Wondering about the MK Riverboat...

[Rosanne]

Someone recently said something about how the Riverboat had been at the MK a long time unchanged. I don't know how I have missed the fact that you can apparently ride on it? I've been to Disney many times. Could it have not been operating several of those times? Where does it go? Is it interesting? What do you do? How long do you spend on it? Are there long lines or specific times it takes off?

I can't believe I didn't know this.

 

[wbeem]

Yes, you can ride on it. You don't go very far - just a short loop around Tom Sawyer's Island. It's been there as far back as my memory goes and I saw it making the rounds last week. You board near the entrance to Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square. Didn't pay attention to the lines, but I suppose that varies.

 

[h2odivers]

Someone recently said something about how the Riverboat had been at the MK a long time unchanged. I don't know how I have missed the fact that you can apparently ride on it? I've been to Disney many times. Could it have not been operating several of those times? Where does it go? Is it interesting? What do you do? How long do you spend on it? Are there long lines or specific times it takes off?

I can't believe I didn't know this.

It's called the Liberty Square Riverboat. I don't remember them closing it down but anything is possible. It goes around Tom Sawyer Island, by Big Thinder Mountain, by an Indian village scene, passes by the Haunted Mansion and then back to port. I don't remember exactly how long it takes but I'd guess about 20 minutes but when you add in boarding and unboarding probably over 30 minutes. It's a nice ride and you get to rest your feet. Lines usually are not to bad, it's a big boat. If I remember right there is a sign posted stating the cruise times. It's worth it. You should try it.
Have fun!

 

[minnie mum]

Jeez Louise: what the heck is going on with all of these threads tonight???? They're all out of sequence and have incorrect times on them???

OK rant over. OP: The boat is actually called the Liberty Belle, and she's been there as long as the MK. As the PPs have said, it sails slowly around Tom Sawyers Island, and you get a neat water-side view of Frontierland, Splash and Big Thunder Mountain, a river/bayou cabin, an Indian village, a few critters, and Haunted Mansion. There is background music and commentary of the scenery during the trip, which lasts about 20 min. The boat departs every half hour, with the last ride usually just before dusk. Again, as the pps have said: the entrance is by the water in Liberty Square, before you enter the Haunted Mansion gates. It is clearly marked on the park maps.

 

[sharonabe]

This is one of our favorite breaks in the park. We don't usually go back to the resort for a rest/swim/nap, so finding things like the Liberty Belle to take a breather works really well for us.

 

[DisneyDetective]

Its a great chill out attraction going round Tom Sawyer Island. I enjoy going on because you get some great photos of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder and The Haunted Mansion.

 

[Cais]

The ride is 22 minutes long, departing every half hour and for the next few weeks should be operating 9am-5pm.

 

[Rosanne]

Thanks so much to all who gave such great answers! We will most definitely take a ride on the Liberty Belle this April. How exciting to discover something so new and different for us that is original to the park. The girls will love it and we will all love sitting down for a bit.

 

[DisneyFive]

This was one of the things we were looking to do during this years visit, but we forgot. Guess that means we need to go back!

Dan

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

If you usually go in Sept or Oct it has pretty much been dry docked most years I have been in those months since 2004 (and other trips in other times I didn't bother to look). This year it was up and running and I got to ride and loved it! It's nice and relaxing, a great way to get a snack in and it offers a great view of Frontieland and LS crowds. I think it's one of the most overlooked attractions at MK that shouldn't be missed for a nice break.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

This is one of our favorite breaks in the park. We don't usually go back to the resort for a rest/swim/nap, so finding things like the Liberty Belle to take a breather works really well for us.

This is what we have done in the past too. We don't have any kids travelling with us so usually a nap isn't necessary. These sorts of things are fun to sit down and relax