fly their carpets before being lifted into the air. The magic carpets fly in circles around the Genie's lamp (which is decorated with characters from Disney's Aladdin) while music from the movie plays.
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Shops
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Time to move on to the shops and do some shopping. But wait, let’s backup a little. We want to cover all of the shops in this area, so we can’t miss….. |
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Bwana Bob's
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Just as you cross the bridge and enter Adventureland to the left along the tree line you’ll see Bwana Bob's Bwana Bob’s is a small gift shop that sells essentials, sundries, souvenirs and jewelry.
Bwana Bob’s opened in 1985, it was originally a Adventureland ticket booth and was where Magic Carpets of Aladdin is now located. Then Bwana Bob's was repurposed in the late 80s to sell vaguely Jungle Cruise-related knick-knacks. The original structure was demolished to make way for The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and in the process "moved" nearer the Adventureland Bridge in the early 2000s. 
Bwana Bob's in 1988
Bwana Bob's actually pays tribute to comedian Bob Hope, who was a long time fan of Walt Disney. Bob starred in the 1963 film, Call Me Bwana, where he played an expert on all things Africa (even though he had never been there before). Due to his love of Disney, Bwana Bob's was named after him!
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Island Supply Sunglass Hut
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Just after the Rest Rooms, the first shop we approach is the Island Supply Sunglass Hut, which features high-end sunglasses.
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The Island Supply is loaded with sunglasses, featuring a wide selection of names brands such classics as Ray-Ban, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Tiffany, Prada, Maui Jim and Oakley. You also find beach and summer wear here.
The Magic Kingdom store is one of the larger Sunglass Hut locations.
The Magic Kingdom store is one of the larger Sunglass Hut locations.
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The Island Supply shop is now officially known as Island Supply by Sunglass Hut, but that wasn't the case before 2014 it was simply known as Island Supply. It sold a variety of tropical clothes.
Guests should pay close attention to the roof of the building.
On top of the building, guests can find a structure featuring several different colored threads which may seem confusing to some considering the location is now a shop exclusive to sunglasses, but the threads pay tribute to the original shop here.
Guests should pay close attention to the roof of the building.
On top of the building, guests can find a structure featuring several different colored threads which may seem confusing to some considering the location is now a shop exclusive to sunglasses, but the threads pay tribute to the original shop here.
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Next to the Island Supply Hut is the..
Zanzibar Trading Company
The Zanzibar Trading Company is an Arabian themed shop featuring, clothes, hats and gifts.
Zanzibar Trading Company
The Zanzibar Trading Company is an Arabian themed shop featuring, clothes, hats and gifts.
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And around the corner you’ll enter the….
Agrabah Bazaar
Agrabah Bazaar
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The Agrabah Bazaar is straight out of the movie Aladdin. The store doesn’t sell traditional Disney souvenirs, so explore the shop and see what unique souvenirs they have to offer. Fans of Aladdin can also find some limited Aladdin merchandise.
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Agrabah Bazaar, Island Supply, Zanzibar Trading Company and Bwana Bob's all operate under the Agrabah Bazaar umbrella, and merchandise can be purchased between the 4 locations.
And if your lucky Jasmine and Aladdin may join you for a ride on the Magic Carpets.
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Character Meet & Greet Location
At the end of the Bazaar is a Meet & Greet area. Check the Times Guide for exact times and characters. Presently Aladdin and Jasmine are there to greet the guests. 
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Aloha Isle
We’ve finally made it to the Aloha Isle for the much sought-after soft-serve delight known as the Dole Whip®—a popular frozen treat blended in pineapple, vanilla or swirled flavors. Frosty floats, fresh pineapple spears and soft drinks are also available. It’s located across from the Agrabah Bazaar and next to the Tiki Room
It’s arguably one of the best features at Adventureland is the Aloha Isle. This is one of the only spots in all of Magic Kingdom where you can purchase the popular Dole Whip soft serve pineapple flavored ice cream (the other is at Captain Cook's in the Polynesian Resort)
We’ve finally made it to the Aloha Isle for the much sought-after soft-serve delight known as the Dole Whip®—a popular frozen treat blended in pineapple, vanilla or swirled flavors. Frosty floats, fresh pineapple spears and soft drinks are also available. It’s located across from the Agrabah Bazaar and next to the Tiki Room
It’s arguably one of the best features at Adventureland is the Aloha Isle. This is one of the only spots in all of Magic Kingdom where you can purchase the popular Dole Whip soft serve pineapple flavored ice cream (the other is at Captain Cook's in the Polynesian Resort)
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ADVENTURELAND STEEL BAND
(1971 - 2002)
From high atop The Jungle Cruise queue, the Adventureland Steel Band generated the “sound” of Adventureland! Their Trinidad musical stylings became so popular that multiple selections of their songs were released through Walt Disney Records.
Their sound was so iconic that they contributed one track on the album Musical Souvenir of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1973). This was followed by a full album entitled Walt Disney World Adventureland Steel Band (released in 1976).
Eventually their name was changed to J.P. and the Silver Stars about the time they began to perform in Caribbean Plaza.
Research:
(1971 - 2002)
From high atop The Jungle Cruise queue, the Adventureland Steel Band generated the “sound” of Adventureland! Their Trinidad musical stylings became so popular that multiple selections of their songs were released through Walt Disney Records.
Their sound was so iconic that they contributed one track on the album Musical Souvenir of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1973). This was followed by a full album entitled Walt Disney World Adventureland Steel Band (released in 1976).
Eventually their name was changed to J.P. and the Silver Stars about the time they began to perform in Caribbean Plaza.
Research:
J.P. and the Silver Stars perform in Caribbean Plaza.
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In 1978, J.P. and the Silver Stars performed in parades too - atop one of the horse-drawn carts!
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Well we've come to the end of this half of the tour. Our travels took from the South Sea, to the deep dark Jungles of Asia, Africa and South America, then back to the Arabian peninsula.
But the adventure continues in the next Chapter 10 - Adventureland Part 2, where we will visit two attractions that Walt Disney had personal involvement in their creation, the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Pirates of the Caribbean.
But the adventure continues in the next Chapter 10 - Adventureland Part 2, where we will visit two attractions that Walt Disney had personal involvement in their creation, the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Pirates of the Caribbean.
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Afterword:
WDWMousing.com is designed to be a tour of Walt Disney World through photos. We have been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 25 years and accumulated a magnitude of photos in that time. This website is an intention to combine two of our favorite pastimes, Walt Disney World and photography, and provide an insightful pictorial tour. While doing so, we've done an extensive research of the internet and literary sources for background information on each area and atrraction. The information is available, but most bits and pieces are scattered all over. WDWMousing doesn't intend to rewrite the stories, legends or data, but to try and collect it into one location with reference and links to the original articles and authors. And giving rightful credit. We've stumbled through quite a bit of mis-information, most of which came to life by fans because the origins were lost, forgotten or no one seems to remember. Over the past 25 years we've also lost most of the great Imagineers that helped develop, design and build the original concepts of Walt Disney World. So we believe it's extremely important to make sure that their efforts, intentions, details and creativity in making this Happiest Place on Earth isn't lost. So we ask for feedback, insights, and suggestions. Thank you WDWMousing 
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