walt disney world liberty belle riverboat

Liberty Square Riverboat

See the wild frontier.

Steam into American history aboard the majestic, Colonial-era Liberty Belle riverboat and enjoy a relaxing half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island .

Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.

It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!

Along the River’s Edge

During this charming, 17-minute trip, you’ll encounter a rarely seen side of Magic Kingdom park . Behold a bevy of sights from the early days of the American frontier, including:

• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .

Aboard the Liberty Belle

Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall Liberty Belle is a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi.

An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.

Guests Also Viewed

Safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for liberty square riverboat.

History of the Liberty Belle Steamboat in the Magic Kingdom

It’s no secret that Walt Disney, the man, loved all kinds of transportation. The Magic Kingdom ’s Liberty Square Steamboat attraction did not open on the first day, but it did sail for the first time on the second day of the park on October 2, 1971.

This Mississippi Steamboat replica takes guests on a 17-minute ride guided on an I-beam that is buried under the green and brown dyed water. The ride operator sits on the upper deck and is responsible for blowing the whistle, ringing the bell, and prompting the narration that accompanies the cruise on the Rivers of America.

An engineer, who controls the speed, is situated on the lower deck.

The boat cannot be steered, but it is propelled by the large paddle system on the rear of the boat, which is powered by an on-board steam engine. On the current ride, guests will hear narration as they pass by sites in Frontierland, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square.

The Liberty Belle hasn’t always been the only ship in town, though.

Admiral Joe Fowler

The Admiral Joe Fowler was the first ship to sail the Rivers of America. Its namesake is a retired Navy Admiral who oversaw the ship’s construction at the Tampa Ship Repairs and Dry Dock Company.

Richard F. Irvine

The Richard F. Irvine ship took six months to build on Walt Disney World property and was commissioned in 1973, just two years after the Fowler. For seven years, both boats ran together to accommodate the number of guests who wished to ride.

The Irvine was named after the Disney set designer with the same name. He also served as a liaison between the architectural firm and Disney Imagineer s during the construction of Disneyland and oversaw the planning and design of Walt Disney World.

When the Fowler and the Irvine first sailed, few other attractions existed. What would later become Tom Sawyer Island was undeveloped, and Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain were not yet built. Since there was little to look at outside, Disney provided on-board musical entertainment inside.

Also, the ships were originally loaded on the second deck and unloaded on the lower deck. This allowed guests to load and unload simultaneously to accommodate the huge crowds . When the demand decreased, the need for this two-tier boarding system was eliminated.

Both ships ran together for seven years. The Fowler was removed in 1980 for repairs and never returned. No official announcement was ever made, but many suspect that the hull was cracked either in moving or once in the dry dock. Parts of the ship were recycled though. The machinery was sent to Tokyo Disneyland, and guests can hear the whistle on the #4 Train Engine named Roy O. Disney.

In 1996, the Irvine was moved to a dry dock backstage. Although both of the original ships have been removed, these important names are not forgotten. Two of the ferries that run between the Ticketing and Transportation Center and the Magic Kingdom feature the names Irvine and Fowler.

Just a short time later, the Irvine was rechristened as the Liberty Belle. This new ship was retrofitted with vinyl and steel making it even stronger.

The Current Attraction

The Liberty Belle is a 3-tier paddle steamboat that can carry up to 450 passengers that sails from Liberty Square. The narration is done by a young man named Sam Clemens who is on his 100th journey on the Rivers of America. He tells riders stories of attractions as they pass by including the history behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, an unidentified Indian village, Cutthroat Corner where pirates are likely to be seen, and the Haunted Mansion , which is said to be built on an Indian Burial Ground where 999 ghosts haunt the area. Finally, both Sam and the captain bid farewell as the boat approaches the docks.

Do you ride the Liberty Square Steamboat in the Magic Kingdom? Leave your comments below.

Complete Guide to Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom while learning a little bit about American history? Then welcome aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat!

You’ll ride the majestic  Liberty Belle  riverboat for a half-mile tour around  Tom Sawyer Island .

On this 17-minute trip, you’ll hear the voice of iconic American author and humorist, Mark Twain, sharing some of his memories of life on the Mississippi. You’ll also encounter a rarely-seen side of the Magic Kingdom.

It’s full steam ahead for our complete guide to the Liberty Square Riverboat .

In this article

Liberty Square Riverboat Quick Facts

• Location: Liberty Square , in The Magic Kingdom
• Height req : None
• Suitable for: Anybody
• Attraction length: About 17 minutes
• Do we recommend? Just as a time filler
• When to visit: Anytime
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s): Mostly standing room only, find a spot on the top deck to snap some good pics of nearby attractions.
• Description: This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.

Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square, across from Liberty Square Market and down the way from The Hall of Presidents .

Download the PDF

How to Ride Liberty Square Riverboat

Liberty Square Riverboat has a Standby Line. There is no Single Rider Line .

Do I need to use Genie+ at Liberty Square Riverboat?

Genie+ is not available at Liberty Square Riverboat.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

As there is no height requirement for Liberty Square Riverboat, this attraction does not offer Rider Switch .

Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

You can learn more about Rider Switch via our helpful guide.

What to Expect When You Ride

The queue to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat is shaded with some benches. The loading dock is also covered.

The ride leaves twice an hour on the hour and the half-hour so if you don’t make the boat, you’ll be waiting quite a bit for the next one.

Ride Vehicles

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a 47-foot-tall working steamship called The Liberty Belle . It is propelled by the paddle wheel that is itself propelled by the steam engine.

It is a reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the Mississippi River.

While it is fully functioning, it is actually guided on an “I-beam” track that is hidden by the green and brown-dyed water of the Rivers of America.

The Riverboat has a maximum capacity of 450 people.

Guests enter the ship on the middle deck. This area features a sitting room, an outside wheelhouse, and the captain’s quarters.

On the bottom deck of the boat, you can see the ship’s boiler and pistons and you can visit the viewing platform which has great views of all the attraction’s scenes.

On the top deck, guests get the best perspective of the Magic Kingdom from the water.

Accessibility Information

Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs may remain in them to ride The Liberty Square Riverboat.

If you are in a wheelchair or ECV, ask a Cast Member for help and they will assist you in boarding the ride up the exit ramp. There is actually a sign at the main entrance to the attraction that points those that require wheelchair or ECV access to enter to the left.

Those in wheelchairs and ECVs must remain on the middle deck of the riverboat as there is no handicap access for other levels.

On the Ride

If you prefer to keep your ride aboard The Liberty Square Riverboat a surprise, you may want to skip this part to avoid any spoilers.

The Liberty Square Riverboat begins with its captain, Horace Bixby, welcoming guests aboard The Liberty Belle as well as introducing his pilot, Samuel Clemens (known to future generations as the author, Mark Twain). You are currently on Clemens’ 100th journey aboard the Liberty Belle.

Before the Liberty Belle leaves port, Sam sets the scene for the ride ahead by warning guests to stay behind the railings, as river pirates are known to frequent the area.

As you sail down the river, you’ll see the sights of Frontierland, which for the purpose of the ride was once just a boom town but is well on its way to becoming a big city. Over the announcement system, Sam mentions that the large peak in Frontierland is known as Chick-A-Pin Hill (also known to Disney guests as the former Splash Mountain and future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ).

Continuing on, the boat passes Sam’s “old stomping ground”,  Tom Sawyer Island .

Next, he points out  Big Thunder Mountain where the water gets so hot that geysers erupt. Sam explains that Native Americans used to think that the geysers were spirits and that’s why they named the mountain “Big Thunder Mountain” and the moniker stuck.

As your boat ride continues, you’ll see Beacon Joe and his dog Rufus in front of his bait shop.

You’ll then see Powhatan Native Americans gathering and pass by an unidentified Indian village. Down the river, the Liberty Belle reaches Cutthroat Corner where riders are told they are most likely to find river pirates.

Before returning to port in Liberty Square, the Liberty Belle passes The Haunted Mansion . Sam informs guests that rumor has it that the mansion was built on a Native American burial ground, and now 999 ghosts haunt it.

Finally, the Liberty Belle reaches port and Sam and Captain Bixby say goodbye as the boat docks and guests are directed to disembark.

One thing to note about taking a ride on The Liberty Square Riverboat: on top of the sights you see on the attraction, you will also get a unique view of Magic Kingdom. You might even be able to spot the parade or a cavalcade during your ride!

Is Liberty Square Riverboat Kid-Friendly?

This is a great ride for the whole family to take a break from the crowds of Magic Kingdom.

Strollers are not allowed in most queues at Walt Disney World. Instead, you’ll need to leave your stroller in the designated stroller parking area near the entrance to the queue.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the few attractions that can trace its history back to before Disneyland or Walt Disney World even opened.

Walt Disney initially came up with the idea for a Mississippi steamboat attraction for the Disney Studio in Burbank, California. However, the Burbank Studio did not have the land to build the attraction so Walt decided to transfer the concept to Disneyland.

In order to create the attraction, Disney had to construct the first American-made, working steamboat in 50 years. Admiral Joe Fowler oversaw the construction of what would become The Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland.

The Mark Twain was built in two separate pieces. The hull was constructed in San Pedro, California and the deck was built at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The ship was assembled in Disneyland and The Mark Twin Riverboat debuted on July 17, 1955, for Disneyland’s opening day.

When Walt Disney World was in development, the riverboat was one of the attractions Imagineers decided to include in the opening day plans, however, it wasn’t quite ready.

The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat opened one day after the park, on October 2, 1971. It was named in tribute to the man who had helped to create Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the Riverboat attractions.

When the riverboat first debuted, live entertainment could often be found on deck because there wasn’t much else for guests to see on the Rivers of America at the time.

Since Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractions to meet demand, in 1973 a second steamboat was built. The Richard F. Irvine  Riverboat entered into service on May 20, 1973. It was named after the late Disney executive, Richard F. Irvine, who oversaw the planning and construction of Walt Disney World.

The only difference between the two steamboats was that The Admiral Joe Fowler had two smokestacks, while The Richard F. Irvine only had one.

In fall of 1980, The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat was destroyed in a drydock accident. Disney decided not to repair it, and the bell from the riverboat was added to the #4 engine known as the Roy O. Disney on the  Walt Disney World Railroad .

In 1996, The   Richard F. Irvine  was completely refurbished and returned to service as The   Liberty Belle  Riverboat.

The attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square.

With one ship gone and the other one renamed, Disney decided to pay homage to Admiral Fowler and Richard Irvine by naming two ferries that run from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom after them in 1999.

The narration aboard the Liberty Belle has expanded as more rides have been added to Frontierland . References to  Tom Sawyer Island , Splash Mountain (the future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ), and  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  have all been added to the script.

In 1992, the Powhatan Native Americans were added to the attraction after the release of the Disney-animated film, Pocahontas .

The  Liberty Belle  underwent extensive rehab from September 2005 to September 2006, and then in 2018 it was completely overhauled with a new boiler.

Other Fun Details

• Captain Horace Bixby, the name given to the Liberty Belle’s captain, was a real steamboat captain on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones . Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi .
• Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
• Watch the Audio-Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe’s. Every once and a while he will turn his head as a fish jumps by.

• To pay homage to the Samuel Clemens connection, in Disneyland the attraction is known as the Mark Twain Riverboat.
• Crates located on the banks of Frontierland are imprinted with “Tell City Tool Co.” Tell City is a real town located in Indiana on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was one of the United States’ first “planned cities.” Another crate has “71” on it to honor the year the Magic Kingdom opened and another says “Russel’s Falls” after Davy Crockett’s sidekick, George E. Russel.
• The attraction’s landing building is one of the few in the Magic Kingdom that does not employ forced perspective. This may be to hide the riverboat from guests in Liberty Square where a steam-powered riverboat would not fit the land’s theming.

Other Attractions in Liberty Square

• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• Liberty Square River Boat

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Five Things to Know About the Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat attraction docks at – you guessed it – Liberty Square. The boat itself is named the Liberty Belle. It’s an old-timey (read: historic) steam-powered paddle-wheel riverboat that travels around the Rivers of America. As you ride, you’ll hear a recorded narrator share memories of Mark Twain’s time on the Mississippi. If you want to paddle along with us, keep reading. Oar (dad pun) to skip to the whys, wheres, and hows, here’s your shortcut .

1. You’ll take a step back in time.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a large (47-foot tall) working reproduction of the boats that ran up and down the Mississippi River in the 19th century. It’s loaded with amazing details, as you might expect. The wood craftsmanship throughout is absolutely meticulous! The large paddle is powered by an actual steam engine that functions by converting water from the Rivers of America into steam, turning the paddle to propel the boat.

2. It’s full steam ahead!

The ride begins as its captain, Horace Bixby,  welcomes guests aboard. He introduces his pilot, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and lets you know you’re in good hands, since this is Clemens’ 100th trip piloting the Liberty Belle. You depart from the dock and navigate the winding “river”.  Along the way, you’ll get views of the Magic Kingdom you just can’t get anywhere else. You’ll see Tom Sawyer Island, Harper’s Mill, and Fort Langhorn from a new vantage point. Other sights from the American frontier include settler’s cabins, old mining paraphernalia, a Native American village, animatronic wildlife, and even Wilson’s Cave Inn from Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. The riverboat also offers unique perspectives of the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. From the top deck especially, you’ll see Frontierland and Liberty Square in a whole new way.

As you ride, Sam Clemens offers his recollections of riding up and down the Mighty Mississippi. He points out various landmarks and shares a little about what he learned during his time on the river. Periodically, the horn and bell system are used, so you have to be prepared for the occasional and unpredictable ear-blasting loud outbursts. (I found that being toward the stern, rather than the bow, made the horn a bit more bearable.)

3. This Belle has quite a back story.

The first boat to sail the Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom was the Admiral Joe Fowler. Named after Disneyland’s construction supervisor, it debuted on October 2, 1971, the day after the park’s official opening. In 1973, a second boat, the Richard F. Irvine, debuted. It was named after the Disney executive who oversaw the planning of Walt Disney World. Both boats ran on the river until 1980. The Richard F. Irvine was overhauled and received an all-new superstructure of aluminum and vinyl. The boat was renamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square. (Side note: two of the three ferry boats running from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom are now named the Admiral Joe Fowler and Richard F. Irvine, so their memory lives on!)

The scenery along the Rivers of America has been updated over the years. Tom Sawyer Island was added in 1973 and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 1980. Similar versions of this attraction have also been added to other Disney Parks. At Disneyland Paris, it’s called the Rivers of the Far West. At Hong Kong Disneyland, there is no Frontierland, so the Imagineers merged the Rivers of America with the classic Adventureland Jungle Cruise attraction.

4. The Liberty Belle has her secrets, too.

Captain Horace Bixby, the Liberty Belle’s captain, was  a real steamboat captain  on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones. Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi.

Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

The riverboat actually travels along an I-beam guide rail, so the pilot  doesn’t really steer the ship. But that doesn’t mean he’s doing nothing. Rather, the pilot watches for other river traffic, like the Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, and communicates to the boiler engineer who is on the bottom deck towards the stern. This is where the throttle and reverser are located, so the boiler engineer controls the speed and direction of the riverboat.

5. The Nuts and Bolts.

You can catch a ride on the Liberty Belle at the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. There are no health or safety advisories and no height restrictions. Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to ride the Liberty Belle.  Sign language interpreters may be available, depending on when you visit. It’s truly a ride that everyone can enjoy.

The Liberty Belle has a maximum capacity of 450 people. You board the boat at mid-level; disembarking guests exit from the lower deck. There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each (some inside, some outside) but with plenty of space to stand and move around.

The Liberty Belle provides a stable, gentle ride. I’m vulnerable to motion sickness/sea sickness but have no trouble whatsoever riding the Liberty Belle. It’s a great idea to move around on the deck during this 17-minute trip to be sure to see all the different views.

Bad weather can affect the operation of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Genie+ is not available, but there’s no need for it. There’s no bad time of day to ride the Liberty Belle. It departs roughly every half-hour and usually the only waiting is waiting for the boat to leave or return. A good time of day to enjoy your ride is when you want a break from the crowds! But it’s worth noting that it closes earlier than the park and other park attractions; there is also no Early Theme Park Entry and no Extended Evening Theme Park hours.

The Bottom Line.

We ride the Liberty Belle nearly every time we visit Walt Disney World. But it’s not for thrill-seekers, to be sure. It’s perfectly peaceful – unless of course you’re right underneath the horn which is jarringly loud. It’s a great way to get out of the crowds, rest a bit, and enjoy a fun ride for every member of the family.

Have you ridden the Liberty Belle Riverboat? What was your favorite view? Let us know in the comments below!

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Bob Jacobs lives in Wisconsin where he retired as Editorial Director for a well-known catalog company. He and his wife Cristie have four children, seven grandchildren and a cocker spaniel named Penny the Dog. They’ve visited Walt Disney World regularly since 1992.

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Liberty Square Riverboat

Magic Kingdom Park

Liberty Square

Guests Can Be

Age interest, thrill level.

Accessibility and Other Information - Opens Dialog

Accessibility

• May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV
• Supervise children at all times. Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Cruise the scenic Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.

See the Wild Frontier

Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.

It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!

Along the River’s Edge

• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .

Aboard the Liberty Belle

An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.

• 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Sunday, March 24, 2024

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Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

This article discusses the Liberty Square Riverboat ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

“Welcome aboard the Liberty Belle!” That’s how the narration begins as you embark down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Square Riverboat.

This beloved steamboat attraction has quite a history. Walt Disney originally came up with the idea to build a steamboat for Disneyland. He enlisted the help of Admiral Joe Fowler, who oversaw the construction of the steamboat. That first boat was named the Mark Twain.

A duplicate attraction was built for Magic Kingdom Park. While it wasn’t an original opening day attraction, it was close. The Admiral Joe Fowler opened on October 2, 1971, a day after the park’s grand opening. Walt Disney World’s version was named to honor the man Walt hired to oversee the attractions.

Funny enough, in its first few years, Magic Kingdom didn’t have enough attractions to meet the demands of guests. So, a second boat was added in 1973, the Richard F Irvine. Unfortunately, the original Admiral Joe Fowler was damaged at some point, leaving Richard F. Irvine as the sole steamboat attraction. Then, in the 90s, Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle to make the name more relatable to the surrounding Liberty Square.

So, the current riverboat is the Liberty Belle. Fun Fact: now Magic Kingdom’s two ferries are named Admiral Joe Fowler, in honor of the retired navy admiral, and Robert F. Irvine, the construction overseer of Walt Disney World.

Let’s look at a few details about taking your own Liberty Square Riverboat voyage.

Here are a few quick reference details:

Additional Info:

Guests may remain in a wheelchair or ECV to experience this attraction. A separate waiting area is available on the lower level of the boat.

Liberty Square Riverboat

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square Riverboat attraction is in Liberty Square past The Haunted Mansion and across the walkway from Columbia Harbour House.

There’s a large covered entrance in front of the boat dock. If you were to see the boat docked and guests waiting to board, you can usually join the line and walk on in a matter of minutes.

Liberty Belle departs every hour on the hour and the half hour. Typically, this attraction is open from 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (or dusk).

Here is a view of the waiting area from the boat. Most guests will board on the second-floor deck. Guests with wheelchairs load on the first floor. All guests will unload on the first-floor deck.

When you board the Liberty Belle, you can go upstairs, downstairs, or stay on the middle deck.

If it’s not too busy, you might like to explore the steamboat.

However, if you want to stay in the shade, you’ll want to secure a spot quickly.

Or you might prefer a spot in direct sunlight.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to stand along the railings when possible. You’ll see several scenes during your trip down the river.

It takes approximately 17 minutes to travel full circle around Tom Sawyer’s Island . One of the first sights you’ll see is Harper’s Mill.

On the opposite side of the boat, you can see Frontierland.

As soon as you set sail, the narration begins. You’ll hear a recording of Captain Horace Bixby announcing that you’re setting sail. He then introduces you to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Samuel Clemens tells the story of his time on the Mississippi River.

Another fun fact, the Liberty Belle Riverboat runs on an underwater track. Unfortunately, she doesn’t run off steam.

But you wouldn’t notice this unless the attraction was under refurbishment. When that happens, Disney drains the water from the river, and you can see the track.

After passing Harper’s Mills, you’ll see Splash Mountain, soon to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, in the distance.

Liberty Belle continues past Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .

If you’re on this side of the steamboat, it’s exciting to see the train cars racing past.

Some of the other sights include:

• An early American settlement
• Native American village
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

There’s a nod toward Native American history.

There are also a few places to see some of the fun activities offered on the island.

As you return to the dock, a familiar sight comes into view.

Not only is the Liberty Belle a relaxing boat ride, but it also offers an exceptionally unique perspective of the Haunted Mansion.

Related: Haunted Mansion Ride Review

About this time, the Liberty Belle’s boat dock comes into view. As always, it was a nice reprieve from the theme park’s crowds.

Sadly, it’s time to disembark.

Hopefully, this review encourages you to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat on your next vacation. She is a beautiful vessel.

For more information, we have an entire list of rides at Magic Kingdom . Or you might like these individual rides:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride
• Country Bear Jamboree
• The Hall of Presidents at Disney World
• Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom

Are you planning a visit to the Disney Parks? You might enjoy browsing our list of Disney Hotel reviews . That article gives a brief overview of every resort at Disney.

For planning dining reservations, these are our most popular guides:

• Disney Restaurant Reviews
• Disney World Character Dining Guide
• Disney Signature Dining Restaurants
• Best Restaurants at Disney Springs
• Best Table Service Restaurants at Disney

If you plan to meet characters in the parks, there’s an updated list of  characters at Disney World . That review links to every meet available in each park.

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Liberty Square Riverboat

See the wild frontier.

Steam into American history aboard the majestic, Colonial-era Liberty Belle riverboat and enjoy a relaxing half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island .

Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.

It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!

Along the River’s Edge

During this charming, 17-minute trip, you’ll encounter a rarely seen side of Magic Kingdom park . Behold a bevy of sights from the early days of the American frontier, including:

• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .

Aboard the Liberty Belle

Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall Liberty Belle is a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi.

An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for liberty square riverboat.

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Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat allows guests to set sail to a bygone era aboard the Liberty Belle.

Ride Information   Restrictions     Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: October 2, 1971

Type of Ride: Boat

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: 16 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Short; about 30 minutes, or the length until the next departure

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: No

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Boat

Type of Restraint: None; guests can walk around as they please

Attraction Open During Extended Evening Hours: No. See our Extended Evening Hours page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Park Map of Magic Kingdom:

Other Rides/Attractions In the Area:

This attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square .

Shopping: In Liberty Square, guests can have a silhouette or portrait drawn at “Liberty Square Portrait Gallery,” purchase Haunted Mansion-inspired merchandise at “Memento Mori,” and shop for Christmas items all year long at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe .

Dining/Refreshment: Three counter service restaurants ( Columbia Harbour House ; Liberty Square Market ; and Sleepy Hollow ) are located in Liberty Square, offering seafood, sandwiches, and various fruits. Table service dining for lunch and dinner is available at Liberty Tree Tavern .

Restroom: The closest restrooms are located in Fantasyland, just past the Liberty Square border. Restrooms were purposely excluded from Liberty Square because plumbing didn’t exist in colonial times.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke free.

Liberty Square Riverboat Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Liberty Square Riverboat is a steam-powered paddle wheeler, a replica of a vessel that one may have seen sailing the Mississippi River during the 19 th century. Liberty Square Riverboat does not, however, operate solely on steam power; it is aided by a submerged rail.
• The vessel’s official name is Liberty Belle , a moniker it has held since 1996. From 1973 to 1996, the riverboat was entitled Richard F. Irvine , after a Disney executive.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat embarked on its first voyage on October 2, 1971, one day after the Magic Kingdom opened. Titled Admiral Joe Fowler , after a retired navy admiral who was instrumental in the building of both Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom, this vessel was inadvertently destroyed during a 1980 refurbishment. Richard F. Irvine / Liberty Belle has served as the Magic Kingdom’s sole paddle wheeler since 1980.
• Liberty Square Riverboat has four decks from which guests can view the lush wilderness of Tom Sawyer Island , as well as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad , and Haunted Mansion .
• A voice actor portraying Mark Twain narrates the voyage.
• Guests are often, though not always, upon request allowed in the Pilothouse , where they can interact with the captain and “steer the ship” with the big wheel—the boat is guided on rail, so there’s no danger here.
• Liberty Square Riverboat is currently the only boat to sail the Rivers of America. Previously, “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” operated from opening day, October 1, 1971, until 1994; and “Mike Fink Keel Boats” sailed from opening day through April 29, 2001.
• Liberty Square Riverboat’s counterpart at Disneyland is Mark Twain Riverboat . Disneyland also offers two seasonal vessel experiences: “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” and “Sailing Ship Columbia ,” a replica of Columbia Rediviva , an 18 th -century merchant ship.

Top 5 Tips for Liberty Square Riverboat

• Experience Liberty Square Riverboat during the afternoon, when crowds are especially heavy at the park’s headliner attractions.
• Explore the various decks of the vessel.
• Enjoy the scenery around the vessel.
• Inquire about sailing in the Pilothouse for a different perspective of the voyage.
• Snacks and drinks are not allowed aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat, so prepare to eat either before or after your voyage.

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7 totally cool things about liberty square riverboat at walt disney world.

Posted by: Jason Dick April 17, 2018

Walt Disney World knows how to create nostalgia.  And a great example of this is the Liberty Square Riverboat in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  It’s a beautiful, colonial, steam-powered riverboat, and it’ll instantly transport you to a simpler time, as you cruise along the Rivers of America.  Here are our favorite things about the Liberty Square Riverboat.

7. Come One, Come All

We love the exclusivity of the Liberty Square Riverboat!  Because it’s a slow-moving boat ride, there are no height or age restrictions, and it’s a family-friendly attraction.  It might not keep thrill-seekers entertained, but we think it’s a brilliant way to take a break from the chaos of a busy day in the parks.  Wheelchairs and ECVs can board the boat, and there is even sign language interpretation offered at certain times of the week.

6. Fun Facts

Spoilers ahead!  While the attraction is named the Liberty Square Riverboat, the vessel itself is called the Liberty Belle.  Your voyage will last around 20 minutes, and it will take you through the Rivers of America.  For those who are curious, the river is only about 6 feet deep, and the riverboat is actually on a track in the water, much like the boats on Jungle Cruise!  The water itself is dyed green, so that guests won’t be able to see the track, and have the magic ruined.

5. Unparalleled Views

Adventurers who want to explore Tom Sawyer Island can take the log raft over to the island and wander around to their hearts’ content.  But if you’re looking for the best views of Tom Sawyer Island, then you’ll want to ride the Liberty Belle!  The riverboat takes you around the entirety of Tom Sawyer Island, and along the way, you’ll also see unique views of several key Magic Kingdom attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion.

4. Delightful Decks

While you enjoy your journey on the Liberty Belle, you can choose from 4 decks to sit or stroll or explore.  The top deck, or pilothouse, contains the wheelhouse and Captain’s quarters.  Wander along the Promenade Deck to view photos and maps from a by-gone era, or enjoy the warm Floridian sun on the Sun Deck.  Of course, the real action is on the Main Deck, where you’ll find the workings of the boat itself, including the pistons that run the paddlewheel, and the boiler.  There’s a lot to explore on your river cruise!

3. Family of Riverboats

The Liberty Belle is in good company!  A riverboat named the Mark Twain debuted in Disneyland when it opened in 1955, and it was the first riverboat that had been build in the country in half a century.  Guests can now also enjoy riverboat attractions at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.  WDW originally had two riverboats, the Admiral Joe Fowler and the Richard F. Irvine; the latter changed its name to the Liberty Belle in the 1990s, and is now the sole riverboat in the Magic Kingdom.

2. Working Reproduction

History buffs and boat fans alike will enjoy learning about the Liberty Belle.  It’s almost 50 feet tall, with some beautifully crafted woodwork.  It’s actually a faithful replica of the types of boats that used to carry passengers up and down the Mississippi River, which means it’s a unique glimpse into the past.  How does it work?  The Liberty Belle’s steam engine turns water into steam, and it’s that steam that provides the power to turn the paddlewheel, which drives the boat.

1. Famous Voice

Your voyage on the Liberty Belle is narrated by several characters, and Disney fans might recognize one of the recorded voices: it’s none other than Thurl Ravenscroft, the famous voice behind Tony the Tiger (of Frosted Flakes fame).  Thurl provided the speaking and singing voices for many iconic Disney rides – you’ve probably heard his voice many times, even if you didn’t realize it!  He voiced the lead bust in Haunted Mansion, various voices in the Enchanted Tiki Room, Buff in the Country Bear Jamboree, and multiple pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean!

About Jason Dick

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Liberty Square Riverboat

Take a tour around the Rivers of America on an authentic recreation of a Mississippi paddlewheel riverboat. Enjoy the views from the decks of the Liberty Belle as you circle around Tom Sawyer Island with views of Liberty Square and Frontierland.

General Information

Location: Boards and unloads at the River Boat landing on the Liberty Square waterfront.

Date Opened: October 2, 1971 (with different riverboat). Current riverboat debuted May 20, 1973 as the Richard F. Irvine .

# of Ride Units: 1 riverboat

Ride Capacity: Several hundred

Restraint Method: None

Ticket Rating: C Ticket

Ride Photo: No

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Time commitment.

Open/Close: Opens and closes with the park.

Wait Times: Rarely must you wait longer than the next time the boat comes into dock, but on the most crowded days you may have to wait for the second trip, around 20 minutes.

Length of Ride: 15 minutes

FastPass: No

Single Rider: No

Queue Description: There is no real queue for this ride. The dock has a holding area for people waiting to board at the next opportunity.

Access Information

Health Restriction: None, though it is a haunted mansion, nothing is truly frightening.

Ride Access: The waiting area is wheelchair and ECV accessible.

Wheelchair Transfer: You can board the riverboat without leaving your wheelchair or ECV. All areas of the boat, however, are not accessible and you will be confined to the lower deck. Access to the upper decks requires climbing stairs.

Service Animals: Yes

Audio: Narrative audio is played during the trip describing some of the sights you are passing.

Weight and Size Issues: None

Parenting Information

Height Restriction: None

Child Swap: Yes

Other Issues: You should use the same caution in watching your children as you would on any other boat in the water. While the Rivers of America is shallower than it looks it would still require swimming if someone fell in.

History and Trivia

• At this location: Riverboats have been making the tour of the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island since the day after the park opened in 1971.
• The Attraction's History: Depending on how you want to count them, either two or three authentic steam-driven riverboats have been used at this attraction over the years. When the park opened in 1971, the Admiral Joe Fowler was the only boat operating. It was named after the retired Navy admiral who oversaw construction of both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom before retiring in 1972. The boat itself was retired in 1980 but can still be seen backstage at times when riding the Walt Disney World Railroad. Coming online in 1973 was a second paddlewheel named the Richard F. Irvine after Dick Irvine, who was then just retiring as chief of WED Enterprises (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering). In 1996 the Richard F. Irvine underwent an extensive refurbishment and when it came out of drydock it was renamed Liberty Belle , the name it currently bears.

Related Articles

Liberty Square Riverboat

Uncle Walt grew up in the Mark Twain/Tom Sawyer America we’ve all dreamed about. He was a Missouri boy who was home around the water. He loved watching the old Paddleboats run up and down the Mississippi River.

Liberty Square is home to the Liberty Belle. It’s Uncle Walt’s recreation of the old paddleboats of his youth. The only difference is this one is on a rail and goes round in circles.

The Liberty Belle is a three-story paddlewheel steamboat. Recorded narration plays as you pass your way around Tom Sawyer Island. The massive paddlewheel actually provides the power for the boat (Dad used to think there were outboard engines hidden under the boat. Silly Dad.)

The Riverboat is an authentic replica of boats that steamed up and down the Mississippi around the turn of the century.

The Rivers of America

The Rivers of America is the body of water that the Liberty Belle floats on. It runs through Adventureland. As you make the 17 minute journey around Tom Sawyer Island, you’ll see Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

There are scenes along the riverside of Native American Villagers, woodland cabins and even a hint of trouble ahead.

This attraction is actually named the Liberty Square Riverboat. But the boat is named Liberty Belle. Yeah, I know it’s a little confusing.

• The “Rivers of America” are only about 6 feet deep.
• The Liberty Belle was originally called the Richard F. Irvine
• The shop was actually built in a drydock at Disney World
• A working steam engine turns the paddlewheel

Dad’s Ride Information Table

The fine print.

• Sign language interpretation is offered at specific times on Mondays and Thursdays. Check Guest Relations for the time.
• Wheelchairs and ECVs are allowed to board.

Dad’s Bottom Line

The Liberty Belle is a beautiful turn-of-the-century paddleboat. The ride around the Rivers of America is full of interesting scenery. Be adventurous, it’s not a 3 hour tour, it’s just a 17 minute voyage around Tom Sawyer Island.

“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” – Walt Disney

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Liberty Square Riverboat Ride Review

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a classic attraction located in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park. This charming riverboat takes guests on a peaceful 12-minute journey around the Rivers of America, offering beautiful views of Frontierland and unique perspectives of classic Magic Kingdom attractions. With  a ride aboard an authentic 19th century-style steamboat and narration by the iconic Mark Twain, the Liberty Square Riverboat celebrates the nostalgia of riverboat travel’s golden era. It’s a perfect way to take a break from the high-thrill rides and enjoy a relaxing voyage back in time.

Table of Contents

• Average Wait Times
• Height Requirements
• Single Rider
• Ride Duration
• Genie+ and Lightning Lane
• Rider Switch
• Early Entry Ride

Best Times to Ride

• Original Boats
• Current Boat
• Disembarking

Special Events

Tips for riders.

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Shanghai Disneyland
• Disneyland Paris

General Ride Information

Average Wait Time: The Liberty Square Riverboat typically has short wait times, averaging 10–20 minutes on moderate and busy days.

Height Requirement: There is no height requirement for this slow-moving boat ride.

Single Rider: The Liberty Square Riverboat does not offer single rider lines.

Ride Duration: The total ride duration is approximately 12 minutes as the boat navigates the Rivers of America.

Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Genie + and Lightning Lane access are not available for the Liberty Square Riverboat.

Rider Switch: Rider switch is also not offered as there is no height requirement.

Disability Access Service: Guests with disabilities can take advantage of the Disability Access Service (DAS) to receive a return time.

Ride Location: The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square, just across from The Hall of Presidents.

Early Entry: The  Liberty Square Riverboat is not included as one of the attractions available for Early Theme Park Entry.

The best times to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat are during the middle of the day when wait times for more popular attractions peak, first thing in the morning after riding a few headliners, and at night during the fireworks shows. Riding  when crowds are lower, especially during mealtimes and the Electrical Water Pageant, can also mean shorter wait times. Avoid exiting immediately after a performance of The Hall of Presidents, when crowds flood the area.

History and Design

The Liberty Square Riverboat has a long history, dating back to Walt Disney’s original vision for Disneyland . Walt incorporated a riverboat attraction into his plans for Disneyland, using the iconic Mark Twain Riverboat on the Rivers of America as inspiration. When  designing Magic Kingdom, Imagineers brought a similar riverboat to life on the park’s Rivers of America. The original Liberty Square riverboat was named the Admiral Joe Fowler. It operated for over 7 years before being damaged beyond repair.

The Admiral Joe Fowler was replaced in 1973 by the boat currently in operation – the Richard F. Irvine. After an extensive refurbishment in 1996, the Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle. The Liberty Belle is an exact replica of a 19th century paddle wheel riverboat. It stands 47 feet tall and weighs 100 tons. The boat has a maximum capacity of 450 guests over three levels. The  Liberty Belle is powered by a working steam engine that rotates the rear paddle wheel to propel the boat during its journey. While the steam engine is fully functioning, the boat does follow an underwater track for guidance and safety.

Ride Experience

The Liberty Square Riverboat ride experience begins at the loading dock in Liberty Square. Guests board the boat from the middle, second deck, while ramp access for wheelchairs and ECVs is offered on the first deck. As the boat departs, guests are welcomed aboard by a pre-recorded spiel from Captain Horace Bixby. He introduces the pilot guiding this journey – none other than Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain.

Twain shares memories of his many adventures traveling along the Mississippi River as the Liberty Belle passes by Frontierland and approaches Tom Sawyer Island. Along the way, riders can spot wildlife, mining structures, and old settlements along the shores. The narration highlights various sights along the river, including abandoned mines at Cutthroat Canyon and Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island.

As the boat completes its loop around the island, the majestic facade of The Haunted Mansion comes into view. Twain remarks on legends of the Haunted Mansion being built on sacred native burial grounds as the Liberty Belle returns to dock in Liberty Square, concluding the 12-minute journey. Guests  exit the boat on the first deck and can browse photos taken during the ride that are available for purchase.

In addition to its regular operation, the Liberty Square Riverboat offers special cruises for certain hard ticket events and holidays throughout the year. During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Liberty Belle is decorated with Halloween theming. The boat hosts Happy HalloWishes Dessert Parties that coincide with the special Halloween fireworks show. Guests are served desserts while enjoying premium views of the fireworks bursting over Cinderella Castle. For the holidays, the Liberty Belle gets a festive Christmas overlay and operates during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It offers Holiday Wishes Dessert Parties to pair with the Christmas fireworks spectacular.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Review

The Liberty Square Riverboat also occasionally has evening cruises during Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks with unique viewing opportunities for Star Wars fans. Outside the special events, guests might catch the Liberty Belle testing its steam whistle after refurbishments and at other random times. When the steam whistle blows, it makes for an unforgettable part of the Liberty Square atmosphere. So  beyond its regular operation, the Liberty Belle delivers even more magic through special holiday cruises and one-of-a-kind experiences like the steam whistle that delight guests.

• Arrive to board the Liberty Belle 5–10 minutes before the scheduled departure time printed on the sign at the entrance. This will ensure you get a spot and don’t have to wait for the next boat.
• The top deck offers the best views but can get very hot in the sun. Seek shade underneath the overhangs on the lower decks if needed.
• Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of unique magic kingdom views along the river.
• Keep an eye out for live entertainment along the shores of Frontierland and special decorations during holidays.
• Stop by the Liberty Square Riverboat sign near the exit after disembarking to browse onboard photos available for purchase.
• There are no restrooms on the boat, so make sure and use the bathroom before riding

Comparison to Other Disney Riverboat Rides

The Liberty Square Riverboat ride bears many similarities to riverboat attractions across Disney theme parks worldwide. Each boat offers a scenic tour of an artificial river with references to Mark Twain and American history. However , there are some variations in narration, sights along the river, and overall ride experience between the different versions. Here’s how Walt Disney World’s Liberty Belle compares to riverboats at other Disney Parks:

Disneyland  – The Mark Twain Riverboat is a nearly identical ride experience to the Liberty Belle, complete with Twain narration and a relaxing voyage around Tom Sawyer Island and Frontierland. One key difference is Disneyland’s Columbia Sailing Ship that also navigates the river.

Tokyo Disneyland  – The Western River Railroad at Tokyo Disneyland features similar sights along the Rivers of America but follows a different path around the entire Critter Country area.

Hong Kong Disneyland  – Mystic Manor is visible from Hong Kong Disneyland’s Jungle River Cruise, offering a view of one of the park’s most popular attractions during the ride.

Shanghai Disneyland  – The Voyage to the Crystal Grotto winds through rocky caves with dazzling effects as part of its tour around Fantasyland, a very different sight from Liberty Square and Frontierland.

Disneyland Paris  – No riverboat ride exists at Disneyland Paris. Guests can walk through a full-scale replica of a frontier steamboat outside the Disneyland Railroad station.

The Liberty Square Riverboat continues to be a beloved classic, inviting guests of all ages to embark on a peaceful cruise back in time. For over 50 years, across Disney theme parks worldwide, these iconic boats offer an opportunity to recharge and appreciate the magic of Disney from a new perspective. A  ride aboard the Liberty Belle showcases Disney’s knack for blending nostalgia, nature, and storytelling into an attraction experience that stands the test of time. So be sure to hop aboard for a relaxing voyage across the Rivers of America on your next visit to the Magic Kingdom!

Nearby Attractions

• The Hall of Presidents – Located directly across from the Liberty Square Riverboat in Liberty Square.
• The Haunted Mansion – A short walk from the Liberty Square Riverboat, next to the Hall of Presidents.
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Located in Frontierland, opening this summer 2024!
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Also located in Frontierland, offering a unique view of the coaster from the riverboat.

Disney: Liberty Belle’s move requires digging,…

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Subscriber only, disney: liberty belle’s move requires digging, divers, darkness.

Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

The Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ sails past The Haunted Mansion during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Members of the Main Street Philharmonic marching band wave to the Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ as it sails by during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ docked in Liberty Square during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Liberty Belle sails past Tom Sawyer Island during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on Thursday, the eve of the famed boat's reopening to park guests.

The Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ sails past Tom Sawyer Island during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ sails by Frontierland during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Signage inform guests of the status of the Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ docked in Liberty Square during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty BelleÓ departs from the dock in Liberty Square during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The wheelhouse of the Mississippi steamboat replica ÒLiberty Belle,Ó docked in Liberty Square during technical rehearsal at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the eve of the famed boatÕs reopening to park guests on Friday. The attraction has been closed for several months during refurbishment of the Rivers of America waterway around Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square and Frontierland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Liberty Belle paddles through its usual paces, including a pass by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, on the Rivers of America after the area's recent four-month refurbishment.

Disney’s Liberty Belle has a well-established routine. The triple-decker paddleboat makes loops on the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom, toting tourists around Tom Sawyer Island. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

But, recently, when the theme park’s waterway was drained completely, the cycle was broken and the boat was able to see more of Walt Disney World than usual. Its journey included tugboats, an unplugged monorail, divers, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and a rare venture onto the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

And it happened under the cloak of darkness.

Disney’s primary objective was to replace the steel rail that’s built into the riverbed and guides the Liberty Belle along its course near the back of the park. That spawned multiple projects, including repairs of the basin and rock work along the shore and general maintenance for the island.

“We replaced the entire main loop and a little bit of the spur and the track switch between them,” said Katrina Mutuc, a Disney World planner for facility asset management. She was with the project from the beginning, which included coordination by multiple Disney departments, ranging from entertainment to watercraft engineering. Moving the paddleboat was a multinight, multistep procedure.

“No one had drained the river in 25 years, so trying to pinpoint exactly what was the right time to bring her back here … here … and here — based on how high the river level was — was a little difficult,” she said.

First, Liberty Belle floated via a rail spur to an off-stage area, made a hard left down a canal, eventually going under the monorail line between the park and Grand Floridian resort. A pedestrian bridge was moved to allow Liberty Belle out onto Seven Seas Lagoon.

It was then maneuvered past the entrance of Magic Kingdom toward Disney’s Contemporary Resort and onto Bay Lake, moving north again to a watercraft maintenance facility within sight of Space Mountain. It waited out the Rivers of America repairs there.

It was a 2.5-mile trip that took between two and three hours, Disney said.

Complicating matters: Liberty Belle’s rear paddlewheel works, but the vessel cannot be steered. Therefore, workers with ropes stood on the banks of the canal, guiding it to the lagoon, where a cruiser and tugboat anchored it into place as it sailed the Seven Seas, Mutuc said.

Before that, the 47-foot-tall boat had to get under the monorail line between Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

“For safety reasons, we couldn’t run the monorail over her so we had to do, like, a de-energizing of that section of the monorail beam, so that she could safely pass underneath,” Mutuc said.

Moving Liberty Belle in the wee hours was an operational decision.

“She has to pass through the path of the ferryboats, so it’s really just to make sure that everything else runs as normal during the day,” Mutuc said.

Liberty Belle is a Magic Kingdom mainstay. It was the second riverboat for the Rivers of America and originally named the Richard F. Irvine for its 1973 debut. In 1996, it was rehabbed and renamed Liberty Belle, Disney says. The Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat floated through the park from October 1971 through 1980.

Liberty Belle’s most recent off-the-rails trip was in 2018 when it got a new boiler and paint job while in dry dock. It is inspected annually in-park, Disney said. That was the last partial draining of the Rivers area; it was last completely drained in 1996, Disney said.

During Liberty Belle’s recent staycation, there was work to do all along the river. After it was drained last fall, about 4,000 cubic yards of sand and sediment were removed and taken to a landfill.

“That was a very long effort, literally physically shoveling it out from under all of the docks across the river,” Mutuc said. With that and water out of the way, workers could inspect the property and assess what fixes needed to be made.

“You don’t get the opportunity to see it that up-close and personal very often,” she said.

Without water in there, it’s easier to do routine maintenance on items such as the lift stations for the bathrooms on Tom Sawyer Island. The Harpers Mill structure was treated to new wood and paint. Docks, both functional and decorative, received attention. Workers and trucks can be on the bed, and welders got the new essential rail in place.

The return trip from dry dock for Liberty Belle was spread over three nights, getting as far as the canal, then the underwater locks before approaching the new track. That step required hands-on, underwater work by cast members.

“There are divers that will install the guide wheels … and actually align her back onto the track,” Mutuc said. “We have dive-trained technicians.”

The paddleboat was secured, and Magic Kingdom visitors could spy her from Frontierland by Thursday. The attraction is scheduled to open to the public Friday. The process went much as anticipated, Mutuc said, who worked to keep all teams coordinated and “making sure that everyone’s piece of the puzzle is completed in time,” she said.

“I think that was probably the biggest challenge.”

Email me at [email protected] . Want more theme park news? Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters or the Theme Park Rangers podcast at orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-podcast .

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PHOTOS and VIDEO! The Complicated Way the Liberty Belle Riverboat Is Moved in Magic Kingdom

By Quincy Stanford 3 Comments

Well, consider our minds BLOWN today.

Mark Twain Riverboat

Magic Kingdom has had a pretty largescale refurbishment going on at the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and on the Liberty Belle Riverboat . Today, these attractions are open for guests once more but it took a LOT of complicated work to get things back in order !

Since the second day of Magic Kingdom being open, guests have been able to take a ride through the Rivers of America on the beautiful Liberty Square Riverboat. Recently though, this tradition was paused as the waterway was completely drained for maintenance.

Drained Rivers of America

Did you know that the Rivers of America haven’t been completely drained since 1996? Wow! So in 24 years, that riverbed has never looked like it did for the past few months!

Rivers of America

The work was primarily to replace the steel rail that guides the Liberty Belle Riverboat , but workers also repaired rock work and performed general maintenance for the river and island. But the really complicated part of the work was moving the riverboat OUT of the park.

The original journey out of the park was a 2.5-mile journey that took around three hours and sailed the Liberty Belle through Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Though the paddle motor on the boat works, she doesn’t have any steering. So, to guide the boat, Cast Members had to tow the boat by hand from the river banks .

And this process was SERIOUSLY complicated. It was all done in the middle of the night so as not to interrupt ferry routes and involved discharging part of the monorail track so that the boat could safely sail under.

Returning the Liberty Belle to Magic Kingdom was even more complicated, taking three nights. A team of underwater divers was used to reconnect the riverboat to her Rivers of America track by hand. Holy moly! Who knew moving this historic vessel would be such a process?

You can watch footage from the process in this video!

Click here to learn more about the refurbishment and reopening!

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February 7, 2021 at 3:23 pm

Amazing engineering work. Kudos to those involved.

February 7, 2021 at 6:13 pm

Wow, those were incredible pictures. I still wonder how they got the boat to the Rivers of America from Bay Lake. These Disney people are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

February 9, 2021 at 11:09 pm

@Diane+P. There is a waterway from the rivers of America that winds behind thunder mountain to access bay lake (under monorail) Check out the sat map:

https://maps.apple.com/?a BBB ddress=4720%20Caribbean%20Way,%20Orlando,%20FL%20%2032830,%20United%20States&auid=7361868563242271150&ll=28.419731,-81.583539&lsp=9902&q=Tom%20Sawyer%20Island&_ext=ChkKBQgEEOIBCgQIBRADCgQIBhAHCgQIChAAEiQp4h3DbFdUPEAxWPkqq+lrVMA5O3Q8doqCPEBBqAbVvsdeVMA%3D&t=h

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Retro Pictures Show How Disney Theme Parks Used To Look

Posted: March 6, 2024 | Last updated: March 6, 2024

Once upon a time at Disney's parks

From Florida to Paris, Disney's larger-than-life theme parks attract millions of visitors each year. With the oldest park dating back to the 1950s, these whimsical worlds have changed considerably through the decades.

To celebrate Walt Disney World in Florida having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, click or scroll through to take a look at Disney through the ages with 46 nostalgic photos.

1950s: the Disney dream is set in motion

1950s: a fairy-tale castle is born

1950s: California's Disneyland opens its gates

1950s: guests line up for entry to Disneyland

1950s: Disneyland parades get underway

In renowned Disney fashion, the California park's opening was marked with loud, proud parades, music and appearances from familiar characters. Here Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck march out hand-in-hand before Sleeping Beauty Castle, as they're serenaded by fanfares from costumed folk on horseback. 

1950s: Walt Disney enjoys Disneyland's opening day

1950s: children run towards Sleeping Beauty Castle

1950s: tourists enter Frontierland at California's Disneyland

1950s: the Mark Twain Riverboat floats on the water

Another of Frontierland's early attractions was the Mark Twain Riverboat, which still plows Disneyland Park's rivers today. Here the paddle steamer, named for the celebrated American writer, is seen from Tom Sawyer Island in 1956. The island, inspired by Twain's  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,  still remains today too. 

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1950s: Walt Disney enjoys Disneyland with his grandson

1950s: Walt Disney rides the Autopia attraction at California's Disneyland

1950s: Walt Disney on the Disneyland Railroad

1950s: the Matterhorn is a backdrop for the Skyway at Disneyland

1950s: visitors gaze at the Monsanto House of the Future in Disneyland's Tomorrowland

1950s: the Monorail system is in full swing at California's Disneyland

1960s: the Monorail leads to the Disneyland Hotel

1960s: the Disneyland marquee stands proud at the park's entrance

1960s: Sleeping Beauty Castle dazzles at California's Disneyland

Of course, of all the weird and wonderful sights at Disney's parks, Sleeping Beauty Castle remained – and remains – the most enduring icon. Disney's design was purportedly modeled on Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale fortress in Germany's Bavaria region, and the palace is pictured here still surrounded by tourists in the 1960s.

1960s: visitors spin on the Mad Tea Party ride at California's Disneyland

1960s: Walt Disney admires an animatronics show at California's Disneyland

Ever the innovator, Walt Disney was a pioneer of animatronics and the animatronic robin in 1964 film  Mary Poppins was an early example of this new technology. Here, in 1963, audio-animatronic figures make their debut at the Disneyland park – they formed part of a tropical-themed show featuring hundreds of birds and flowers. Walt Disney looks on in delight.

1970s: Florida's Magic Kingdom opens its doors

1970s: the Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat plows the water at Florida's Magic Kingdom

1970s: the Bicentennial parade at Florida's Magic Kingdom

Just five years after Florida's Magic Kingdom opened, America celebrated its Bicentennial – and, in true Disney style, the theme park marked the special occasion with parties and parades. Here children and adults look on in awe as a float carrying the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf glides through the streets in 1976.

1970s: Skyway whisks visitors above Florida's Magic Kingdom

1970s: Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain debuts

1980s: Epcot is built at Walt Disney World Resort

1980s: Disney's Hollywood Studios opens at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort

1990s: Prince William makes a splash at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World continued to boom through the 1990s, with Disney's Animal Kingdom eventually opening in 1998. The park even had some special royal guests during this decade. The late Princess Diana, and a young Prince Harry and Prince William vacationed here in 1993. An 11-year-old Prince William is pictured (front right) enjoying a ride on the Magic Kingdom's Splash Mountain. 

1990s: Cinderella Castle rises up at Tokyo Disneyland

1990s: Tokyo Disneyland celebrates Mickey Mouse's 70th birthday

1990s: Disneyland Paris gears up for its opening day

1990s: it's opening day at Disneyland Paris

1990s: opening night fireworks glitter at Disneyland Paris

1990s: Disneyland Paris celebrates its 5th birthday in style

One of Disneyland Paris' most striking 5th-anniversary floats was the one carrying a mammoth Beast (from Beauty and the Beast ) and Belle in her famous yellow dress. In the background of this photo, you can make out the Sleeping Beauty Castle, which was given a new look for the occasion. The so-called Château du Fou was bedecked with jester hats and golden bells, in part to celebrate the release of The Hunchback of Notre Dame film the previous year.

1990s: the Disney Magic cruise ship sets sail

2000s: Disneyland Paris has record visitor numbers

2000s: Walt Disney Studios Park opens at Disneyland Paris

2000s: Disney California Adventure Park opens at Disneyland Resort

There were grand openings across the pond too. Disneyland's California Adventure Park opened to a fanfare in 2001. The park is themed around the Golden State, and the 150-foot (46m) Ferris wheel (now Pixar Pal-A-Round, then the Sun Wheel) is one of the site's most striking attractions. Today it's emblazoned with Mickey Mouse's face. It's pictured here in February 2001, a few days before the park opened to the public.

2010s: Shanghai Disneyland Park opens its gates

2010s: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge gets its debut

2020s: Disney parks are shut due to COVID-19

2020s: Walt Disney World's 50th birthday

Beginning 1 October 2021, Walt Disney World in Florida began an 18-month-long celebration (tipped as "The World’s Most Magical Celebration") to mark its 50th birthday. The event brought new attractions, day and nighttime entertainment, restaurants and merchandise to the resort, while the beloved characters Mickey and Minnie, and their pals Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip 'n' Dale all received a sparkling new looks, custom-made for the event. A new crest adorning the Cinderella Castle was also unveiled to celebrate the occasion. 

Among the new shows launched was Harmonius at EPCOT, which just recently finished. One of the largest nighttime spectacles ever created at Disney, it celebrated the music of Disney and how it inspires people. The scores were performed by a diverse group of artists from around the world, while the setting for the show featured massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels and choreography including moving fountains, lights, lasers and pyrotechnics.

Also recently added to EPCOT is a new section of the France pavilion, dedicated to the Disney classic  Ratatouille . The pavilion features a new 4D ride experience, the family-friendly Remy's Ratatouille Adventure that makes guests feel like they've shrunk to main character Remi's size, and a new restaurant La Crêperie de Paris with sweet crêpes, savory buckwheat galettes and French hard cider all on the menu.

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Want more? Now discover what's new at America's theme parks

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