Riding Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
We love Disney! Ok, ok that might be really obvious, right? So, when we have friends or family in town we offer to play tour guide and love every minute! I enjoy seeing the excitement and anticipation on the faces of folks who haven’t been on a ride or are seeing a show or parade for the first time, it’s priceless! So naturally when Parkhopper Dave’s cousin and daughter were in town we played tour guide for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, Dave ended up having to work so it was just the girls including my sister-in-law Karen, mother-in-law Sharon, and my mom Karen.
We started off the day by heading over to Festival of the Lion King. I headed over to get fast passes for the Kilimanjaro Safari while we were waiting. We were seated in the giraffe section and had a great time bleating like a giraffe on cue. After that we spent some time enjoying the Tree of Life, Dinoland USA, and Asia.
Next up after lunch we headed to Finding Nemo the Musical. What a great day! How could it get any better? But at Disney, there is always some magic hiding around the corner. I told the family we were headed to the safari to use our FastPasses. I was in a rush to get us to our designated spot by 3:15 as I had a little surprise for them.
As we approached the Safari, I checked in with a cast member who directed me to our “spot”. As the tour guide for the day, the family followed me to the waiting area. They were all wondering what we were doing there. Then I revealed the surprise: we were going to be in the Jammin’ Jungle parade on Mickey’s float! The girls screamed with excitement! There were even a few tears of joy shed too because we are all sappy about Disney!
Finally, it was our turn to go backstage and get our festive safari hats and vests so we looked the part in the parade. The cast members provided us with ear plugs as the float music is very LOUD. Mickey greeted us as we boarded his safari jeep! The gates opened, the music started and off we went! How cool it was to be in the parade catching all those smiling faces waving and yelling at Mickey! You just might be surprised at how many adults were jammin’ just as much as the kids!
There were PhotoPass cast members throughout the route that took pictures so that we had a keepsakes of the day, as backstage pictures were prohibited. The parade ended with smiles a mile wide and a lot of water, it was hard work after-all! What a magical memory we will all have of hanging out with Mickey in the parade!
No matter how many times we have been, there is ALWAYS new magic to discover! Next time you are at a one of the parks, take time between dashing to the next attraction or show and explore. You never know what pixie dust filled adventure is awaiting you!
Written By WDW Parkhopper Michelle
Michelle is a a Jesus freak, mom, wife & Disney fanatic. Can one be all those things? She says, why not? She is also coined the name WDW-Parkhoppers.
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6 Comments
Dave
WoW! That was a once-in-a-lifetime treat! Thanks for sharing the experience.
admin
It would have been cool for you to be there as well. Funny how work always seems to get in the way of a good time….
Salvatore
Everytime I go to WDW I always miss this parade!! Im so upset about this, for some reason I plan on seeing it and I’m either to late for it or i totally forget about it. After seeing the pics and reading about it, NEVER AGAIN will I miss it LOL I will see it when im down this in FEb 2012!
admin
It’s a good parade, the music is pretty catchy and the animals and floats are very unique. I think that you will love it when you see it!
David
My girlfriend and I are huge Disney fanatics, and we’re celebrating our 25th birthdays at WDW next week. I would really like to surprise her with a ride in the Animal Kingdom’s Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade — any tips or advice on how to go about making that an opportunity? I mean she’ll have her birthday button on and everything, but maybe who to talk to or where to stand to increase your chances of being selected?
Love the article, and I would love any advice on the above, thanks
admin
Thanks for stopping by and for the great question. There is no sure-fire way to make that happen, it truly is “right place-right time”. One thing I might suggest is get to the park VERY early (about 20 mins. prior to rope drop) and stop in the GUEST RELATIONS area to the left of the turnstiles and ask. The worst they can say is no and if you plead your case well, you MIGHT just get that chance. I would suggest you talk to the Guest Relations folks without your girlfriend present to enhance the surprise, and good lick! i hope that helps and send us a picture from the parade!!