how long is mark twain's riverboat ride

Mark Twain Riverboat

• Water Rides

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.

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Mark Twain Riverboat

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. 

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Mark Twain Riverboat

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Mark Twain Riverboat Information

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Mark Twain Riverboat

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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 68-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.

Thunder Mesa riverboats (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. [8]

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. [9] 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.
• ↑ " 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.
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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.

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.

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

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Disney News » Disney Attraction » Disneyland Park » Mark Twain Riverboat 

Mark Twain Riverboat | Disneyland

Last Updated on: January 21st, 2024

Posted By: Craig Smith

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Mark Twain Riverboat attraction at Disneyland including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Contents of this article:

What is Mark Twain Riverboat?

Important mark twain riverboat details.

• Mark Twain Riverboat News

Cast off on a scenic half-mile adventure into the wilds of old America aboard a steam-powered paddler. Board the 19th-century-inspired Mark Twain riverboat nestled in the heart of Frontierland and embark on a relaxing sightseeing voyage around Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island .

Sights to See During this charming, 14-minute journey into America’s early frontier, sharp-eyed explorers can observe a menagerie of sights along the river’s edge, including:

• The new north bank of the Columbia Gorge, complete with a beautiful waterfront and 5 sparkling waterfalls
• The rustic cabin of a frontier settler
• An idyllic Native American village
• A busy beaver at work chewing on the train trestle
• A moose enjoying a leisurely lunch
• A  Haunted Mansion  lurking in the shadows
• A skunk staring down raccoons
• Mountain lions relaxing in the sun
• An osprey guarding its nest
• The  Disneyland Railroad steaming into the wilderness

Along the way, listen to lively narration about a time when traveling was as much about new discoveries as it was about transportation.

Mark Twain Riverboat Fun Facts

• The Mark Twain Riverboat is an iconic and historic attraction located in Frontierland at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
• It opened with the park on July 17, 1955, and is named after the famous American author Mark Twain, known for his classic novels like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
• The riverboat takes guests on a leisurely and scenic journey along the picturesque Rivers of America, offering beautiful views of Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country.
• One of the unique features of the Mark Twain Riverboat is its authentic steam-powered paddlewheel, which propels the boat along the river, creating a nostalgic and old-fashioned experience.
• Guests can relax on the upper or lower decks of the riverboat, listen to the onboard narration, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as they take in the sights and sounds of the river and its surroundings.
• Disney Resort: Disneyland Resort
• Disney Park: Disneyland Park Info News and Attractions
• Park Area: Disneyland Frontierland
• Attraction Type: Ride
• Official Page
• Year Opened: 1955
• Replaced: Original Attraction
• Location on Map

Mark Twain Riverboat Reviews

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Mark Twain Riverboat

Disneyland Resort

One of Disneyland's original rides from 1955, the Mississippi River–style paddle-wheeler Mark Twain Riverboat offers a relaxing cruise on the Rivers of America.

Frontierland

Get In Touch

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/mark-twain-riverboat

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Mark Twain Riverboat

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.

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• Frontierland

Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing

• 1 Big Thunder Mountain
• 2 Phantom Manor
• 3 Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing
• 4 Rustler Roundup Shootin' Gallery
• 5 Legends of the Wild West
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Secure all cargo, all passengers aboard!

The Thunder Mesa gold rush brought an elegant riverboat landing and two majestic riverboats, Mark Twain and Molly Brown , navigating the Rivers of the Far West .

As you circle Big Thunder Mountain and Wilderness Island, look out for cascading waterfalls, beautiful wildlife, smuggler's caves and erupting geysers! Wave a quick hello to Old Joe as he fishes, before your grand old-timer steams past Phantom Manor and back to the riverboat landing.

• Don't miss this!

Old-fashioned riverboat cruise around the Rivers of the Far West.

Opening Date

12th April 1992

Attraction Type

Riverboat cruise

390 Passengers per cruise

Transportation

Suitablility

• Children 3-7
• Children 8-12
• Young Adults

• Mark Twain at Disneyland Paris is a near exact replica of the Disneyland original, built especially for the park by Walt Disney Imagineering with the help of Parisian boat builders. Both boats are actually built to a 5/8 scale , although this isn't consistent throughout the design. A third Mark Twain can be found in Westernland at Tokyo Disneyland, whilst Magic Kingdom in Florida has a different riverboat with a single funnel, named Liberty Belle . Named after the famous American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , who became a steamboat pilot himself after studying 3,200 miles of the Mississippi for more than two years, the Mark Twain measures 34 metres long by 11 metres wide.
• Molly Brown on the other hand is entirely unique to Disneyland Paris, designed and built exclusively for the park to add extra capacity to the rivers right from day one. Whereas the Rivers of America in California has the Sailing Ship Columbia as a second key vessel , such a boat would have looked out of place in Euro Disneyland's more distinctly gold rush-era Frontierland. And so, almost 40 years on, the Imagineers sought to produce a partner for the stern-wheeler Mark Twain . One key difference is that Molly Brown is a side-wheeler riverboat , having two huge paddle wheels incorporated into each side of its body, and remains the only riverboat to be propelled in this fashion at any of the Disney parks. Named after the "unsinkable" Molly Brown , who survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the boat is based on those which navigated the Sacramento river in northern California during the gold rush.
• A riverboat ride has been an essential element of the Disneyland experience right from the start and, along with the railroad, was one of the first attractions to appear on initial concept maps for the "Mickey Mouse Park" which was to have been built near the Disney studio lot in Burbank, California. When those plans grew into the Disneyland park eventually built in Anaheim in 1955, Walt Disney ended up funding much of the original Mark Twain 's construction out of his own pocket as funds fell short, even mortgaging his holiday home to see the boat completed.

Mark Twain's two motors are capable of pumping out 1,600 kilograms of steam per hour, used to turn the 4.6 metre high paddle wheel at its rear

• The landing stage at Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing is split into two waiting areas. At very busy times, when one fills up, guests are directed into the second area to wait for the next boat. Although waiting times are generally short, you can minimise your wait on the landing by keeping an eye on the amount of people already queueing and returning only when you see the riverboat in sight, arriving back at the dock.
• Although park maps have long shown both the Mark Twain and Molly Brown plying the waters at once, it is a rare sight to see both in operation at the same time — usually only on the busiest of Summer days, when neither boat is being refurbished. Often, the boats take it in turns to operate services over several months whilst one remains in the dry dock for servicing.
• Fully accessible. Wheelchair access is to the lower deck only; upper decks require navigating narrow sets of stairs.

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• North America

How Long Is Mark Twain’s Riverboat Ride?

The classic Mark Twain riverboat ride, a favorite of many, has been around for over a hundred years. This iconic riverboat has been featured in many films, books, and of course, Mark Twain’s own works. But, how long is the classic Mark Twain riverboat ride?

The classic Mark Twain riverboat ride tour is approximately three hours in length. The tour typically starts at the top of the hour and ends at the bottom of the hour. Guests will be able to explore the riverboat, enjoy the sightseeing, and take part in some of the activities and attractions that are included in the tour. Guests can also enjoy a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge.

The cost of the Mark Twain riverboat ride is $20.00 per person for adults, $15.00 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3 years old. The trip is also wheelchair accessible and ample parking is available. All guests must be 18 years of age or older to ride the boat. The ride is subject to weather conditions and could be cancelled due to inclement weather.

The boat is a replica of the steamboat Mark Twain sailed on in the mid-1800s. The boat measures 105 feet in length and can accommodate up to 200 passengers. The boat is equipped with two decks, a dining room, and a lounge area. The boat also features an outdoor observation deck where passengers can get a prime view of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

The Mark Twain riverboat ride is an experience that is truly unforgettable and should not be missed by anyone wanting to experience a piece of history. The ride is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or an evening in a unique and exciting way.

Discovering The Length Of Mark Twain’s Riverboat Ride

Mark Twain’s riverboat ride is a popular attraction in the United States. It is a historic journey along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, taking passengers through some of the most picturesque and adventurous places in the country.

The length of Mark Twain’s riverboat ride varies depending on the route taken. Generally, the journey is about 1,000 miles and takes approximately 7 days to complete. This riverboat ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most memorable and exciting journeys available in the United States.

One of the best ways to experience Mark Twain’s riverboat ride is by taking a guided tour. These tours are available with knowledgeable guides who can provide information on the area and can help make the journey even more enjoyable. Guided tours typically last for 5 to 7 days and cover about 800 miles. Prices vary based on the type of tour chosen and the length of the journey.

A number of companies also offer customized riverboat tours, based on the passenger’s preferences. These tours can be tailored to include stops at various points of interest along the way, such as the historic towns of Hannibal, MO, and Vicksburg, MS. These tours can also be customized to include activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The cost of these customized tours varies based on the number of days and the activities chosen.

No matter which type of tour you choose for your Mark Twain’s riverboat ride, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience that takes you back in time to the days of Mark Twain himself.

Whether you are a first-time river traveler or an experienced riverboat rider, taking a Mark Twain’s riverboat ride is sure to be a memorable experience. From the breathtaking scenery to the history and culture of the area, you are sure to have a vacation that you will never forget.

Exploring The Duration Of A Mark Twain Cruise

Mark Twain’s riverboat rides span the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to experience the sights and sounds of the great American outdoors. But how long is Mark Twain’s riverboat ride?

Mark Twain’s Riverboat Ride offers cruises along the Mississippi River and its tributaries of various lengths, including 1, 2, and 3-day cruises. The 1-day riverboat cruise includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as daily activities and live entertainment. The 2-day riverboat cruise also includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus daily activities, live entertainment, and access to the on-board museum. The 3-day riverboat cruise includes all of the features of the 1-day and 2-day cruises, plus the option to explore the surrounding area and visit local museums and attractions.

On the 1-day cruise, you’ll depart from the riverboat dock in New Orleans at 8am and spend the day cruising the Mississippi, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. At 6pm, you’ll arrive back at the dock and disembark. The 2-day cruise departs from the same dock, but your journey will take you up the Mississippi River and to the many tributaries in the area, giving you a chance to explore the wildlife and scenery of the region at a leisurely pace. The 3-day cruise follows the same itinerary, but includes more stops and visits to local attractions in the area.

The cost of the Mark Twain’s Riverboat Ride varies depending on the length of the cruise. Prices start at $99 per person for a 1-day cruise, $149 per person for a 2-day cruise, and $199 per person for a 3-day cruise. Prices may vary depending on the season and other factors.

The amenities on board the riverboat include live music and entertainment, a fully-stocked bar, and a restaurant serving a selection of American and traditional Creole cuisine. You can also enjoy daily activities, such as guided nature walks, wildlife watching, and a taste of New Orleans culture.

Exploring the duration of a Mark Twain Cruise is an unforgettable experience that will give you a chance to explore the wilds of the Mississippi while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury riverboat. From 1-day to 3-day cruises, Mark Twain’s Riverboat Ride offers something for everyone, ranging from the casual traveler to the adventurous explorer.

Mark Twain’s riverboat ride is a two-hour experience.

Mark Twain’s riverboat ride takes two hours to complete.

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• South America

Hannibal River Cruises on the Mark Twain Riverboat

The Mark Twain Riverboat brings the mystique of the Mississippi River and the history of Hannibal to life through one-hour sightseeing cruises, two-hour dinner cruises, and the Captain's Sunday Lunch events.

Schedule can vary, call for times.

Cruises on the Mark Twain Riverboat have been a tradition for decades

The Mark Twain Riverboat has been a unique fixture on the banks of the Mississippi for more than 30 years, offering visitors an up-close view of the Mississippi River during either 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruises or 2-hour dinner cruises.

Hannibal river cruises give visitors the opportunity to explore the Mississippi just like Tom and Huck. This Mississippi River Cruise departs from Center Street Landing three times daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with two departures daily during September and October. Dinner cruises depart at 6:30 p.m; check for availability. Built in 1964, the Mark Twain Riverboat is 120 ft. long, 33 ft. wide and has a 400-passenger capacity, so there is plenty of room aboard the vessel, which is wheelchair accessible (w/ some limitations.)

1-Hour Sightseeing Mississippi River Cruise

If you have an afternoon to spare in Hannibal, the Mark Twain Riverboat is a must-stop. One-hour sightseeing cruises on the river include commentary on river history, legends and sights. You will see Jackson’s Island, Lover’s Leap and of course, the Mighty Mississippi rolling along. Beverages and sandwiches are available on-ship for purchase during these tours. A cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat is great for family events. Whether you are a visitor or resident of Hannibal, you can make wonderful memories aboard our unique riverboat experience!

2-Hour Dinner Cruises on the Mark Twain Riverboat

For an extended Mississippi River cruise, be sure to reserve your spot on a 2-hour dinner cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat.

Guests aboard Mark Twain Riverboat dinner cruises are treated to live music, a buffet meal featuring Riverboat Roast Beef, Baked Boneless Chicken Breast, Baked Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, the Captain’s Favorite Pasta Salad, a Deluxe Tossed Salad, Dinner Rolls and Dessert. Iced Tea and Coffee are included, and a cash bar is also available.

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on Dinner Cruises. It may be The Rivermen playing modern jazz (Saturday night from Memorial Day thru September), or you might get to enjoy the music of Tim Hart (Mondays & Tuesdays), or Adam Ledbetter and David Damm (Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in.

It’s a fun night of music for the young and the young at heart! The dancefloor is available after dinner if you are so inclined, or you can choose to dance under the stars on the outer decks (no dancing on the tables and chairs, please).

The Captain’s Sunday Lunch

Enjoy lunch and a cruise on a lovely Sunday! The dockside meal includes a buffet of Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Seasoned Green Beans, Deluxe Lettuce Salad with dressing, Dinner Roll, and the Captain’s Favorite Pasta Salad. Iced tea, coffee and water accompany the meal. Top all of this with a delicious Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie.

Following lunch, enjoy a delightful one-hour sightseeing cruise on the “Mighty Mississippi” complete with river history, facts about Mark Twain, riverboat stories and a few (or more!) tall-tales.

Lunch begins at 12:30 pm. Departure from the dock will be at 1:30 pm and returns at 2:30.

We hope you will join us for a delicious meal and casual river cruise; where you’re sure to become more like family by the time the landing whistle blows across the hills of Hannibal!

Other Attractions

Make unforgettable memories on our riverboat cruises in Hannibal, Missouri!

To create lifelong memories for our guests and to inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the Mississippi River and the people and places it has touched throughout history.

We strive to educate and entertain our guests with informative commentary and engaging activities, from live music and storytelling to interactive exhibits and demonstrations. We are committed to operating our riverboat in an environmentally responsible manner, minimizing our impact on the river and its ecosystem.

Meet our captains

Steve Terry is the proud captain and owner of the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal, Missouri. With a lifelong passion for the Mississippi River and a deep appreciation for its history and culture, He has dedicated his career to sharing this special place with others. He brings his extensive knowledge of the river to every cruise, sharing fascinating stories and historical facts with his guests. He has also invested in sustainable practices and initiatives to minimize the riverboat's impact on the environment. Through his leadership and vision, he has made the Mark Twain Riverboat a beloved institution in Hannibal and a must-see attraction for visitors from around the world. He takes great pride in providing his guests with an unforgettable journey on the Mississippi River.

Welcome Aboard!

The Mark Twain has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for more than 30 years. As a family-owned business since 1997, we strive to offer you a unique riverboat experience on the Mighty Mississippi, whether you’re a Hannibal resident or visitor. Choose between our two daily cruise offerings: our Sightseeing Cruise and our evening Dinner Cruise. Whether you are looking to spend the day on the river taking in the sights or dining on the river at sunset, Mark Twain Riverboat has something for everyone.

• Built in 1964 at Dubuque Boiler and Boatworks
• 120 feet long, 33 feet wide, 6-foot draft
• 350 passenger capacity
• Inspected annually by the USCG
• Wheelchair accessible w/limitations (not 100% wheelchair access)

Why choose us?

A Glimpse At Missouri Through The Lens Of A Famous Author On The Mississippi River

A Mississippi River cruise aboard Mark Twain Riverboat Co. allows you to enjoy a short excursion from Hannibal during the more pleasant weather months of the year. Just 100 miles away from St. Louis, our Mississippi River boat cruise is the only cruise that departs from Mark Twain's boyhood home.

River cruising gives you the time and space to fully immerse yourself in Mark Twain's story and the Mississippi River, getting to know the inspiration behind his books. We handle every detail for you from departure to dinner on our Mississippi river cruises, making it possible for you to fully relax and enjoy our modern riverboat.

Cruising down the river is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature after a busy week. Hannibal, Missouri is home to some of the most scenic riverfront views in the Midwest!

Informative

Our cruise guides are experts in their field and love to share their knowledge about this beautiful city. They'll educate you all about the history of the area and its inhabitants, so you can really get an insider's look at this fascinating area.

Family-friendly

Our cruises are great for families with children of all ages, so bring your whole crew along with you! We have plenty of activities that will keep you occupied during the day and night.

Enjoy the beauty of the Mighty Mississippi, Hannibal MO

Hannibal is a historic city with a lot of charm and character. The city is situated on the Mississippi River, making it a prime spot for cruising.

Here are a few facts about the area:

• Mark Twain is the most famous person from Hannibal, Mo, but we also have several other famous people that have called Hannibal home.
• The city is home to the oldest standing building in Missouri, which was built in 1819 and still stands today.
• One of the few places in the world where you can see a double sunset

Frequently asked questions

Can we modify existing itineraries.

To some extent – yes. Sometimes we will have to because the weather isn’t always ideal and we want to stay in shallow, calm waters to keep the trip enjoyable.

What is the duration of the cruises?

Our cruises last approximately one to two hours

Are food and drinks available on board?

Yes, we offer a variety of food and drinks, including a snack bar and a full-service bar.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No, smoking is not allowed onboard.

Is the Mark Twain Riverboat wheelchair accessible?

We are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck. However, there is no lift to the upper deck and wheelchairs do not fit in the bathrooms.

Book your cruise today .