I can't imagine a visit to Disneyland without taking a trip through the world-famous Jungle Cruise.
Don't even think about following that tributary to wherever it leads (probably an ancient temple full of gold and gems)... those three crocodiles a blocking the way. Notice the primitive suspension bridge made of vines in the background... a very nice touch that implies the presence of forest people without actually showing them.
There is nothing a python likes more than hanging out on the branch of a dead tree. Don't even try to understand a snake, it will drive you bananas. Apparently the python and his pet tree were moved around as the Jungle Cruise was modified. Is he still there? I can't remember!
Great shots of the river. Kinda hard for the kids to see now with the new safety nets on the boats.
ReplyDeleteI guess clearly announcing "please keep your hands and arms inside the boat" doesn't CYA like it did back in the old days.
Alonzo... safety nets on the boats?? Wha? I'm going to have to look this up, but it sounds like it's going to make me mad!
ReplyDeleteNice pics of my all-time favorite. I like the control panel view. Thanks for posting these.
ReplyDeleteOrange Co Native
ReplyDeleteConsidering the fact that Disneyland opened in July 1955 and the jungle was planted in the autumn of 1954 and these photos were taken in 1958, the jungle looks really lush. It doesn't have the height like it does today, but it came along just fine in just 4 short years.
Does anyone know where that bridge and crocodiles section is today on the Jungle Cruise? Is it where the elephant's bath is located today?
A similar python (a 2.0 version?) was placed to the left side of the river on the final stretch of the ride sometime in the 80's, I think. It's still there, overshadowed a bit by the piranha attack.
ReplyDeleteI love the vine bridge!
Also new bumpers, which aren't too noticable, and bow and stern ties to the dock to steady the loading and unloading for the heavier modern guests.
ReplyDeleteThat vine bridge is pretty awesome, simple 'evocative' Disneyland thematic element at it's best without being showy.
ReplyDeleteNow I miss that being there even though I never once saw it with own eyes in person, heh....alas.
Could the tributary under that vine bridge be the one that once lead to the Rivers Of America?
ReplyDeleteI remember when the park was was young
ReplyDeleteMe and Suzie had so much fun
Holding hands on the jungle boat
Down the tributary we wanted to float
But those three crocodiles they got
Were doin' a thing called the Crocodile Block
While the other kids were rocking 'round the clock
We were bailin' and sailin' past the Crocodile Block
Ah HA! Major, you are busted! If you had been listening to The Disneyland Gazette, you would have known all about the new netting and bumpers, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSuspension bridge?????
K. Martinez, sorry that the watermark partially obscures the control panel…
ReplyDeleteOC Native, you're right, it does look pretty lush considering it had only been three (or four) years. Hopefully somebody else knows where that crocodile scene was, because I am hopeless when it comes to stuff like that!
Rich T., the next time I go I'll have to watch out for the python! I admit that I am always looking down at the piranhas.
Anon, bumpers, ugh. I guess it is a sign of the times…
Lillian K., that's how I feel about a LOT of old Disneyland stuff that I never saw personally (the Viewliner, for instance).
TokyoMagic!, hmmm, I wonder…. and if it is, I believe there were two or three crocodiles at the other end too.
Melissa, Elton should have written his song about the Jungle Cruise!
Connie, I do listen to The Disneyland Gazette, though I haven't listened to the very latest episode yet. If the netting was discussed before that, I must have zoned out. It happens...
The vine bridge was just past the python in the lower picture, just past the water buffalo in the river, and just before the hippo pool around the bend. the bridge was removed in the 1962 renovation.
ReplyDelete