Posted by Mike and Chris Pettey on November 10, 2020
Category: Disney vs. Disney
Tags: Disney vs. Disney Disneyland Disneyland Paris Magic Kingdom Riverboat Tokyo Disneyland

Disney Riverboat attractions are rides where guests board sternwheel or sidewheel boats that journey slowly through a large portion of the park, circling an island. The attractions can be found at four of the six Disney Resorts across the globe. We’ve ridden every Disney Riverboat attraction in person.

Major Similarities & Differences

You can watch fantastic videos of all versions of the attraction online, so we won’t spend time re-hashing the details of each experience. Instead, we will just point out the major similarities and differences we feel are worth calling out:

The Paris and Florida locations originally had two separate boats traveling their waters. Florida’s was closed many years ago, and Paris currently runs only one vessel.
In all locations except Paris, the boats circle Tom Sawyer Island, an area where guests can explore trails, caves, and other areas. In Paris, the boats circle Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Each riverboat attraction was an opening day attraction in its respective park.
With the exception of Paris, all of the riverboat attractions travel in a clockwise route. Paris travels a counter-clockwise route.
The Molly Brown vessel in the Paris resort is the only sidewheel boat in the fleet. All others are sternwheel.

The Rankings (from least favorite to favorite)

4. Liberty Square Riverboat – Magic Kingdom (Florida)

At Magic Kingdom Park, guests board the Liberty Belle vessel, coming straight out of a recent major refurbishment, and never looking better. After departing the dock located in the fabulous Liberty Square area of the park, the boat passes by a large section of headliner attractions including Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. From there, however, the journey ventures into the wilderness where, other than a few props and an occasional glimpse of the Walt Disney World Railroad, it’s a whole lot of trees, and not much else. Purists may argue that this is the most genuine Riverboat experience of all, as a real journey would likely involve many stretches without much more than wilderness. This is Disney though, and we’ve come to expect more. The journey could use a shot in the arm similar to what the California version received in 2018, but for now, the views of the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island will have to suffice. It’s a bit of a lacking experience in the Florida resort, and as a result, this Riverboat attraction comes in at last place on our list.

3. Mark Twain Riverboat – Tokyo Disneyland (Tokyo)

In Tokyo, the Mark Twain Riverboat vessel is a very close replica of the California original. Here we find the usual fantastic Tokyo-caliber details and upkeep – everything looks brand new, and is given the utmost level of care. Purists will find the journey here to be the most unspoiled of them all – features long gone from the California original still exist, and are in top form, from the Burning Settler’s Cabin, to the Indian Village, to a large waterfall reminiscent of the original Cascade Peak. The boat travels around a unique take on Tom Sawyer Island, with fantastic rockwork. A pass-by of the impressive Tokyo Critter Country, with centerpiece Splash Mountain is also a great highlight. The only drawback here – and it’s minor, really – is that this Riverboat attraction is really missing that standout feature that sets it apart. That’s a tough spot to be in when the competition is several of the best Disney attractions in the world. This is still a fantastic attraction, but it needs that extra something, and until it does, it will have to settle for third place.

2. Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing – Disneyland Paris (Paris)

There’s a good case to be made that Thunder Mesa is the best realized land in any Disney Park on earth. Every ride, every shop, every vista – all speak to a single cohesive theme and backstory – compelling, engaging, and magical. The Thunder Mesa Riverboats are not just a way to get some sightseeing in, but they actually enhance the tale of this Old Western settlement. Listen to the Narration while aboard, unfolding bits and pieces of the story, complimenting the incredible vistas of Phantom Manor perched high on the hill. The journey is highlighted by the travel around the island home to Big Thunder Mountain, providing incredible views of the attraction from all angles. While the Molly Brown vessel provides a unique experience aboard the only sidewheel vessel in the Disney fleet, we’re eager for the day when the Mark Twain returns from dry dock and both vessels are navigating waters again. It all speaks brilliantly to the fantastic job that was done fleshing out a consistent theme and vision, and it results in this being the second-best Riverboat attraction in the world.

1. Mark Twain Riverboat – Disneyland (Anaheim)

There will forever be a vocal group insisting that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ruined Disneyland by cannibalizing what was a quiet, peaceful corner of the park, while at the same time drastically shortening the Rivers of America. We will argue instead that this project enhanced nearly everything it touched. After departing the loading dock, and making its way past the gorgeous setting of New Orleans Square, the Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland journeys through a non-stop feast for the eyes: thundering waterfalls built both in and around a gorgeous trestle for the Disneyland Railroad, an inspiring and impressive set of animatronics at the Indian settlement, and trees, rockwork, and animals inspired by the four major rivers of the United States. Other watercraft add fantastic kinetic energy in the form of canoes, rafts, and the Sailing Ship Columbia, while Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island keeps riders’ attention with its various trails and caves. A large portion of original track from the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland still exists, providing a reminder of just how much history exists in this corner of the park. Time has done wonders as each renovation has resulted in a better experience, and today this version has been plussed to near-perfection, resulting in it being hands-down the best Disney Riverboat experience in the world.

Written by Mike and Chris Pettey

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Agree or disagree with our rankings? Have you experienced any of these attractions – either in person, or virtually via the internet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Disney Vs. Disney: Ranking Every Disney Riverboat Attraction