Holiday Make-Over: The Jingle Cruise

The Jingle Cruise premiered in 2013 at Disneyland to lack luster reviews. In 2013 there were few decorations and few overall changes. Disney took note, and in 2014 things changed significantly for the better. Not only was the Skipper’s spiel given the holiday overall, but decorations began popping up everywhere. While the Jungle Cruise hasn’t been given it’s 2015 make-over yet, we’re hoping for similar results.

Last year you noticed the changes while waiting in line. Holiday decorations, letters to Santa, lists of who was good and who was bad, and notices about lost holiday cargo in the jungle abounded. The announcements took on a decidedly holiday bent similar to what you’ll hear on the ride.

The boats themselves also received a small make-over. They each boat received a new name for the holiday season keeping to the holiday make-over theme.

Though some of the classic jokes remain (you can’t have Jungle Cruise without the backside of water!), the jokes overall take on a significant holiday overhaul to adjust for the new holiday decor of the jungle. Expect jokes relating to the new decor, visits from family, and Christmas gifts.

I’ve really never seen a Jungle Cruise Skipper so excited as the one who was able to tell us not to worry about the reindeer, they were all fakes!

Okay, but we need to get to the point, right? (They don’t even pay me for the bad puns). Is the Jingle Cruise worth the wait? If you enjoy the Jungle Cruise during the off season, definitely. In 2014 it actually received a pretty significant make-over, making it a lot of fun. If you’ve never been on the Jungle Cruise before, then it comes down to your tolerance of incredibly corny jokes and animatronic animals. For our kids, Jungle and Jingle Cruise have always been a hit. When they were younger they enjoyed the animals and as they hit late elementary aged they began to understand and appreciate the jokes in a way that only eight year old children can. Children and the young at heart will be sure to enjoy this holiday make-over. For a unique experience, we do highly recommend trying the Jingle Cruise at night, with the added bonus of it’s usually less crowded in the evenings!

If you can keep your heads, it’s sure to be a fun trip for everyone involved!