このページではjavascriptを使用しています。

  • Tokyo Disneyland
  • Tokyo DisneySea
  • Reservations & Tickets
  • Events/ Program
  • Park Tickets
  • Restaurants

Attractions

  • Parades and Shows
  • Disney Character Greetings
  • Services at the Park
  • Getting Here
  • Barrier Free
  • Mark Twain Riverboat

image of Mark Twain Riverboat1

Enjoy a leisurely trip down the Rivers of America.

Board the elegant Mark Twain Riverboat, also known as a "floating palace," for a cruise around the Rivers of America. It's even more romantic at night when the steamboat is all lit up!

Information

Area Westernland
Duration About 12 minutes.
Capacity 475 persons
Children-friendly characteristics Stroller

アトラクションご利用にあたってのお願い

  • ゲストの皆さんに安全に施設をご利用いただくため、キャストの案内に従ってください。
  • 天候あるいは、エンターテイメントプログラム実施などの理由により、一時的に運営を中止する場合があります。
  • 屋外・屋内問わず、施設ご利用中の撮影(フラッシュやライト、液晶画面を使用しての撮影などを含む)については、都度、キャストの案内に従ってください。
  • 東京ディズニーリゾートを訪れる障がいのある方や、一時的に体の機能が低下している方へのご案内は こちら

Requests to Guests Experiencing Attractions

  • For everyone's safety, please follow the instructions of Cast Members.
  • Depending on the weather, or as a result of the presentation of entertainment programs, operations may temporarily be suspended.
  • Regardless of whether the venue is outdoors or indoors, please follow the instructions of Cast Members regarding taking photos or videos during the experience (including flash photography, use of lights, and use of LCD screen, etc.).
  • For guests with disabilities or those who may need assistance, more information can be found here
  • 遊客體驗設施時,請遵從演藝人員的指示,以確保安全。
  • 遊樂設施有可能依天候、舉辦娛樂表演等因素而暫停營運。
  • 遊客體驗遊樂設施時,若希望於戶外或室內攝影(含開啟閃光燈、照明燈等器具、液晶螢幕等),請隨時遵從演藝人員的指示。
  • 身心障礙或身體狀況不佳的遊客前來東京迪士尼度假區時,其注意事項請 由此確認 (英文)

体验游乐设施时的注意事项

  • 为确保各位游客安全体验游乐设施,请听从演艺人员的指挥。
  • 由于天气或娱乐演出等原因,游乐设施可能暂停运营。
  • 无论在室外或室内,体验游乐设施时的摄影事项(包含使用闪光灯,照明设备,或液晶屏摄像拍照等),请随时听从演艺人员的指挥。
  • 东京迪士尼度假区为到访的残障人士、身体突然出现不适的游客提供服务,详情请 查看此处 (英文网页)

어트랙션 이용 시 부탁 말씀

  • 게스트 여러분께서 안전하게 시설을 이용하시기 위해 디즈니 도우미의 안내에 따라 주십시오.
  • 날씨 또는 엔터테인먼트 프로그램 실시 등의 이유로 인해 일시적으로 운영을 중지하는 경우가 있습니다.
  • 실외, 실내 상관없이 시설 이용 중의 촬영(플래시 및 조명, 액정화면을 이용한 촬영 등을 포함)은 디즈니 도우미의 안내에 따라 주십시오.
  • 도쿄디즈니리조트를 방문하시는 장애가 있는 분이나 일시적으로 신체 기능이 저하된 분을 위한 안내는 여기 (영어)

image of Map

Recommended attraction

  • #Tokyo Disneyland
  • #Transportation

image of Omnibus

  • Penny Arcade
  • Western River Railroad
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents "Aloha E Komo Mai!"
  • Westernland Shootin' Gallery
  • Country Bear Theater
  • Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
  • Big Thunder Mountain
  • Splash Mountain
  • Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes
  • Alice's Tea Party
  • "it's a small world"
  • Castle Carrousel
  • Snow White's Adventures
  • Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall
  • Dumbo The Flying Elephant
  • Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast
  • Peter Pan's Flight
  • Pinocchio's Daring Journey
  • Pooh's Hunny Hunt
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Mickey's PhilharMagic
  • Gadget's Go Coaster
  • Goofy's Paint 'n' Play House
  • Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse
  • Donald's Boat
  • Minnie's House
  • Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
  • Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
  • Stitch Encounter
  • Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters
  • The Happy Ride with Baymax
  • Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek!

Touring Plans Logo

  • Walt Disney World
  • UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
  • DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Background Image

  • Mark Twain Riverboat
  • Tokyo Disneyland
What It Is
Current Wait Time
Park is closed
Appeal By Age
. See our for details.
General Info
Location
Opening Date
Scope and Scale

Inaccurate/stale data? Let us know .


  -
  -
  -
  -
  -
  -






Description And Comments

This large-capacity paddle-wheel riverboat navigates the waters around Tom Sawyer Island and Fort Wilderness. A beautiful craft, the riverboat provides a lofty perch from which to see Westernland and Critter Country. Splash Mountain is part of a huge mountain range that flanks the southern side of the river. The whole experience is absolutely serene. It's insane how you can cruise around the Rivers of America and forget that you are in one of the most populated and busy cities in the world.

How's It Different From the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Versions?

It's the same idea as the Mark Twain and Liberty Belle in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. You sail around a river on a boat. But damn do we enjoy it, no matter what park it's in.

Is it English Friendly?

The spiel is in Japanese, but that doesn't matter. You ride the Mark Twain to do some sightseeing and give your eyes a treat.

Attraction Photos

Dsc01244

Special Needs

  • May Remain In Wheelchair/ECV
  • Service Animal Check

Other Attractions in Westernland

  • Big Thunder Mountain
  • Country Bear Theater
  • Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
  • Westernland Shootin’ Gallery
  • Woodchuck Greeting Trail (Daisy)
  • Woodchuck Greeting Trail (Donald)
  • Attractions
  • Priority Pass
  • Adventureland
  • Critter Country
  • Fantasyland
  • Tomorrowland
  • Westernland
  • World Bazaar

TouringPlans Blog

  • Top 5 Highest Rated Disneyland Quick Service Restaurants Sep 18
  • Disney Data Dump September 18 2024 Sep 18
  • Disney Vacation Club Will Begin Sales of the Island Tower at the Polynesian Resort in October. Sep 17

TouringPlans on Twitter

Touringplans on facebook.

TouringPlans Instagram

Blog | Help | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy | Team | Travel Professionals | Jobs | Contact Us

Copyright ©2024 TouringPlans.com. All rights reserved.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Mark Twain Riverboat

/ Home / Tokyo Disneyland / Westernland /

The Mark Twain is a paddlewheel-propelled riverboat not unlike the type that used to be a common sight on the Mississippi River 100 years ago. Tokyo Disneyland's version is smaller than those original boats, and instead of the Mississippi you cruise Tokyo Disneyland's own Rivers of America.

Tokyo Disneyland's Mark Twain Riverboat is just about an exact copy of the one in Disneyland in California. There is one curious exception though: While the Mark Twain in California will never be considered the most popular attraction in the park, the Mark Twain in Tokyo Disneyland is immensely popular, surpassing other traditional Disney favorites such as the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. Back when Tokyo Disneyland used to use attraction tickets, the Mark Twain was an E-ticket ride. If you're like me, you're probably wondering why this is so; I'm afraid I don't have a definitive answer. Perhaps the riverboat is thought of as something so uniquely American that it's irresistible to the Japanese, many of whom—in my observation—are enamored with American icons (Mickey Mouse being the supreme example).

The trip around the river lasts about 12 minutes. The Mark Twain and the Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes are the only vehicles which will take you on a complete trip around the river (unlike California, which also has the Columbia).

Image Gallery

Original content copyright @1995-2024 Chris Calabrese, all rights reserved Questions or comments? E-mail Chris

tdrfan.com version 5.0 Web hosting provided by Intelligent Hosting

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Newsletters
  • United States
  • Things To Do

Mark Twain Riverboat

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

The Mark Twain Riverboat goes on a gentle cruise around Tom Sawyer Island. That's the same route that the Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes take, and I'd suggest choosing only one of these three attractions. You don't need to see that same scenery three times.

What You Need to Know About the Mark Twain Riverboat

TripSavvy / Betsy Malloy Photography

We polled 131 of our readers to find out what they think about the riverboat. 74% of them said It's a must-do or ride it if you have time, making it one of the lower-rated things to do at Disneyland.

  • Location:  Mark Twain Riverboat is in Frontierland
  • Rating:  ★
  • Restrictions:   No height restrictions. Children under age seven years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
  • Ride Time:   12 minutes
  • Recommended for:   Everyone
  • Fun Factor:  Low
  • Wait Factor:  Low    
  • Fear Factor:  Low
  • Herky-Jerky Factor:  Low
  • Nausea Factor:  Low
  • Seating:   You just get on and ride, and you can move around while it's going
  • Accessibility:   This ride is fully accessible, and you can stay in your wheelchair or ECV for the whole thing, but you'll only get onto the lower level. Go to the access gate on the right side of the turnstile or enter through the attraction exit and ask a Cast Member for help.  More about visiting Disneyland in a wheelchair or ECV

How to Have More Fun on the Mark Twain Riverboat

  • If you want to  rest your feet , head for the seats in the front as soon as you get on.
  • This ride  closes before dark
  • Watch the kids.  They may be tempted to climb on the railings and could fall off.
  • If you ask a cast member, the  pilot might let you ride inside with him . This is limited to just a couple of people per trip.

Next Disneyland Ride: Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes

More about disneyland rides.

You can  see all the Disneyland rides at a glance on the Disneyland Ride Sheet . If you want to browse through them starting with the best-rated,  start with the Haunted Mansion  and follow the navigation.

While you're thinking about rides, you should also  download Our Recommended Disneyland Apps (they're all free!)  and  Get Some Proven Tips to Minimize Your Disneyland Wait Time .

Fun Facts About Mark Twain Riverboat

Built in 1955, this was the first paddle wheeler built since shortly after 1900. It was built at the Disney Studios, except for the hull which was constructed at a shipyard in San Pedro. But don't let that fool you. It's a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi, with a working steam engine that powers the large paddle, which in turn propels the boat.

The Mark Twain made its first voyage four days before Disneyland opened to the public, for Walt and Lillian Disney's 30th wedding anniversary. 

The Mark Twain was christened by actress   Irene Dunne who starred in the 1936 movie "Showboat" on Disneyland's Opening Day.

The boat is 28 feet tall and 105 feet long, with four decks.

The writer Mark Twain was a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi river when he was younger, and one of Walt Disney's personal heroes, which is why Walt named the boat after him.

A riverboat ride was in the plans from the earliest days, when Walt Disney started the first plans for building an amusement park near Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.

Every Disney theme park throughout the world has their own version of the Mark Twain riverboat. 

Related Articles

More related articles.

Attraction Insight

Mark Twain Riverboat

About this attraction.

Frontierland at Disneyland Park

Attraction Type

Scenic boat ride

Thrill Level

Recommended ages.

Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults

Height Requirement

Steam into the past.

Cruise the Rivers of America aboard a 19th-century paddle boat.

Our Overview

The Mark Twain Riverboat vessel is a reproduction of the historic ferries once used on the Mississippi River. Once you’re cruising down the Disney-created river, you’ll feel like you’re taking a trip back to the past. If you’re looking to unwind and enjoy scenic views, the Mark Twain Riverboat is an experience you should consider.

Explore Other Attractions

Pirate’s lair on tom sawyer island, dumbo the flying elephant, star wars launch bay.

Attraction Insight

Engaging Personality & Knowledge Quizzes

Our quizzes are designed to captivate and challenge, offering a fun way to test your knowledge and uncover your true self.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Orlando
  • Disneyland Resort
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • HHN Orlando
  • HHN Hollywood
  • Central Florida
  • Southern California
  • New York City

Mark Twain Riverboat

  • Water Rides
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17

Steam into the Past

Board an old-fashioned steam-powered vessel for a half-mile journey into the heart of the American frontier. 

During the charming, 14-minute trip around Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island , spot delightful sights along the river’s edge, including: 

  • The north bank of the Columbia Gorge, complete with a beautiful waterfront and 5 sparkling waterfalls 
  • A rustic frontier cabin 
  • An idyllic Native American village 
  • A busy beaver at work chewing on the train trestle 
  • Mountain lions relaxing in the sun 
  • The Disneyland Railroad steaming into the wilderness 

Along the way, hear lively narration about a time gone by.

Along the Mississippi

The Mark Twain is an authentic reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi River. A working steam engine converts the water from the Rivers of America into steam that in turn powers the large paddle that propels the boat. 

Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 28-foot tall, 105-foot-long riverboat is comprised of 4 pristine decks: 

  • Pilothouse , also known as the top deck, features the wheelhouse and Captain’s Quarters 
  • Promenade Deck includes a salon and a collection of vintage photos and maps 
  • Texas (or Sun) Deck is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors as you float down the river 
  • Main Deck includes the boiler and pistons that run the paddlewheel 

Limited seating is available.

A Tribute to America’s Writer

Walt Disney named the Mark Twain after the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The famed author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn —and Walt’s personal hero—Clemens was also a riverboat pilot as a young man. 

That experience inspired his pen name: “mark twain” is a boating term that means a vessel is at a safe depth.

Alternate Adventures

Disneyland app.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Related Activities

Frontierland, a new way to plan your magical day, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for mark twain riverboat.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

D23 Logo

  • News and Events
  • Disney A TO Z
  • WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
  • VIDEO & PHOTO GALLERIES
  • Redeem Gift Membership
  • Redeem Gold Affiliate
  • Gift Gold Membership
  • 2024 Gold Collector Set
  • Publication
  • Inside Disney
  • Ultimate Fan Event
  • Disney Parks
  • Disney Princess
  • Company History
  • About Walt Disney
  • Ask Archives
  • Disney A to Z

Mark Twain Riverboat

Mark Twain Riverboat Frontierland attraction at Disneyland; opened on July 17, 1955. The Disneyland Publicity Department originally trumpeted the fact that this was the first paddle wheeler built in the United States in 50 years. Its 105-foot-long hull was built at the Todd Shipyards in San Pedro, California, but the superstructure was constructed in a soundstage at the Disney Studio in Burbank, and then trucked down the Santa Ana Freeway to Disneyland. The Mark Twain travels around Tom Sawyer Island, seeing views of a Native American village and assorted wildlife, brought to life by the Disney Imagineers. The riverboat weighs 150 tons and is designed to carry 300 passengers. Also a riverboat in Frontierland at Disneyland Paris, opened April 12, 1992, where it shares the Rivers of the Far West with the Molly Brown . Also in Westernland at Tokyo Disneyland, opened on April 15, 1983. The Walt Disney World riverboats were the Admiral Joe Fowler (retired in 1980) and the Richard F. Irvine (later named the Liberty Belle ).

AEN Banner

Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, disney private islands, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, disney world reviews, other park reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, mark twain riverboat frontierland disneyland, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/dlr\/attraction\/","name":"attractions"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/dlr\/attraction\/search\/disneyland\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"disneyland resort"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/dlr\/attraction\/search\/disneyland-park\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"disneyland park"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":4,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/dlr\/attraction\/search\/frontierland\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"frontierland"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":5,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/disneyland\/dlr-planning\/mark-twain-riverboat-frontierland-disneyland\/","name":"mark twain riverboat"}}]} attractions > disneyland resort > disneyland park > frontierland > mark twain riverboat, recommended by, ride length, motion level, lightning lane single pass, lightning lane multi pass.

Mark Twain Riverboat

Introduction | Attraction | Touring Tips | Kids/Characters | Dining | Shopping | Interesting Facts

INTRODUCTION

Enjoy a slow cruise around the Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered paddlewheeler. The Mark Twain Riverboat is located in Frontierland just across from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Native American scene

Your guide will point out landmarks along the way, like a mansion that’s said to be haunted, Splash Mountain, the canoes, and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. There are several Native American sightings, including a chief on horseback, a shaman, a boy and his dog, and the inhabitants of a village.

Be on the lookout for wildlife like deer, elk, moose, raccoons, eagles, and mountain lions. There’s even an enterprising beaver hard at work below one of the train trestles.

TOURING TIPS

This is a fairly quiet and peaceful ride – a good place to take a break and get away from the crowded walkways. The journey takes about 15 minutes, and the riverboat departs twice an hour. On busy days the Mark Twain shares the boat dock with the Sailing Ship Columbia, and one of the two departs every 15 minutes.

There are a few chairs on the bow of the riverboat on the lower deck and a couple of benches inside a salon on the third deck. This is the only seating on-board. Arrive and board early to get a chair.

The top deck gives you an excellent vantage point for photos of Tom Sawyer Island, New Orleans Square, the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain.

Wheelchair/ECV users go to the gate to the right of the turnstiles and wait for a cast member to direct in boarding.

You’ll see the Mark Twain filled with characters in one of the final scenes of Fantasmic!

KIDS AND CHARACTERS

Disney characters like Tiana, Naveen, and Louis from “The Princess and the Frog” are sometimes found cruising on the Mark Twain. Woody and Jessie from Toy Story make frequent appearances in Frontierland near the Mark Twain’s dock — check the Times Guide for times and location.

Mark Twain Life Preserver

Nearby shops include:

Bonanza Outfitters – Western apparel for men, women, and children.

Pioneer Mercantile – Frontier-themed souvenirs such as Davy Crockett hats and Western style character merchandise.

Westward Ho Trading Company – Candy store with fudge, hard candies, boxes chocolates and cookies.

INTERESTING FACTS

In 2016-2017, all Rivers of America attractions were closed while the river was re-routed in support of the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Mark Twain re-opened on July 29, 2017 with a new narration to go along with some new scenes along the river.

The Mark Twain was christened by actress Irene Dunne (Magnolia Hawks in the 1936 movie “Showboat”) on Disneyland’s Opening Day.

Walt Disney and his wife celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary aboard the Mark Twain four days before Disneyland opened in 1955.

Thurl Ravenscroft (the voice of Tony the Tiger) provided the original voice of the riverboat guide.

If you have comments or tips to share with others about touring Disneyland, please email us . Thank you.

How long is Mark Twain Riverboat?

The ride takes 18 Minutes Find all the attractions by their length

Will Mark Twain Riverboat make me motion sick?

The motion level is Low. Gentle boat ride. Details on handling motion sensitivity on your visit

Is Lightning Lane Single Pass available for Mark Twain Riverboat?

No Mark Twain Riverboat is not eligible for Lightning Lane Single Pass Find Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions

Is Mark Twain Riverboat included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass?

No Mark Twain Riverboat is not included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass Find Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions using our search

Follow us on Social!

Trending now.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

A former Disney Imagineer just gave us some insider information into what REALLY happened to...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

The National Hurricane Center is tracking some tropical weather systems with possibility of hitting Florida.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

We have good news for those who didn't get one of the first 2024 'Nightmare...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

The perfect retro Disney shirt has just arrived on the Disney Store website!

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Pecos Bill added a slew of new menu items, but not all of them are...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Target just dropped a new Haunted Mansion-inspired makeup collection and we're obsessed!

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Be prepared for your next trip to Disney World as Disney World is changing and...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

We wanted to give you a heads-up that TWO rides have officially closed today in...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

An extremely important holiday is coming up soon and EPCOT is celebrating in the BEST...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

There's a PROBLEM when it comes to booking your 2025 Disney World vacation. Get the...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Looking for a new look for Disney World? Head over to Amazon.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Join Breedlove for a stroll around Disney World's second theme park as he shows why...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Listen, we LOVE Disney World, but we also understand that it can be a little…stressful....

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Heading to Disneyland next month? Some rides won't be open for part of the month,...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Universal's upcoming Helios Grand Hotel has a slew of amenities... except one major one is...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

Loungefly sale alert!

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

The list of documents needed to board a Disney Cruise is CHANGING.

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

So we have to ask this question: when will the virtual queue for Haunted Mansion...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

It really is about time for Disney to implement a couple of new rules for...

mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

We FINALLY know where all these Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses and scare zones are...

Click here to subscribe

Shop the Disney Store | AllEars® Merchandise | Shop Amazon | Press Room | Contact Us

Read more About us or Advertise with us . We respect your right to privacy. Please take a moment to review our privacy policy and terms of use .

Copyright ©1996-2024 AllEarsNet, LLC, All Rights Reserved. AllEars.Net, AllEars® Newsletter and any other properties owned by AllEarsNet, LLC are not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. All Disney artwork, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc. or, its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com

Theme Park Insider

Mark Twain Riverboat

Frontierland Boat ride Not enough votes yet to rank

Photo of Mark Twain Riverboat

See all photos | Submit Photo

This was the first steamboat built in America in nearly half a century when it debuted at Disneyland's opening in 1955.

Ticket Icon

Reviews of Mark Twain Riverboat

How do you rate this? Among the very best of its type anywhere Above average, but not quite the very best Below average, but not among the worst Among the bottom 25 percent of its type Register and log in to submit a written review, as well as a rating.

Vacation deals

  • Walt Disney World
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Adventures by Disney
  • Universal Orlando

Park tickets

  • Disneyland Resort
  • Tokyo Disney Resort
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Universal Orlando Resort
  • Universal Studios Japan

Subscribe by email

Subscribe by rss, new attraction reviews.

  • 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020
  • 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016 , 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 , 2011 , 2010
  • 2009 , 2008

News archive

  • 2009 , 2008 , 2007 , 2006 , 2005 (12/27-31), 2005 (1/1-12/26), 2004

Facebook

Disney Wiki

  • Disneyland Paris attractions
  • Frontierland attractions
  • Liberty Square attractions
  • Westernland attractions
  • Kingdom Keepers locations
  • Water rides
  • Discovery Bay

Mark Twain Riverboat

  • Magic Kingdom
  • Tokyo Disneyland
  • Disneyland Paris

Mark Twain Riverboat is an attraction, located at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim , California , on which passengers embark on a scenic, 12-minute journey around the Rivers of America . Originally named Mark Twain Steamboat when the park opened in 1955, the stately, 5/8-scale Mississippi stern-wheeler was the first functional riverboat to be built in the United States for fifty years. Other Disney riverboat attractions now appear at Walt Disney World Resort , Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris .

  • 1 Disneyland version
  • 2 Former sights
  • 4.1 Walt Disney World
  • 4.2 Thunder Mesa riverboats (Disneyland Paris)
  • 4.3 Tokyo Disneyland
  • 5 Technical
  • 6 References

Disneyland version [ ]

Passengers wait for the 150-ton, high, long riverboat, which departs every 25 minutes, inside a sheltered area located in the Frontierland section of the park. The waiting area is made to resemble a real riverboat loading area, with cargo deliveries sharing space on the dock. Historic United States flags are displayed at the attraction's entrance.

Upon boarding Mark Twain , passengers are free to move about her three levels. The lower deck's bow has chairs. The upper deck provides a vantage point for viewing landmarks throughout the voyage, there are also a couple bench seats on this level, some indoors and some outside.

The wheelhouse, where Mark Twain' s pilot is stationed, is also located on the upper deck. The lower level of the wheelhouse features a sleeping area and a sink to maintain the illusion of this being the captain's living quarters. At the pilot's discretion, a small number of passengers may be given permission to ride in the wheelhouse for the voyage, after which they are presented with souvenir Pilot Certificates.

The pilot signals the departure and arrival of Mark Twain using a whistle and bell system, along with various signals to other watercraft attractions. Because the riverboat travels along an I-beam guide rail throughout the ride, the pilot does not maneuver the ship. Instead, the pilot serves as lookout for other river traffic, such as Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes and the Rafts to Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island , and communicates his observations with the boiler engineer. The boiler engineer is stationed on the bottom deck towards the stern. This is where the throttle and reverser are located. From here, the boiler engineer controls the speed and direction of the riverboat. Steam from the boiler is used to power the paddle wheels and thus pushes the craft along its guide-way.

The voyage on the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island features pre-recorded narration by a riverboat guide voiced by Thurl Ravenscroft , Mark Twain ( Peter Renaday ), who speaks of his days piloting a riverboat, and by the (not present) "captain" of the ship, voiced by Disney voice actor Stephen Stanton . The narration playback, operated by the pilot via a control panel in the pilot house, points out the following sights:

  • Haunted Mansion
  • Splash Mountain
  • Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes landing
  • Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
  • Mike Fink 's Cabin
  • Lakota Chief, raising hand in welcome
  • A shaman telling a native folktale
  • Lakota Village
  • Big Thunder Mountain
  • Sacred aboriginal burial ground
  • Animals and abandoned mine cars
  • Big Thunder Falls

On most days, Mark Twain begins operation as soon the park opens. On days when Fantasmic! is being performed, the riverboat, which plays a role in the show, will close a couple of hours before showtime. On other nights, Mark Twain will run through the evening, using a high intensity rooftop spotlight to point out sights, with the final trip beginning about thirty minutes before park closing. A sign at the loading area will list the day's last trip.

Former sights [ ]

There are a few former sights that the boat passed along the river. The Burning Settler's Cabin which used propane to simulate burning was one. The pipe that fed propane to the burner failed in the early 2000s and has not been relit. There were plans in 2007 to replace the failed feed and again have the cabin burn. However, the Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island modifications affected these plans. As of now, the burn marks have been removed, the holes patched and the area cleaned up. The front lawn area now has a table, picnic-like decorations and clothes on a clothes line. What makes this odd is while the rest of Tom Sawyer Island appears as if it has been invaded by pirates, this part of the island is the only thing not pirate themed.

Along with the Cabin, the Gullywhumper, one of Disneyland's extinct Keel Boats is now scenery along the river's bank. A mine train from the old Nature's Wonderland attraction was also used as scenery. The Mine Train is on its original track and used to border Cascade Peak, a man-made fiberglass hill complete with waterfall which was bulldozed in 1998. The train was removed in June 2010 for restoration. Also, one of the rafts to Tom Sawyer's Island was marooned just in front of the no longer burning cabin and is now scenery.

History [ ]

A Mississippi steamboat was included in the plans for the first Disney amusement park that was to be built across the street from his Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Although this park was abandoned in favor of the much larger Disneyland , the plan for having a riverboat attraction was retained.

Because Mark Twain was the first functional paddlewheeler built in the United States in fifty years, the WED designers conducted extensive research to build it like riverboats were built in the heyday of steam powered ships. The decks were assembled at the Disney Studios at Burbank, while the 105-foot hull was constructed at Todd Shipyards, Los Angeles Division, San Pedro, California (where portions of Columbia were built years later). [1]

Joe Fowler , Disneyland's construction supervisor and a former navy admiral, insisted on creating a drydock for the ship along what was to be the Rivers of America. Walt Disney , dismayed at how much land was taken up by the massive excavation, referred to the drydock first as "Joe's Ditch", and then later, "Fowler's Harbor", the name by which it goes by today. However, Disney remained a supporter of the riverboat itself, funding its construction out of his own pocket when corporate funds fell short. On the first "fill-the-river" day, the water that was pumped into the Rivers of America soaked through the riverbed. Fowler quickly found a supply of clay to replace the soil stabilizer used to line the river, and the second "fill-the-river" day was successful.

Mark Twain had her maiden voyage on July 13, 1955, four days before the park officially opened, for a private party celebrating Walt and Lillian Disney 's 30th wedding anniversary. Before the party, as Fowler was checking to make sure everything would be ready for the 300 invited guests, he found Lillian sweeping the decks of debris and joined in to help her.

Disneyland's opening day brought further problems for Mark Twain . Actress Irene Dunne, star of the movie Showboat , had trouble breaking a bottle of water (from many major American rivers) across the vessel's bow for her christening on Dateline Disney . During the riverboat's first official voyage, when the crowd moved to one side of the boat to view a passing scene of an Indian encampment or other sight, the boat would list from the side and water poured over the deck, as no one had determined Mark Twain' s maximum safe passenger capacity.

This oversight caused Mark Twain to almost capsize on a voyage a few days later when ride operators continued to wave more than 500 guests on board until the deck neared the water line. As the ship traversed the sparsely vegetated river route, it came loose from its track and got stuck in the muddy banks. Immediately, the park established a maximum capacity of 300 passengers, which remains in effect today.

After a rough start, Mark Twain has had a successful 69-year-career as a theme park attraction. During its first few years of operation, passengers could buy a non-alcoholic mint julep aboard or listen to card and checker players re-enact dialogue of that era. Occasionally the Disneyland band would play music on the lower deck bow to entertain both the passengers and the theme park visitors on the river banks. [2]

Mark Twain underwent a major refurbishment during the Spring of 1995, during which all the decks and the boiler were replaced. September 24, 1995 saw the first and only Disney Fantasyland Wedding, to this day, to be held on an attraction, in theme clothing. A local Orange County couple, Kevin and Patricia Sullivan exchanged vows on the bow of the boat as she circled the Rivers of America. The groom's father Ed Sullivan, a 50-year Disney veteran, donned the classic Mark Twain costume for the once in a lifetime ceremony. The couple sealed their vows by pulling the ships steam whistle together. From atop the upper most deck, the couple let loose ropes, unfurling a ship sized JUST MARRIED banner across the stern.

When the Rivers of America was drained in 2002, the boat was noted to have considerable hull damage. It underwent a refurbishment in 2004 to repair the hull, which included replacing the keel. [3] For the park's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2005, a new, more colorful paint job was applied to the durable riverboat.

On January 11, 2016, the Mark Twain Riverboat, along with the other attractions and shows along the Rivers of America, would close temporarily for the construction of a Star Wars -themed land . These attractions reopened on July 29, 2017. [4] [5] [6]

Other Disney theme park riverboats [ ]

Walt disney world [ ].

The Magic Kingdom theme park in Bay Lake, Florida at one time featured two riverboats: Admiral Joe Fowler , a sternwheeler named for Disneyland's construction supervisor, and Richard F. Irvine , a sternwheeler named for a WED executive. There is now one riverboat: the Liberty Belle .

Admiral Joe Fowler served from October 2, 1971, one day after park opening, until the Fall of 1980, when it was retired after less than ten years of operation and it got accidentally destroyed after falling from a crane onto its drydock. [7]

Richard F. Irvine came into service on May 20, 1973 but was renamed The Liberty Belle in 1996 after everything except for the hull, boiler, and engines was stripped off, and an all-new superstructure was constructed from aluminum and vinyl.

In August 2024, it was announced that the Magic Kingdom version of Rivers of America would would be closed to make way for a Frontierland expansion, based on the Cars franchise. As such, the Liberty Belle was planned to stop operating as well. [8] [9]

Thunder Mesa riverboats (Disneyland Paris) [ ]

Death Riverboat Disneyland Paris

The Grim Reaper tows the Mark Twain. c. 2003

The Frontierland area of Disneyland Park has the unique distinction of featuring two riverboats, Mark Twain and Molly Brown . Each riverboat features a recorded conversation between the Captain and Mark Twain or Molly Brown. Since the storyline takes place in the fictional town of Thunder Mesa, most of the spiel deals with the sights of Big Thunder Mountain , Phantom Manor , Wilderness Island, Smuggler's Cove, an old snoring fisherman, and a geyser field containing dinosaur remains.

  • Mark Twain is based on the Anaheim Park's original riverboat, a sternwheeler.
  • Molly Brown , named for Titanic -survivor Molly Brown, is the only sidewheeler in a Disney Park.

On May 16, 2005, Molly Brown' s engine overheated as the boat rounded the corner at the back of the Rivers of the Far West. Although there was no visible fire, smoke damaged the ship and her engines, rendering her immobile. Guests were ferried ashore by the River Rogue Keelboats. The engine system was badly damaged and Molly Brown remained out of operation for many months, while Mark Twains ongoing refurbishment at the dry dock was finished. In September 2005, Molly Brown was moved to the dry dock, and in March 2006, Mark Twain finally resumed operation from Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing. However, it was not until September that Molly Brown' s long refurbishment finally began, and was completed in late April 2007. [10]

Yet, in 2010, Molly Brown had to be rebuilt from scratch. On March 25, 2011, she was back in business, with a new recording of Molly Brown's speech in English, which used to be in French. The Mark Twain hasn’t operated since 2011, and has spent most of that time sitting in dry dock. [11] In 2014, MiceAge reported that the Mark Twain was falling apart due to lack of maintenance, and is in danger of scrapping.

For years, it was a regular Halloween tradition to have a giant Grim Reaper barge tow the Mark Twain along the river route, as part of a seasonal retheme of Frontierland to "Halloweenland".

Tokyo Disneyland [ ]

Tokyo Disneyland 's Mark Twain riverboat is so large that it is required by law to be registered. Its home port is listed as Urayasu. From the time of its opening until September 2006 its sponsor was Nippon Suisan Kaisha.

Technical [ ]

Mark Twain riverboat burns biodiesel fuel to heat its boiler, continuously heating water into steam, which is then routed to two pistons that turn the paddlewheel. Spent exhaust is then routed back to the boiler.

The riverboat is guided through the Rivers of America via an I-beam track, which is hidden under the green and brown dyed river water.

The boat draws only in of water, for the river is relatively shallow. At its deepest point it is no more than 8 feet near the switch at Fowler's Harbor, where it resides when not in operation.

The boat uses clean, fresh water from a tank on board to prevent contaminants from the water in the Rivers of America from fouling the boiler.

References [ ]

  • ↑ " Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation, Los Angeles Division. Long-Range Facilities Plan. Contract MA-8O-SAC-O1O29 " (31 July 1981).  
  • ↑ Wadley, Carma (October 21, 2005). " Man who sank the Mark Twain ", Deseret Morning News . Retrieved on 16 October 2006 .  
  • ↑ Mark Twain Riverboat . RideRefurbs.com (February 4, 2004). Archived from the original on 2006-09-19. Retrieved on 2006-10-18.
  • ↑ " Season of the Force Begins November 16 at Disneyland Park in Southern California ".
  • ↑ Glover, Erin (July 28, 2016). " Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America Attractions to Reopen Summer 2017 at Disneyland Park ". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved on July 28, 2016.
  • ↑ " Disneyland Railroad, Rivers of America Attractions Set to Reopen Saturday After Yearlong Closure ".
  • ↑ " Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat ". Walt Dated World. Retrieved on 2006-10-17.
  • ↑ Bevil, Dewayne (2024-08-12). " Disney: New ‘Cars’ rides will go on Tom Sawyer Island ".  
  • ↑ Zizo, Christie (August 12, 2024). " Newest expansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom means Tom Sawyer’s Island is going away ".  
  • ↑ " Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing ". Retrieved on 2006-10-16.
  • ↑ " 10 Abandoned Disney Attractions that are "Standing but not Operating" ". themeparktourist.com . Theme Park Tourist. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
- -
• • • • • • • (Opening in 2025)
• • •
• • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • (Opening on November 15, 2024)
• • • • • •
(Opening in TBA)
TBA
• • • •

• • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ( • • ) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ( • ) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

- -
• • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • •

• • • • • • • •
• • •
(Opening in TBA)
Cars Road Rally
(Opening in TBA)
TBA
• • •
• (Opening in Summer 2025) • • •

• • • • • • • •

( • • • • ) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • Holiday Wishes • Celebrate the Holidays • • • • • •

• • •
- -
• • • • • • • • • • (Opening in January 15, 2025) • • • ( ) •

• • • • •
• ( ) • • • • • (Opening in 2026)
• • • • • • • •
• • • •

• •

• • • Baymax's Mission: Cool Down

• • • • • • Lilo's Luau & Fun • • • • • • • ( ) • Donald's Wacky Kingdom • • • • • • • • • • • Goofy's Bounce House • Jolly Trolley • • • • • • • •

• • (Formerly "Let's Go, Villains!") • • • • • • • • •

- -
• • •
• • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

• • •

• The Enchanted Fireworks • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (Original) • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

  • 2 Disney Villains

IMAGES

  1. Mark Twain Riverboat (Tokyo Disneyland)

    mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

  2. Mark Twain Riverboat

    mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

  3. Mark Twain Riverboat (Ride POV) at Tokyo Disneyland

    mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

  4. Mark Twain Riverboat

    mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

  5. Enchanting Journey on the Mark Twain Riverboat

    mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

  6. Mark Twain Riverboat

    mark twain riverboat tokyo disneyland

VIDEO

  1. 【Attraction SOUND】<35周年船内BGM> 蒸気船マークトウェイン号 / Tokyo Disneyland Mark Twain Riverboat

  2. Mark Twain Riverboat

  3. Mark Twain Riverboat Ride @ Disneyland 2022

  4. 20010920 0926 DLR40 Mark Twain Riverboat

  5. Mark Twain Riverboat

  6. Japan2024 Day 2 Part 2

COMMENTS

  1. Mark Twain Riverboat

    Presented by: SHINRYO CORPORATION. Board the elegant Mark Twain Riverboat, also known as a "floating palace," for a cruise around the Rivers of America. It's even more romantic at night when the steamboat is all lit up! 【公式】蒸気船マークトウェイン号 / Mark Twain Riverboat | 東京ディズニーランド/Tokyo Disneyland ...

  2. Disney riverboats

    The Disney riverboats are paddle steamer watercraft attraction ride vehicles operating on a track on a series of attractions located at Disney theme parks around the world. The first was the Mark Twain Riverboat, located at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, on which passengers embark on a scenic, 12-minute journey around the ...

  3. Mark Twain Riverboat

    This large-capacity paddle-wheel riverboat navigates the waters around Tom Sawyer Island and Fort Wilderness. A beautiful craft, the riverboat provides a lofty perch from which to see Westernland and Critter Country. Splash Mountain is part of a huge mountain range that flanks the southern side of the river. The whole experience is absolutely ...

  4. Tokyo Disney Land 『Mark Twain Riverboat』

    Board the Mark Twain Riverboat, an elegant, 3-deck "floating palace," for a cruise around the Rivers of America.

  5. Tokyo Disneyland

    What to see around Tokyo Disneyland/Jalan-jalan Seputar TOKYO DISNEYLAND (HD)https://youtu.be/7Tvm9xJkwbYTokyo Station to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea (HD)...

  6. Mark Twain Riverboat

    Walt Disney named the Mark Twain after the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The famed author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—and Walt's personal hero—Clemens was also a riverboat pilot as a young man.. That experience inspired his pen name: "mark twain" is a boating term that means a vessel is at a safe depth.

  7. Mark Twain Riverboat

    The Mark Twain is a paddlewheel-propelled riverboat not unlike the type that used to be a common sight on the Mississippi River 100 years ago. Tokyo Disneyland's version is smaller than those original boats, and instead of the Mississippi you cruise Tokyo Disneyland's own Rivers of America. The river follows a scenic path around Westernland and ...

  8. 【公式】蒸気船マークトウェイン号 / Mark Twain Riverboat

    水上の宮殿と呼ばれる、3階建ての外輪船「マークトウェイン号」。ランドルフ・ノックス船長が、アメリカ河をめぐる優雅な船旅にみなさんをご ...

  9. Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland: Things to Know

    The Mark Twain made its first voyage four days before Disneyland opened to the public, for Walt and Lillian Disney's 30th wedding anniversary. The Mark Twain was christened by actress Irene Dunne who starred in the 1936 movie "Showboat" on Disneyland's Opening Day. The boat is 28 feet tall and 105 feet long, with four decks.

  10. Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland Resort

    Our Overview. The Mark Twain Riverboat vessel is a reproduction of the historic ferries once used on the Mississippi River. Once you're cruising down the Disney-created river, you'll feel like you're taking a trip back to the past. If you're looking to unwind and enjoy scenic views, the Mark Twain Riverboat is an experience you should ...

  11. Tom Sawyer Island

    Tom Sawyer Island is an artificial island surrounded by the Rivers of America at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.It contains structures and caves with references to Mark Twain characters from the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and provides interactive, climbing, and scenic opportunities.At Disneyland in 2007, the attraction was rethemed and expanded as Pirate's Lair on Tom ...

  12. Mark Twain Riverboat

    Walt Disney named the Mark Twain after the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The famed author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—and Walt's personal hero—Clemens was also a riverboat pilot as a young man.. That experience inspired his pen name: "mark twain" is a boating term that means a vessel is at a safe depth.

  13. Mark Twain Riverboat

    Mark Twain Riverboat Frontierland attraction at Disneyland; opened on July 17, 1955. The Disneyland Publicity Department originally trumpeted the fact that this was the first paddle wheeler built in the United States in 50 years. ... Also in Westernland at Tokyo Disneyland, opened on April 15, 1983. The Walt Disney World riverboats were the ...

  14. 5 things to know about the Mark Twain Riverboat ...

    Here are five fun facts about the ship: 1. The Mark Twain Riverboat is 28 feet tall and 105 feet long, it is a 5/8 scale sternwheeler that runs on steam. 2. The ship's maiden voyage was on July 13th, 1955, for a celebration of Walt and Lillian's 30th wedding anniversary. 3.

  15. Mark Twain Riverboat

    The Mark Twain re-opened on July 29, 2017 with a new narration to go along with some new scenes along the river. The Mark Twain was christened by actress Irene Dunne (Magnolia Hawks in the 1936 movie "Showboat") on Disneyland's Opening Day. Walt Disney and his wife celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary aboard the Mark Twain four days ...

  16. Mark Twain Riverboat Refurbishment Extended Another Week at Disneyland

    The Disneyland operating calendar now lists the Mark Twain Riverboat closure through February 9, 2024. It will then reopen to guests on February 10, operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Rivers of America. The riverboat refurbishment began in September 2023, and has remained docked at Pelican's Landing, where guests could see some of the ongoing work.

  17. PHOTOS: Scrim and Scaffolding Come Down on Mark Twain Riverboat at

    The Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland Park is currently under refurbishment, and it's making quick progress as it sails toward reopening. Here are all the updates we've noticed during recent trips to the park. Mark Twain Riverboat Construction Update On November 8, 2023, we saw that the s

  18. Frontierland

    The docks to both the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Columbia, (a replica of American explorer Robert Gray's 18th century ship that circumnavigated the globe) are located here, ... Big Thunder Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disneyland's area is known as Westernland, ...

  19. Tokyo Disneyland Mark Twain Riverboat

    Tokyo Disneyland Mark Twain Riverboat | CarNichiWa.comOn location in Urayasu, JapanVideo by CarNichiWa.com

  20. Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland

    Mark Twain Riverboat. See all photos | Submit Photo. This was the first steamboat built in America in nearly half a century when it debuted at Disneyland's opening in 1955. Looking for discount ...

  21. Mark Twain Riverboat (Tokyo Disneyland)

    Tokyo Disneyland's Mark Twain riverboat is so large that it is required by law to be registered. Its home port is listed as Urayasu. From the time of its opening until September 2006 its sponsor was Nippon Suisan Kaisha. Board the Mark Twain Riverboat, an elegant, 3-deck "floating palace," for a cruise around the Rivers of America. It's even more romantic at night when the steamboat is all lit up!

  22. Mark Twain Riverboat

    Mark Twain Riverboat is an attraction, located at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, on which passengers embark on a scenic, 12-minute journey around the Rivers of America. Originally named Mark Twain Steamboat when the park opened in 1955, the stately, 5/8-scale Mississippi stern-wheeler was the first functional riverboat to be built in the United States for fifty years. Other ...

  23. Mark Twain Riverboat in Tokyo Disneyland

    Mark Twain Riverboat, Tokyo Disneyland, Japan