Liberty Belle Riverboat - Is it "worth it"?

[MsLefty]

This will be my 5th visit to Disney World, spanning from opening year, through our honeymoon and now our second trip with the kids. Every time I've gone, the Livberty Belle Riverboat has not been operating for one reason or another. Now I find that the day after we arrive, it's closing for refurbishment. Our only chance to ride is Saturday, Jan 22... a MK taboo day. We had planned on hanging out at the hotel that day and then heading over to HDDR for the early show. Is riding the Liberty Belle worth changing our plans around? Thanks!

 

[dbanzai]

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever ridden it either. I did however do the Sailing Ship Colombia at DL, and it was a good little break from the running around. I did it without kids though. It wasn't something I'd go out of the way for, but I would ride again if I was right there when they were picking up a new load of passengers.

 

[lulu71]

We rode this for the first time after many trips in December. We enjoyed it, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.

 

[popy]

I rode it durning MNSSHP and they had a story teller,
that was nice. Other than that, I would not wait in line,
and I would be ready for a rest and at night.

 

[llij]

We rode it this last December. It was a nice relaxing ride and we were so glad that we did it. It's a nice break!

 

[Chuck S]

It is a relaxing ride to take a break fro the hussle and bussle. I enjoy it, but would not make a special trip to the MK just to ride it.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I agree with most posters, if you are in the park and need some relaxing time, take the ride. It's not worth making a special trip.

 

[Tiffany]

This will be my 5th visit to Disney World, spanning from opening year, through our honeymoon and now our second trip with the kids. Every time I've gone, the Livberty Belle Riverboat has not been operating for one reason or another. Now I find that the day after we arrive, it's closing for refurbishment. Our only chance to ride is Saturday, Jan 22... a MK taboo day. We had planned on hanging out at the hotel that day and then heading over to HDDR for the early show. Is riding the Liberty Belle worth changing our plans around? Thanks!

Is it worth a special trip? Not in my opinion. If you are in the park and it is running then it is a nice way to relax and take a break but I would not make a special trip.

 

[WEDWDW]

I would only make a special trip to ride it if my goal was to eventually experience every attraction at MK and needed to check it off my list.It is a fun,relaxing break from the crowds and from the top deck you get some really different views of parts of Frontierland,Liberty Square,etc.There is a narrator for the trip.If you decide to go,be sure to check out the paddlewheel-it really works!

 

[bytheblood]

I have never done it. I never had the interest, really.

 

[gardener14]

My visits to the MK are not complete without a ride on the Riverboat, the train, and the Carousel. I guess I'm nostalgic for simpler things, or maybe it's because they take me away from the typical Disney hustle and bustle and make me feel like a kid again.

 

[LibertyBelle]

Well, I guess you can tell my answer by the screen name... So I will just say that if you are nostalgic and can appreciate the history than it is truly a wonderful experience, but most people don't even realize that the Riverboat is a fully functional Steam Boat. That is truly does run on steam and is driven by the paddlewheel. With that said I always ride the Riverboat as well as the train but...for the pure history involved in them as there is not much Live steam left in the US.

It is a very relaxing ride and a great way to just take a breather. The other thing with the riverboat is that they allow you to take food on board so if you grab a turkey leg or something, rather than sit on a bench and eating it you can experience the ride (it is only 20 minutes)... Also if you have kids (or you yourself) that like to do the "magic moment" thing like riding the front of the monorail... you can ask the Riverboat CM's and they will allow you in the Wheelhouse with the "Captain"... you get a nice certificate and everything (and might even get to blow the whistle or ring the bell).

 

[Micca]

It is a Disney classic, just check out the video of the opening day at DL in 1955. We have gone for long stretches of time without going on the Liberty Belle, but I have never regretted the time I have spent on it. It gives you a little different perspective(go to the upper deck) on the park, and I always feel the spirit of Walt when I am aboard. That said, Saturdays at MK are pretty much a mess. I wouldn't make a special trip on a Saturday to experience the attraction. It will be there on your next visit.