Exploring the Jungle River Cruise at Hong Kong Disneyland

I’m a big fan of the Jungle Cruise, and no less here than at Hong Kong Disneyland. This is the most unique Jungle Cruise among Disneyland, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland. I talk about it in an accompanying post to this one at DisneyatWork.com and in our podcast which can be can be found here on Podbean and here at iTunes.

*From the dock explorers sail on. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

What sets it off differently from the start is that it’s not heading off down some narrow river, but rather a wide river typical of what Rivers of America looks like in other parks. Here, as it sails away, it passes by Tarzan’s Treehouse, where guests board river rafts to explore this jungle home.

*Tarzan’s Treehouse was being refurbished at the time of this photo, but the construction scaffolding fits in beautifully. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Further on, the river narrows, and this is where the Jungle River cruise looks more familiar to most fans of this attraction.

*This attraction feels right at home in South East Asia. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Many of the same elements stand out, such as menacing hippos, an African savannah, and a lost group of explorers up a tree.

*A familiar group of travelers. Will they ever get the point? Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

But what makes this tour unique is that here in Hong Kong you can create a jungle that really feels like a jungle. There isn’t a greener, more lush version of Adventureland than you find at Hong Kong Disneyland. It really does feel like you’re in a very tropical place–partly supported by the oppressive heat and humidity that one finds much of the year.

*This view comes courtesy of the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad which looks down on the river cruise below. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Further beyond, you meet up with the natives. But rather than the traditional surprise attack, these individuals are blowing arrows toward you from behind their shields. The effect is similar to what you experience in the Indiana Jones Adventure. But it’s more impressive here because of the distances involved.

*The natives doth protest. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Those elements combined set this river cruise apart from the others. But what they do as a finale is really quite over the top. The boat seems to be heading toward the port, when a large gusher erupts in the middle of the river diverting the boat over to a narrow lane of rocks and caves.

*Great detail in the rock work. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

From here the boat is blasted at with water, steam and fire. It’s a very cool ending most guests are not expecting. It’s something you don’t want to miss, especially at night.

*The gods of fire and water. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Soon you are returning to the dock and going back on shore. Then it’s off to other attractions to include the new Moana: A Homecoming Celebration and a very unique version of Festival of the Lion King.

In creating a video of the Jungle River Cruise, I ended up on the attraction twice in one morning. That video is below, and you’ll want to check it out. But I also had a chance to observe the queuing system for the attraction, and I’ve written about my experience at DisneyatWork.com. Definitely check out this article, which I have titled, “The Hardest Working Cast Member at Disney.” It offers some thoughts about individuals whose job it is to keep repeating the same experience again and again and again. Check it out!

Video of Jungle River Cruise by J. Jeff Kober.