Saturday night, March 24, 2001 will become one of the dates well remembered in modern Disneyland history. It was on this night that a boat full of skippers took the journey to the Hippo Pool to fire the last shots on the World Famous Jungle Cruise, signaling the end of a long era for the attraction.

As the boat worked its way out to the patch of blowing bubbles and wiggling ears, skippers commented on the importance of the guns in creating the show. All took a moment to reflect on how such a seemingly simple little element was about to become an extremely symbolic loss.

For many, the guns were more than just a prop, they provided an essential piece of the attraction that will not be forgotten. "That day there was something else taken away from the World Famous Jungle Cruise and that was a little bit of each skipper that ever worked on the Jungle, because removing the guns is like taking away a piece of history," remarked Skipper Adam.

Maynard, who was on hand for the event, reflected, "As a story teller I find that the gun is important to the Jungle Cruise because people who can't speak English can understand that part of the ride. That is why I will sing a song because they get into it."


When Maynard first interviewed for a job at the Magic Kingdom, he requested a job on the Jungle Cruise, when he was told there were no openings, he said thank you and goodbye. A few days later Maynard joined the Disneyland Cast as a Jungle Cruise Skipper. He knew that this was one attraction where Cast Members could become living parts of the show. A show that not only had to entertain American audiences, but foreign Guests who needed more than just the spiel to understand what was going on.

Show was once seen as such an important aspect of Disneyland, that it is included to this day in the four cornerstone elements that all Cast Members are taught when they join the Disney family. Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency reads a card the new hires are given. Many skippers that night wondered where exactly on their cards the decision to remove the Jungle Cruise guns came from.

Once parting words were completed the boat had made its way to fire the last shots. First a Lead for the evening fired three shots, he then handed the gun over to Maynard. Skipper Adam recounts the story: "Maynard shot the last 3 shots. The boat was quiet and as I was sitting there a tear ran down my face because I had just watched Maynard, the man that I saw as an 8th grader, who gave me the reason to be a Jungle Cruise skipper, fire the last shots ever." The boat returned to the dock in silence.

"As everyone got out of the boat I stayed back and as Maynard walked by me he put his hand on my shoulder and I just felt a little better then. When Maynard was leaving I told him what an honor it was for me to be on the last boat and to see him take the last shot. I knew as I walked away from the Jungle Cruise that night that I would never in my life forget the day that they took the guns away."