Once a Guest steps into a Disney theme park they are completely immersed in the story.  Disney Imagineers spend years crafting each themed area and experience. Their attention to detail is unparalleled.

Once aboard an attraction, much of the the storytelling is achieved with voice overs or musical cues.  However, there are a few attractions that rely on Cast Members to the immerse Guests in the story. Let’s take a closer look at these unique attractions!

Jungle Cruise
There’s no attraction where the Cast Member is more integral than the Jungle Cruise. Without their spiel, the voyage down the four rivers would fall flat and Guests would be left listening to the mechanical sounds of the Audio-Animatronic animals.

I’ve sailed on my fair share of cruises, and I have encountered less-than-enthusiastic Skippers. Thanks to those experiences, I tended to avoid this attraction. (I know!) Thanks to my most recent voyage, I’m a reborn Jungle Cruise fan. Our fearless Skipper, Skipper Nicholas, knocked it out of the park! He delivered each corny joke with impeccable timing and tone. I laughed so hard I cried! 

The best Jungle Cruise Skipper– EVER! (In my opinion.)

DIStracted Tip: Hungry for more Jungle Cruise humor? Or maybe just plain hungry? Cruise on over to Skipper Canteen for some adventurous food and drink. As of this article, reservations are not available in advance, but can be booked same day via the My Disney Experience app.

I don’t know about you, but I do not envy the Jungle Cruise Skippers! This has to be one of the most difficult jobs at the Walt Disney World Resort. Not only do they brave the Florida heat, they put themselves out there and recite a spiel that may or may not be well received by Guests.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
While the Big Red/Little Red storyline has been retired, the driver still plays an important role in enhancing Guests’ experiences on Kilimanjaro Safaris. First, and most obvious, there wouldn’t be much of a safari without them behind the wheel.  Beyond navigating the various habitats and sharing information about the wildlife, the most skilled drivers will know the best places to view animals and position the truck so Guests can observe the wildlife and snap a few photos .

DIStracted Tip: If you want to see the animals up close and personal, consider the Wild Africa Trek.

The Great Movie Ride
Once aboard the ride vehicle, Guests begin their journey through classic movies. While Robert Osborne, of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), provides narration for the The Great Movie Ride, the Cast Member controls the ride vehicle as it advances through the attraction, interjects clever quips and even interacts with certain scenes. Similar to Jungle Cruise, the Cast Member’s enthusiasm can make or break the experience. Their acting ability can either leave Guests feeling like they’ve become part of the movies or watching a horror film.

No matter your experience, be sure to give a big “thank you” to the Cast Members as you exit the ride vehicle. They’ll love that you appreciated their effort. For Cast Members that demand special recognition, be sure to fill out a Great Service Fanatic card at any Guest Relations location. They made your day, return the favor!

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