Jungle Book Attraction Concept Art

10:13 PM 6/25/98 Jungle Book Attraction Concept Art

Jungle Book Attraction
Concept Art

Background

General Concepts

The idea of creating the Jungle Book Attraction was the result of a thread on the alt.disney.disneyland news group. The discussions posted by a.d.d'ers dealt with an increasing imbalance between 'thrill rides' and family oriented attractions. Shortly afterwards, I bought a copy of the newly re-released full-length Disney animated feature film 'The Jungle Book', which I had never seen before. The movie charmed me in a very deep way, perhaps partly because it was the last film Walt was involved with. Then the proverbial light bulb went off over my head, and I thought, "What a great basis this would be for a family attraction at Disneyland!" And the rest is history.

As I did research for the project, it became clear that the jungle setting should be of a lush, tropical nature, as it would fit in better with the boat ride system. Plus, I love Hawaii, so I would be able to then incorporate many botanical elements from the islands. My feeling is that if I create something that I like, then others will like it too. In particular, Fern Grotto in Kauai was initially a big inspiration for the boarding station area, as you can see in those paintings and sketches. But after reading the Imagineering book, my horizons were greatly expanded, and the concept changed from purely a ride to something much grander in scale. I hope you enjoy the results.

Contents

Section 1 contains the 'finished' concept art for the Jungle Book attraction. The work is based on the studies and plans contained in the second section.

Section 2 contains the sketches and layouts for the attraction.

Section 3 contains photos of the 1/50 scale model.

The Art And Models

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Special Section: The Back Story

A "back story" is a behind-the-scenes story created to help with the design of attractions where there is not an already established story that the guest would know. Examples of such attractions in Disneyland are the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Generally, the public is not aware of the back story, but devoted fans of Disneyland know what they are.

Of course, the Jungle Book attraction itself does not need a backstory, but it was useful to have one for the Fern Grotto area during the development and design stage. And now, the story of Fern Grotto.

THE STORY OF FERN GROTTO - by Steve Tyler

"Once Upon A Time..." (how else would a story begin?), there was an enchanting section of the jungle called Fern Grotto. All the animals of the jungle, whenever they were in the Grotto, were at peace with one-another, and even enjoyed each other's company. It was also a healing place. If an animal felt under-the-weather, it only had to stay a few days at the Grotto, and they were good as new. Also, the food that grew around the Grotto was especially tasty and had healing powers.

Soon, human villagers from neighboring tribes learned of the secret, and established a global village for all to enjoy. Food and drinks would be served to all, humans and animals alike. As the Grotto was only accessible through waterways, a boat service was established. Disneyland guests visiting Fern Grotto are offered the opportunity to make a round-trip boat ride to a neighboring village and back. And along the way, we happen to come across a young boy who had been raised by wolves in the Jungle and now must return to his own kind in order to avoid the tiger Shere Khan.

Hope you enjoyed the back story, and concept art. Thank you for visiting the Jungle Book Attraction Concept Art site, and I hope that you will be visiting a Disney theme park soon!

Ciao!