Light Breeze
Time: 5:19am EDT
Sunrise in 2 hours
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Type: | Riverboat |
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Park: | Magic Kingdom |
Location: | Liberty Square |
When To Go: | Anytime (Seasonal Attraction, closes at Dusk) |
Duration: | 19 Minutes |
Where To Sit: | For Seats, aim for the lower deck benches |
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What are these?
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 .
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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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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!
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:
You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .
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.
Times for liberty square riverboat.
Ride guide to liberty square riverboat.
Board a vintage steamer ship for a gentle ride circling Liberty Square and Frontierland, while hearing charming tales of American life in the days of Mark Twain.
What you will - and won't - find in this attraction
As you step onto the spacious decks of the riverboat, you'll be transported to a bygone era of elegance and leisure. The ship's grand exterior, complete with ornate details and towering smokestacks, evokes a sense of adventure and discovery. Take a moment to admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into recreating this iconic vessel.
Once on board, find a comfortable spot on one of the open-air decks or venture into the elegant cabin, where you can relax and take in the picturesque views. As the Liberty Belle sets sail, you'll be treated to breathtaking sights along the riverbanks, including lush landscapes, charming scenes of Americana, and iconic landmarks like Tom Sawyer Island and the Haunted Mansion.
Listen to the soothing sounds of the steam engine chugging along, as the paddlewheel propels the boat forward. Feel the gentle breeze against your face as you meander along the river, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. The journey is accompanied by a recorded narration that shares interesting tidbits about the history and significance of the areas you pass by.
The Liberty Square Riverboat offers a serene and leisurely experience, allowing you to unwind and soak in the ambiance of an era long past. It's a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park, while still enjoying the enchantment and storytelling that Disney is known for.
Let the rhythmic motion of the paddlewheel and the timeless charm of the river transport you to a simpler time, where the spirit of adventure and the beauty of America's heartland await.
This gentle journey is generally suitable for all ages. There is seating and there are shaded areas to escape the sun.
Be aware that on the bottom deck, there is a lot of noise from the ship's engine, and occasionally, the captain blows the whistle, which is loud from pretty much everywhere on the boat.
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Type: Boat Ride
Length: Ride Length: 15 Minutes
Audience: All Ages
Open since October 1, 1971
A Good Attraction, But Don't Wait Too Long
Take a fifteen minute tour around Tom Sawyer Island on the relaxing Liberty Square Riverboat ride. Guests board the three story Liberty Belle, which travels around the Rivers of America that run through Liberty Square and Frontierland. During the voyage, guests will be able to see great views of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Tom Sawyer Island, as well as unique tableaus created along the Rivers of America.
The Liberty Square Riverboat closes after dark. While not a major attraction, the Liberty Square Riverboat offers a nice break from running around the park, as well as a unique perspective of Magic Kingdom.
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7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Cruise the picturesque Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.
Mar 2023 • Friends. Relaxing ride on a steamboat that makes a circle around Tom Sawyer Island and passes by Liberty Square and Frontierland. The ride lasts around 20 minutes and the steamboat leaves every half hour. Never much of a wait especially if you time your arrival just right.
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.
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.
Liberty Square Riverboat. Opened: October 1, 1971. Ride length: 12 minutes, 45 seconds. Lightning Lane: No. Overview/History: Bringing the Western charm of iconic national parks to a brand-new story inspired by Pixar Animation Studios' Cars, Lightning McQueen, Mater and all their friends will soon find themselves at the Magic Kingdom in a ...
The original boat, an authentic sternwheeler steamboat called the Admiral Joe Fowler, was built in dry dock at Walt Disney World and set afloat when the attraction opened on May 20, 1973. The Richard F. Irvine was later added as a second boat. After its extensive rehab in the '90s, the boat was renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.
Magical Moments. The views from the Riverboat are fantastic, and are unlike those you'll see wandering around the park (particularly for the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island). Visit the Liberty Square Riverboat at night when its lit by hundreds of brilliant white lights. Listen closely to the ship's captain as you tour the Rivers of ...
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. For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. For Walt Disney World dining, please ...
Liberty Square Riverboat. An Attraction in Magic Kingdom. Last updated: September 12, 2024. At a Glance. This large paddle-wheel riverboat navigates the waters around Tom Sawyer Island and Fort Langhorn, passing settler cabins, old mining paraphernalia, an Indian village, and a small menagerie of animatronic wildlife.
Take a ride on a replica of an early American Steam Ship with all the excitment of the real thing. Cruise around Tom Sawyer Island and catch some grand views of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. LOCATION: On Liberty Square at Disney Magic Kingdom. From the entrance head to the Castle and then turn left towards Liberty Square.
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.
Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall 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 ...
Take a ride on the Liberty Belle Riverboat in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort with Jenna. This is a really relaxing ride...
Ride Guide to Liberty Square Riverboat. ... The Liberty Square Riverboat offers a serene and leisurely experience, allowing you to unwind and soak in the ambiance of an era long past. It's a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park, while still enjoying the enchantment and storytelling that Disney is known ...
Join us for a relaxing ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat, The Liberty Belle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. This steam-powered boat takes you ...
Location: Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom. Type: Boat Ride. Length: Ride Length: 15 Minutes. Audience: All Ages. Open since October 1, 1971. A Good Attraction, But Don't Wait Too Long. Take a fifteen minute tour around Tom Sawyer Island on the relaxing Liberty Square Riverboat ride. Guests board the three story Liberty Belle, which travels around ...
The museum itself may not be as impressive as if you take a tour. Free hint: the group tour is available for extra 100 roubles at 3PM and it is a must.
Things to Do in Pyatigorsk, Russia - Pyatigorsk Attractions. 1. Proval Lake. The tunnel is well lit. It is not recommended to visit for people suffering from claustrophobia. 2. Tsvetnik Park. From the Park one can get a lovely view of the City. Inside the Park there are a number of tourist sites such as...
The surrounding area is very beautiful. There is a long road into the woods to go for a walk on or ride a bike on, that many locals visit. The nearby woods are full of spots for doing shashlik (grilling out). It's also close to the city amphitheater for concerts/fireworks on Mt. Mashuk.
Good views. You can see the whole city from different angle s. A nice ride to get there too. The price is 250 one way. It's a bit cheaper for a return ticket. The mountain can be reached by car as well.