INTRODUCTION --
Enjoy a slow cruise down the Rivers of America aboard an authentic
steam-powered sternwheeler. The Liberty Square Riverboat is located
in Liberty Square across from the Hall of Presidents and
to the left of the Haunted Mansion.
ATTRACTION
-- The Rivers of America wind their way around
Tom Sawyer Island. The half-mile journey takes just under 17
minutes to travel. The Liberty Belle departs several times a
day from the Liberty Boat Landing. Although there are some seats,
most areas are standing room only.
TOURING
TIPS
This
is a good place to go for a break from the hectic walkways of the Magic
Kingdom.
You
can escape the sun on the middle deck.Great
photo ops abound for Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Mountain
Railroad and the Haunted Mansion! Get a spot on the top deck!
During
special events, such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the Liberty Belle
has special entertainment on board, so be sure to catch a ride.
KIDS
AND CHARACTERS
Disney
Characters are sometimes found cruising on the Riverboat.
Check
your daily Times Guide for times and locations of other Meet
and Greet opportunities.
Magic
Kingdom Characters at a Glance
Character
Meet and Greet FAQ!
DINING
The
closest dining in the immediate vicinity are snack spots: the Liberty
Square Market, a Baked Potato Cart and a popcorn stand. A
little further away, still in Liberty Square, are the Columbia
Harbour House (counter service) and Liberty
Tree Tavern
(table service).
Magic
Kingdom Restaurants at a Glance
Menus From around the World
Vegetarian and Other
Special Diets
SHOPPING
Liberty
Square has several shops, all of which take you back to the colonial
times.
INTERESTING
FACTS
NOTE:
The information for this attraction page was researched using a variety
of sources -- unfortunately many of the details were conflicting. We
have relied on Disney Archivist Dave Smith as the ultimate authority,
but if you have other information, please send it along!
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.
In
1980, the Admiral Joe Fowler was sent to dry dock maintenance
and never returned.
Admiral Joe Fowler was in charge of construction at both Disneyland
and Walt Disney World.
Dick
Irvine worked as an art director at Disney in the 1940s and was
an early executive of WED Enterprises. His projects included
planning and design for the theme parks and the World's Fair projects.
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