The Jungle Expedition Skipper Training School is a fictional institution that trains skippers for the Jungle Cruise attraction at various Disney theme parks. The school is located in a remote area of the jungle, where the skippers learn how to navigate the rivers, interact with the wildlife, and entertain the guests with witty jokes and puns. It is run by a headmaster named Albert Awol, who is also the narrator of the Jungle Cruise ride.
Appearances[]
The school was first introduced in the 2015 comic book series based on the Jungle Cruise attraction, written by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Luca Maresca. The comic book follows the adventures of a group of new recruits who enroll in the school and face various challenges and dangers in the jungle. The comic book also reveals some of the secrets and history of the school, such as its connection to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.
The school was also featured in the 2021 film Jungle Cruise, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. In the film, Johnson plays Frank Wolff, a veteran skipper who works for the school and takes Blunt's character, Lily Houghton, on a perilous journey to find the mythical Tree of Life. The film also shows some of the scenes and characters from the attraction, such as Trader Sam, the hippos, and the backside of water.
Inspiration[]
The Jungle Expedition Skipper Training School is a homage to the original concept of the Jungle Cruise attraction, which was inspired by Walt Disney's True-Life Adventures documentaries and The African Queen film. The school adds a layer of humor and adventure to the attraction, as well as expanding its lore and backstory. The school is also a way of celebrating the skippers who work at the attraction and provide a unique and memorable experience for the guests.
