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Just when you think you have done it all at Disneyland, something magical happens. My father and I were excited to ride up and down Main Street U.S.A in the horseless carriages and fire truck after the street refurbishment. That morning we donned our straw hats, commonly known as boaters. These rides were a treat, so we decided to enjoy another leisurely activity and ride the Mark Twain Riverboat in Frontierland. I suppose we stood out in the crowd with our chapeaus and were easily spotted by Captain Dan. He escorted us aboard the riverboat while the last round of guests disembarked. This gave him time to show us the boat and point out the engine room, paddle wheel, and even take a picture with Princess Tiana who had also received an early entrance seeing as she was royalty. What a pleasure to come aboard with such a celebrity from New Orleans Square and get a private picture taken with her.
The wheelhouse is located on the very top of the boat where the captain pilots the steamboat. It isn't very spacious so only a party of four would fit comfortably, possibly more if there are children in your party. The captain lets you sound the steam whistle and ring the bells. He even lets you use the giant wooden pilot wheel. Getting to do all of these activities really brings out the kid in you, and the views cannot be beat. Being that one simple story higher and seeing all of the other guests below on deck makes you feel quite special. It is the best bird's-eye view of Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island, and Critter Country. As the boat pulls away from the docks, you get a fantastic view of New Orleans Square and all of the activity on the Rivers of America.
There are three rivers that you somehow magically navigate in the Disney journey: the Missouri, the Columbia, and the Rio Grande del Norte. Of course you can hear the same narrated recording the rest of the guests hear, but your time is best spent enjoying the view, taking pictures, and talking to the captain.
The Columbia River is another waterway enjoyed on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Photo by Todd Pickering.
As you turn around the river bend, the Haunted Mansion appears on your port bow, followed by Splash Mountain. My dad has taught me the love of mechanics and it was very interesting to see the construction going on at this very popular attraction. The screams and laughter that one usually hears coming from that ol' tree stump and briar patch were replaced by the sounds of welding and hammering and sights of construction. This view was a highlight for someone who loves the engineering as much as the magic—after all they do go hand in hand at Disney Parks
The beautiful new landscape created for the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge peaks out over the trees and train tracks along the river. It is pretty amazing to see these rock formations that will probably look more like a wild west landscape from this vantage point—you won't see droids, Stormtroopers, or spaceships. Watching the magic being built from this vantage point was a Star Wars fan's dream. Keep in mind this view is also quite good from the top decks of the Mark Twain if one is not selected for the wheelhouse.
After passing the train tracks, the Indian Village appears off the port bow. When the Rivers of America were closed to reroute the train for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge the landscape in the area was all redone, and it is amazing. The sight lines are much better and the wheelhouse is a great way to see all of this. The Imagineers truly did a fantastic job.
I am told that they do take requests if you get there early, but keep in mind that if they are training not every trip has guests in the wheelhouse. I have to say that wearing our matching hats certainly made us stand out and going on a not so busy day always helps. At the end of your trip you get a certificate. My dad claimed that this was one of the best days at Disneyland, and I could not agree with him more. See you on the Rivers of America.
Comments
when the rivers were redone in 2010 they had 4 rivers - Mississippi, Columbia, Potomac, Rio Grande. The indian village was part of the Potomac, NoS obviously Mississippi, The mountain lion , Big Thunder, and old mining car were part of Rio Grande and the Critter Country section was the Columbia. I did not recall seeing any announcement that they changed the river makeup to only be 3 rivers. I have seen the posters on the walls in Critter Country leading to SW Land but thought those were simply wall dressing to not make the end of the walkway so bland. So I dug some more and did find a post from June 2017 on the parks blog that listed Missouri instead of Potomac as one of four rivers. (Mississippi, Columbia, Missouri, Rio Grande). I'm curious as to the change since Indians along the Potomac were a regular thing during the push west. According to the post the Columbia Gorge is the waterfall and trestle section of the river.
All very interesting. I was so excited that I didn't listen as closely as I should have but I will next trip. I think it is confusing to a first time guest considering it is just a loop and to announce that you are going down a different river is kind of weird. I always thought that it was just the Mississippi because....well....New Orleans. I figured that was new in with the re-do as I had never noticed it.I grew up near the Missouri! Will have to pop on there again. Thanks for the comments Oleg c....always nice hearing from you.
I haven't been to DL since the rivers' reconfiguration, but I've always thought the sights along DL's Rivers of America were more interesting than MK's.