Yo Ho, Yo Ho

This post has noting to do with the Pirates ride.  

In a minute we'll learn about the Jungle Cruise ride, but for now there's no theme here, just some fun pics.  This one is of a shirt I wished I bought one time when were at the big Disney store. I don't know when I would wear the shirt, but I like it.  I usually only wear Disney shirts when I'm headed to the park or in the park.  I do wear a red, white, and blue Mickey shirt on the 4th of July, but that's it.

Remember yesterday when I said I like the drive down? And remember me talking about the big gas station that I like? One of the things they have is a gigantic selection of salt water taffy. Mandy likes it.  I like it.  It's fun to choose the flavors. "Welcome to Terribles." 

How about this pic? It's just a good picture. Genuine smiles. Disneyland. This could be the front of a pamphlet that convinces people that Disneyland is so fun and worth the thousands (millions) of dollars it takes to get there and have fun.

Way up near the start of this post I promised a bit about the Jungle Cruise.  Here we go.

The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland is a classic riverboat adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the world’s most exotic rivers, where you’ll encounter wild animals, ancient ruins, and, of course, a boatload of bad puns. This ride has been delighting visitors with its mix of humor and adventure since it opened in 1955, and it’s become a beloved staple of the park—partly for the fun, partly for the nostalgia, and partly because it’s a chance to kick back and let someone else steer the ship for once.

As you board your boat, your Skipper—a master of deadpan delivery—greets you with a smile and a set of jokes so cheesy they could be served at a fondue party. But that’s exactly the charm of the Jungle Cruise: it’s a self-aware adventure that never takes itself too seriously. The river may be teeming with danger, but the real attraction here is the running commentary from your Skipper, who somehow manages to make the wildest of situations feel like part of a stand-up routine.

Once you set off on your voyage, you’re immediately transported into a lush, overgrown world of dense jungle foliage and mysterious rivers. As your boat weaves through the water, you’ll encounter all kinds of wildlife, from playful elephants splashing in the river to fearsome hippos popping up from the depths. But don’t worry—your Skipper’s there to keep you “safe” with quips like, “Don’t worry folks, they only attack when the boat is filled with tourists. Oh, wait…”

The ride takes you through a variety of exotic locales, each more dangerous than the last—or at least that’s what the Skipper would have you believe. From the African Veldt, where lions are enjoying a zebra “on the rocks,” to the lost temples of Cambodia, where ancient statues watch over ominous ruins, there’s always something to see… and a joke to go along with it. The animatronics may be a little retro, but that’s part of the ride’s charm—it feels like an old-school adventure movie brought to life, complete with a sarcastic narrator who never runs out of one-liners.

And then, of course, there’s the infamous “back side of water” joke. As your boat approaches a waterfall, your Skipper gleefully announces that you’re about to witness one of the wonders of the world: the back side of water! (Cue the dramatic pause.) Yes, it’s literally just the back side of a waterfall. No, it’s not really that funny. But somehow, after years of hearing it, the joke has become so synonymous with the Jungle Cruise that you can’t help but smile—even if it’s the kind of smile that comes with a good-natured eye roll. It's dad joke territory, and the Jungle Cruise wouldn't be the same without it.

One of the highlights of the ride is the variety of Skippers, each bringing their own unique flair to the script. Some lean into the corny humor, while others deliver their lines with such dry sarcasm that you can’t tell if they’re in on the joke or just really tired of it all. Either way, the Skipper’s performance makes each ride a little different, so you never quite know what to expect—except for the puns. You can always expect the puns.

By the time your boat returns to the dock, you’ll be a little wiser about the dangers of the jungle (and a lot more familiar with bad jokes). The Jungle Cruise is the perfect blend of lighthearted fun and classic Disney storytelling, offering a chance to see the world’s most exotic rivers without ever leaving the park. Sure, the animatronic animals may not be the most lifelike, and the jokes may not be the most cutting-edge, but that’s exactly what makes the Jungle Cruise such a beloved ride—it’s a quirky, funny, and nostalgic journey that never takes itself too seriously.

So, if you’re ready to brave piranha-infested waters, outwit angry headhunters, and witness the back side of water, hop aboard the Jungle Cruise and let your Skipper guide you through an adventure filled with laughs, groans, and a few eye-rolling moments. Just remember to keep your hands inside the boat, because you never know when a crocodile might want to shake hands—he’s always looking for a good meal, and that meal might just be you!

Now the long story:

The Real Adventure Begins

Tradition Takes Over

As the families headed down Main Street, the smell of churros tempting them, Julene suddenly remembered a crucial detail.

"Wait a minute," Julene said, stopping in her tracks. "We can't start with churros!"

Everyone turned to look at her, puzzled.

"Our family tradition," she continued, "is to start with the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We always do that first!"

"Ah, the ol' family tradition," Scot said with a grin. "Churros will have to wait, then."