MEETING MAYNARD Hello, My name is Ken and I have been going to Disneyland for about 30 years now. I have always loved the Jungle Cruise because I am a big fan of corny, good-natured, and creative humor. My wife and I were on the ride about a month ago when we were privileged to have Maynard as our skipper. He had lots of interesting items hanging from his safari hat which quickly indicated that this man was completely out of his mind...my type of guy. His delivery was hilarious. He had a young guest steer the boat (the first time I had ever seen that in those 30 years) and did very entertaining imitations along the way. He can speak gibberish fluently all while climbing onto the side rails (but remaining very safe at all times). Well the ride was over too quickly. I told quite a few people about that day. I kept telling others that it was the funniest experience that I had on the Jungle Cruise. Well, last Saturday (August 28th) I went again to Disneyland and this time I was with my brother visiting from Houston. We wanted to go on Rocket Rods but the line was still an hour long at five minutes to midnight. We decided to go on Astro Orbiter instead. Although I didn't know his name at the time, I recognized Maynard working the ride! I was so excited! I told my brother quickly about how I had seen this guy on the Jungle Cruise before and how hilarious he was. As I walked by Maynard, I asked him if he worked the Jungle Cruise to be sure it was the same guy I had seen before. He told me "No", that was his twin brother that lives in the trees (which made my brother and I crack up). I told him that in all the years of my going on the Jungle Cruise, the time with him was the best ever. He told me that I have good taste. As it turned out, my brother and I crammed together into one of the rockets and Maynard made his way around and came to ours. He gave us a snappy salute and introduced himself as Captain Maynard (or something like that) and took out a pen and piece of paper and asked us our names. My brother told him "Zyborg" and I read Maynard's nametag and told him "Maynard, Jr." He proceeded to tell us that we were the commanders of this mission and that all the other rockets would be following us including the one directly in front of us and that we would all be corkscrewing up into space in a new fashion, not like the rocketships of past. He told us to listen for our names throughout the ride. Maynard was in the control booth and got us going. He announced that this mission was being commanded by Commanders Zyborg and Maynard Jr. . He kept a running commentary the entire ride. I just remember both my brother and I laughing throughout the whole time. After the ride was over, he excitedly met us as we were walking to the exit. He told us that he had a song for us and lined us up on the exit ramp (my brother and I plus my niece and sister-in-law). He pulled a small harmonica from his pocket and blew a few notes. He then began a wild and rhythmic dance and song keeping time with a rice shaker in his other hand. He was very good. The song was really funny and it actually sounded great. He ended with a contemplation about where his long career at Disneyland had taken him in his life. The guy is a comic genius. And I have good taste! Well, he gave us his website address...so here I am. Maynard, you're a real treasure! I feel lucky to have experienced your talent. kenliz@gte.net		THE Maynard - Who is Maynard? - How did I meet him - Finding Maynard - Contacting Maynard - Maynard Fan Club - Maynard Letter Pictures - Pixar 'Love Lounge' - "Evil Twin" - Maynard in Europe - Jungle Twin - Guest Control - Professor - Astro Orbitor - Indy - Tiki - Movie - Motion Capture Links - Maynard Home - Intercot West