Real Disneyland Boats
The Mark Twain boat at Disneyland is not a fantasy ride like most of the others in the park, instead it is completely real. Guests board an authentic steam paddle wheeler at Disneyland’s Rivers of America for a leisurely tour of the surrounding waters of the Frontierland. On the Mark Twain, guests can enjoy the views of Tom Sawyer’s Island, a Native American village, Fort Wilderness and even inspect a few animals alongside. It nowhere near compares to the other attractions that involve thrill rides and technology, instead it provokes the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise down the Mississippi or Ohio rivers.
Design and Imagery
The design of the vessel is stunning, classic and designed right down to minute detail. Shipmates can roam the two heated and air-conditioned decks that feature gleaming vintage fixtures and various backgrounds of 18th century music. The two separate levels make it possible to view the rivers form two perspectives, while the center Grand Saloon offers guests an additional deck to entertain. Though there are two decks, the upper-deck is mostly designated for boarding the boat which makes room for the spectacular views when sailing. From either galley, guests can view the surrounding rivers, bridges and other landmarks that Disneyland has created. It is for this reason that the Mark Twain boat has become quintessential to the setting of Rivers of America.
On a Track?
In terms of propulsion, the Mark Twain boat is mainly powered by a diesel engine, located in the back of the boat, but contrary to what some may think, it does not sail on a track. Despite the idea that it is on a track, Disneyland has found a way to make the boat feel as if it is adventuring without one. Guests can one wrong turn and explore from a certain point of view as they normally would while on water. The boat is also surprisingly versatile when making sharp turns and could not do if it was on a track.
Modern-Day Voyage
The boat has become a signature of the Frontierland and has inspired a handful of other iconic attractions. What Disneyland has planned and managed to accomplish is the replication of the classical steamboats onto the vast Disneyland landscapes and special endings. In the end, Disneyland’s Mark Twain inspired a modern-day voyage that can’t be found anywhere else. Through the toil and hard work of designers, engineers, and Disney Imagineers, this unique attraction was born, and can now be experienced by millions of visitors from all ages.
Safety and Comfort
Disneyland takes great lengths and care to ensure that the guests that board the Mark Twain have a comfortable and safe experience. The authentic boiler and steam engine are applied to the Mark Twain itself, to make the cruise as pleasant as possible. Once passengers enter the well-appointed saloon, the furniture and booth seating are snug and make for a great place for rest and conversation about the adventure. As for safety, when the river locks are set, all exhaust fumes are silenced, to ensure that the air surrounding the boat is free of smoke. Aside from this, the two levels are each equipped with a security railing and safety exits.
Nostalgia
Aboard the Mark Twain, guests can rekindle memories of an older, simpler time, a time of steamboats and grandeur more commonly seen in the bygone era of the great Mississippi River basin. There is of course the song and story of the Mississippi River that can be heard in the saloon, and the fiddle is ever-present. Guests can take pleasure in classic canned music as the boat sets for alight for its voyage.
An Iconic Monument
The Mark Twain boat at Disneyland is an iconic monument, not only is it essential to the setting of Frontierland, but its immersive replication of the classical steamboats continues to make an impact to this day. Its outlook on the river and nostalgic atmosphere gives guests a one-of- a-kind experience. Whether it is to kick-back in the comfortable saloon seating, or to take in the sights out of the window of one of the Rivers of America, the Mark Twain boat is one of the most remarkable attractions of Disneyland.
Honoring Mark Twain
The Mark Twain boat is the perfect way to honor Mark Twain’s legacy, since it captures the spirit of adventure, the imagination of the frontier, and the peacefulness of the American river basin. It pays homage to Mark Twain’s most famous books, such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, which follow the adventures of stylistic main characters on the Mississippi River. The timeless compositions and imagery of these books continue to inspire the world of art to this day, and Disneyland’s replication of the classic Mississippi steamboats is no different.
The Heritage of the Rivers
The mighty rivers of America were once the highways of transportation and the lifeblood of early American heritage and culture, the most iconic being the Mississippi River. The power of the boats and the heritage of the river is emulated in the Disney parks, with the iconic Mark Twain boat and fort forgotten wilderness. Behind the music, Disney parks and the clashing of the current off the bow you can feel the same hustle of a steamboat on the river, the sights and sound of the time long forgotten.
Recreating the Steamboats
The Mark Twain boat is quite literally a replica of the true steamboats that plied the waters of North America for centuries. The exterior was built using 130 years of shipbuilding architecture and steel boilers, resembling the original 1863 vessel built by the Sultana’s builders. Even the paddle wheel was beautifully crafted with a familiar design, allowing it to rotate 360 degrees
The Magic of the Mark Twain
The Mark Twain boat delivers something special to guests, something which they may never experience again. Its recreation of the classical steamboat of the Mississippi river, and its authentic approach to transporting guests to another era, makes the boat all the more special. With its vibrant, captivating entertainment and scenic views, guests cannot help but feel the marvel of the adventure that awaits them on the Mark Twain.
