From deep in the jungles of Adventureland, the guttural cry of “Kungaloosh” echoed forth, scattering birds and scaring away the hippo hordes. This is the call of the “Adventurelanders,” a ragtag band of fun-loving and creative Disneyland guests who bring a jungle flair to dressing up for a day at the park. Adventureland Day took place March 2nd, 2025 on both coasts.
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Freddy Martin.
Adventureland Day 2025 at Disneyland
Adventureland Day is an annual dress-up event that took place at Disneyland on March 2, 2025, drawing hundreds of fans to Walt Disney’s favorite land in the park.
“You never know what you’ll discover at Adventureland Day,” said Tony “Tiki Tony” Murphy, artist and head honcho of the event. “I find people dressed up in tribute to the Tiki Room birds, Jungle Cruise skippers, Trader Sam, and more, and I’m blown away every time by their creative take on the Adventureland theme.”
Similar to other fan dress-up events like Dapper Day or Bats Day, guests are encouraged to “jungle-bound” their favorite stories from across the Disney universe—with a river safari twist, of course.
“The adventure aesthetic and lifestyle have always been part of my identity,” said Chris Nebergall, a prop master from Fullerton, “and it’s so much fun to celebrate that with like-minded individuals. The best part is enjoying all the creativity and passion the organizers and other attendees have put into their costumes, props, and giveaways.”
The day began with the traditional singing of The Adventurers Club All-Purpose Theme Song, a tune made famous at The Adventurers Club, a now-shuttered themed restaurant at Walt Disney World. Like Jungle Cruise skippers with lungs instead of guns, the Adventurelanders sang their hearts out in the plaza outside the Jungle Cruise exit.
All Aboard!
From there, the throng moved from attraction to attraction, filling up the queues and lanais with explorers. First stop: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, where they once again sang along with José and the gang at full volume. They even laughed aloud at the 60-year-old jokes as if they were as fresh as a pineapple spear.
Next, they embarked aboard the boats of the World Famous Jungle Cruise. It was truly a sight to behold as each boat returned full of (mostly) period-accurate costumed passengers, applauding their skippers for returning them safely to the dock — sore from laughter.
Elsewhere, at the Tropical Hideaway and Adventureland Treehouse, guests captured outfit photos and traded jungle-themed swag with fellow Adventurelanders, creating a sense of homecoming and camaraderie.
“I attend Adventureland Day to celebrate this special land and the great details and amazing history throughout it,” said Banyan, a 17-year-old Disneyland enthusiast and content creator (@BanyanAdventures on YouTube). “Big events like this help people slow down and appreciate how much time and imagination it took to create this park.”
The crew took a lunch break at Tropical Hideaway and Bengal Barbecue before heading to the Main Street Plaza, where they met new friends and compared notes on one another’s elaborate outfit choices.
“My roommate told me about Adventureland Day,” said Madisyn Brillo, a film editor from San Diego. “My favorite part was definitely seeing everyone’s outfits and the characters they curated for the event!”
They Come Seeking Treasure
After a large group photo, participants split up for a park-wide treasure hunt. With clues sent via text and decoder sheets in hand, guests traveled around the park deciphering messages in the hopes of being among the first to discover the location of the treasure giveaway.
At last, the treasure was found deep within Galaxy’s Edge, where each Adventurelander received their free prize: an exclusive metal pin designed by Tiki Tony to commemorate the completion of the quest.
Finally, the group boarded the troop transport vehicles of the Indiana Jones Adventure as a grand finale ride into the depths of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The event was on the eve of that attraction’s 30th anniversary, a fact not lost on the dozens of guests dressed as their favorite heroes from the Indiana Jones franchise.
Adventure Across the Continent
Across the country at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, another crew of Adventurelanders embarked on their own exciting odyssey. Dressed in outfits inspired by the Jungle Cruise, tiki culture, and self-styled personas as members of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers — Disney’s most famous “secret” backstory hidden throughout the parks — they took the spirit of discovery and adventure to new heights.
For Disneyland guests who weren’t taking part in the festivities, the themed outfits were a pleasant surprise. Many curious attendees asked, “Why is everybody dressed like this?” It’s no wonder they noticed — this was a record year for the event, with an estimated 1,500 Adventurelanders in attendance.
“What delights me most of all,” said Paul Reinbach, a voice actor from Arleta, “is the sheer number of diverse enthusiasts of all ages appearing in various unique expedition gear to yell ‘Kungaloosh!’ with a treasure map in their hands! It’s a sea of khaki, leather, and pith helmets, and I love it!”
But it’s the creativity of the themed outfits that keeps many attendees coming back year after year.
“What draws me in most,” said Eugene Shin, an artist from Las Vegas, “is the creativity and imagination of the attendees, who go all out with their costumes and accessories inspired by beloved attractions like Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones. It’s a day to celebrate our collective love for adventure and make unforgettable memories together!”
Family and Friends: The Real Treasure
For most Adventureland Day attendees, the event is about more than just a day in the park — it’s about connecting with family and friends.
“I attend Adventureland Day,” said 12-year-old Pepper from Orange, “because it’s a fun day with my family. I like the morning Adventurlander’s Theme Song the best because it gets us in the Adventurer’s spirit and gives us a chance to make new friends throughout the day.”
In the end, it is the immersive world-building that Disney Imagineers have created in their parks that allows the creativity of Adventureland Day attendees to really shine through and give a cinematic backdrop for their imaginations.
“There is nothing like stepping into a world of yesterday and fantasy with other amazing folks who share a true appreciation for adventure,” said Banyan, “and the artistic and creative masterpiece that is Disneyland. And then, of course, there’s the Dole Whips.”
To take part in Adventureland Day when it emerges from the jungle again next year, follow @AdventurelandDay (Disneyland) or @AdventurelandDayWDW (Walt Disney World) on Instagram. For those who can’t wait until 2026, TikiLand Day—a tiki culture-themed day—promises more of the same. Follow @TikiLandDay on Instagram for details.
Freddy Martin is a theme park design project director and former Jungle Cruise Skipper. Catch more of his storytelling on The Backside of Water Podcast and The Themed Attraction Podcast.
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