At a Glance
Duration: 9 minutes, 5 seconds
Look Out For: one spooky dark ride section, some threatening animatronic animals, and a problematic scene of menacing indigenous characters
Opening on October 1st, 1971, Jungle Cruise is an iconic adventure with a witty skipper. But how scary is Jungle Cruise? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Jungle Cruise has a ride duration of 9 minutes and 5 seconds. Due to the guided-tour structure of this attraction, the run time could, of course, be longer or shorter depending on the live actors or potential slight delays.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Jungle Cruise has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. However, this family-friendly attraction does have a few spooky moments that could make it less suitable for some members of your party. Be sure to check out the Is It Scary section for more specifics.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Jungle Cruise ride vehicles consist of individual boats seating approximately 30 guests on center-facing benches. There are no ride restraints, and the bench-like structure of the seats allows for families with younger children to fit more passengers per row.
4. How Does Jungle Cruise Work?
While it may seem like your skipper is driving you through the Congo, Jungle Cruise works like any other Disney track ride, moving its ride vehicles along a predetermined route. Much like Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, or Frozen Ever After, this attraction utilizes a hidden track under the water. The live actor (your skipper) is solely there to entertain and add authenticity to the ride.
5. Is Jungle Cruise Scary?
While Jungle Cruise is not intentionally very scary, there are certainly a few spooky moments throughout your journey. You encounter many large jungle animals (all animatronics) – including a massive python, rhinos, lions, tigers, and hyenas. As outdoor animatronics, they all have limited movement, but they could still be creepy to some riders – especially the tiger in the temple and the scene of lions eating a zebra (no gore).
As of 2023, there are also scenes depicting indigenous peoples that can come across as “threatening” or “menacing.” The racist depiction of these characters has prompted Disney to announce that they will be removed – though no date has yet been set. Aside from the actual presence of these characters, the skipper will also crack jokes about cannibalism and other behaviors.
As problematic as these scenes are, I should note that they include indigenous characters “attacking” the boat – with shouting, spears-raised, and your Skipper telling you to get down. This simulated peril is still played for comedic affect, but certainly gives the attraction a sense of unease. In addition, Trader Sam is seen at the end of the ride holding a cluster of shrunken heads that could be disturbing to some.
Finally, there is one scene of prolonged darkness (lasting around 60 seconds) as you enter the temple and come across various dimly lit scenes. Most notably, you encounter a tiger (snarling and with glowing eyes), spiders, snakes, and various spooky temple rooms with treasure and crumbling statues.
6. How High is Jungle Cruise?
Jungle Cruise does not involve heights. As an outdoor track ride, the ride vehicle remains on the ground at all times – with no lifts or inclines of any kind.
7. How Fast is Jungle Cruise?
Jungle Cruise does not go fast. Like other water-based rides like Pirates of the Caribbean or Splash Mountain, the boats simply float slowly through the show scenes.
8. Does Jungle Cruise Have Drops?
Jungle Cruise does not have drops. In fact, the entire ride is very gentle, lacking any thrill elements whatsoever.
9. Does Jungle Cruise Cause Motion Sickness?
Jungle Cruise should not cause motion sickness to most riders. With its outdoor setting and lack of any spinning, large screens, or 4D effects, there really isn’t anything on this attraction that could cause nausea.
10. Is Jungle Cruise Claustrophobic?
Jungle Cruise could feel claustrophobic to some riders. While its long (approximately 10 minute) run time is enough to make this attraction feel confining, there are no ride restraints and the outdoor setting and witty script of the live actor certainly takes the edge off.
11. Are There Animatronics on Jungle Cruise?
There are many animatronics on Jungle Cruise. As I mentioned before, there are several animatronic animals on this ride (some menacing), but they all are older and have limited movement. Perhaps more frightening are the depictions of indigenous peoples, who – problematically – are portrayed in a very threatening way. See the Is it Scary section above for more details.
Jungle Cruise Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Adventureland area of Magic Kingdom. As an entirely outdoor queue, the line will simply take you through an elaborately themed series of roofed areas and open-air rooms. In this way, it’s a lot like to the queue for Expedition Everest – taking you through an adventurer’s camp with plenty of cool props and posters around every corner. There are ceiling fans present in some areas, but this is definitely an attraction I would avoid in the heat of the day.
Jungle Cruise Ride Walkthrough
Once boarding the boat, your Skipper will greet you with some safety precautions and a few jokes. Their running commentary is easily the best part of this attraction and it continues throughout each of the show scenes. After setting off, you’ll drift slowly through the jungle until coming across an empty beach with canoes and a massive animatronic python perched on a tree.
You’ll then come across a camp trashed by gorillas – complete with an overturned jeep. From there, you’ll pass an African Elephant and another scene with a myriad of animals – including a pride of lions chowing down on a “sleeping” zebra. The next scene shows a group of skippers (all animatronics) evading a rhino and hyenas by all climbing up a tall pole.
You’ll then pass some crocodiles and hippos before coming to an indigenous camp. This is one of the problematic scenes, as I mentioned earlier, and you’ll find yourself under attack from the “native” characters. Once on the other side, you’ll be graced with “the backside of water” and head into the temple where you’ll find a snarling tiger, snakes, and other spooky scenes.
After the temple, you’ll pass the iconic elephant scene and come across Trader Sam on your way to the loading station.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Jungle Cruise? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
