It's A Jungle Out There!

By Guest Columnist Disney InsidEAR Sarah Orr
  


Last week Disney Parks Blog and Disney Parks InsidEARS website posted a photo and asked visitors to "Caption This." 

Here is the blog post and photo:

"You probably recognize this week’s photo from The Jungle Cruise at either Disneyland Park, or at Magic Kingdom Park.This humorous scene finds a pack of safari guides literally up a tree, while a rhinoceros and hyenas await their descent.

What are they saying to one another? How did they end up in this mess, and whose idea was this voyage anyway? You tell us."

After seeing the photo and reading the post, my mind started racing.  I started thinking about all of the "Jungle," references throughout Walt Disney World.

Here are my captions-

Guide #1: "I think this ENDS our stint as Wild Africa Trek Tour Guides."

#2: "I told you guys not to head toward the castle!"

#3: "Sorry! I wanted to see the BACKSIDE of water!"

#4: "This is not what I had in mind when I asked you to make a 'TUSKer House' reservation!"

#5: "Remember guys, what goes on in the jungle, stays in the jungle."

I thought it would be fun to think of as many "jungle" themed references, attractions and even foods and drinks in Walt Disney World as I could.  (Yes, you can mail my "Disney Geek" membership card anytime.)

Here's what I came up with:

 - The elaborate Tarzan scene in The Great Movie Ride in Disney's Hollywood Studios

- Jungle Juice - the mixture of orange, passion and guava juices found at:

Tusker House Restaurant in Animal Kingdom Park

Boma, the buffet style restaurant in Animal Kingdom Lodge

Kilimanjaro Club (concierge lounge) in Animal Kingdom Lodge

- Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade in Animal Kingdom Park (can been seen in the afternoons - usually around 3:45 PM)

 - Festival of the Lion King show in Animal Kingdom Park where the animals "come to life" in the jungle right before our eyes

 - Tusker House Restaurant in Animal Kingdom Park - one of my favorite character buffets - with plenty of fresh salads and breads at lunch and dinner, and plenty of jungle safari references throughout its decor

 - Wild Africa Trek - my husband, daughter and mother rave about this tour where guests get to literally trek through the jungle setting in Animal Kingdom Park.

 - Rainforest Cafe (of course) at the entrance of Animal Kingdom Park, where you can dine in the the vines of the jungle

- The Outpost in Epcot's World Showcase - great place where kids can play to the rhythm of the jungle on the African drums on display

- Swiss Family Treehouse in Magic Kingdom Park - would you like to live in the jungle?

- Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room in Magic Kingdom Park - the classic show with a cool and dimly lit jungle atmosphere

- Disney's Polynesian Resort, where I first stayed in 1972, with its lush tropical jungle foliage

- DeVine in Animal Kingdom Park - well, she IS the jungle

- Maharajah Jungle Trek, the self guided tour in Animal Kingdom Park (don't forget to speak to the cast members stationed throughout the trek for tips and hints on spotting animals and birds)

- A "Hidden Baloo"  near Harambe Marketplace in Animal Kingdom Park - Could this be a tribute to our favorite bear from "The Jungle Book?" 

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks InsidEARS website

I've come full circle and will end this post back where I started, with one last nod to those comedic tour guides and those hungry hyenas on The Jungle Cruise. 

Hopefully when those guides make it out of the jungle, they will be greeted with a refreshing Schweitzer Falls drink, created by The Jungle Cruise's Trader Sam.

Do you know who this drink is named after?  How would you caption the photo of the scene from "The Jungle Cruise?"  What are your favorite parts of the "jungle" in Walt Disney World? 

Here is the recipe so you can make it yourself! 

Schweitzer Falls (Non-Alcoholic)

4 ounces Sam’s “Gorilla Grog” (a blend of pineapple, orange, guava, and passion fruit juices, fresh lemon juice, and falernum*)

4 ounces Sprite

Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Pineapple wedge, for garnish

Mint sprig, for garnish

1.      Build in a Collins glass over ice, roll into mixing tin, and back into glass.

2.      Garnish with maraschino cherry, pineapple, and mint.

* Falernum is a sweet syrup used in Caribbean and tropical drinks. It contains flavors of almond, ginger and/or cloves, and lime, and sometimes vanilla or allspice.

*recipe courtesy of Disney Parks InsidEARS website

 Thanks Sarah for sharing your article with us here.  If you would like to read more of Sarah's work, please check out her blog called View from the Parlor:  Live, Give and Travel.