For decades, the Liberty Belle Riverboat has transported guests through the heart of Liberty Square along the picturesque Rivers of America. With the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island closing soon for Cars Land and Villains Land, now is the time to embark on one final voyage – a poignant farewell to a Magic Kingdom original and arguably its most tranquil and storied experiences.
All Aboard the Liberty Belle
As guests begin their journey on the Liberty Belle, they are greeted by a crew led by Captain Horace Bixby and his pilot, Sam Clemens—a nod to Mark Twain’s real-life days as a Mississippi River pilot. From the start, the voyage embraced an authentic, story-driven atmosphere.
“Welcome aboard the Liberty Belle!” Captain Bixby would announce, as the boat began its journey. “Sam knows this river like his own backyard. Sam, tell our guests everything you know about this river.”
What follows is a mix of humor and history, with Sam’s heartfelt reflections setting the tone for an immersive experience. “I love this river more than anything else,” Sam would say. “I’ve loved this river, even from the time I was a toddler back in Missouri.”
The Rivers of America: Stories Along the Shoreline
Every turn along the Rivers of America offers a story, narrated with wit and charm by Sam Clemens. Here are some highlights:
- Frontierland: “That river town we’re passin’ is Frontierland. A few years back, it was no more than a boomtown, carved out of the wilderness by settlers lookin’ to start a new life.”
- Tom Sawyer Island: “That island on the starboard side was my stompin’ grounds when I was young. Marvelously young! It’s called Tom Sawyer’s Island, named for a friend from my boyhood.”
- Big Thunder Mountain: “That’s Big Thunder Mountain pokin’ up in the sky. The miners and prospectors named it for the sound of blastin’ powder goin’ off every few minutes.”
- The Haunted Mansion: “See that brick mansion back over yonder? Folks hereabouts say it’s haunted. If you ask me, I’d say the ones tellin’ those tales are the ones filled with spirits.”
Every landmark added depth and character to the journey, blending humor, history, and folklore into a seamless narrative.
Preserving the Magic and Looking Ahead
With Cars Land and Villains Land on the horizon, the Liberty Belle Riverboat and its journey through the Rivers of America will become a cherished memory.
While we bid farewell to the Liberty Belle and the Rivers of America, the future promises new adventures. Cars Land will bring the high-octane excitement of Radiator Springs, while Villains Land will immerse guests in the world of Disney’s most iconic rogues. These additions will redefine the Magic Kingdom experience while honoring the park’s legacy of storytelling.
Let’s honor the past as we embrace the future—together.
