Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom offers a slow-paced, scenic journey that gives you a look at areas of the park not visible from walkways. The experience centers around the Liberty Belle, a full-scale, working steam-powered riverboat styled after 19th-century paddlewheelers that once traveled the Mississippi River.

About the Liberty Belle

• Height: 47 feet tall
• Decks: 4 levels (limited seating on each)
• Propulsion: Powered by a real steam engine; the paddlewheel actually moves the boat
• Construction: Features classic woodwork with Colonial-era detailing
• Accessibility: Guests can board the lower deck without stairs; upper levels require climbing

The boat launches from Liberty Square and makes a half-mile loop around Tom Sawyer Island, taking about 17 minutes.

What You’ll See

As the Liberty Belle moves along the Rivers of America, you’ll pass through a series of vignettes designed to reflect early American life, including:

• An early American frontier settlement with cabins and settlers
• A Native American village, complete with figures and dwellings
• Harper’s Mill, recognizable from the island and its rotating water wheel
• Fort Langhorn, a log fort once part of Tom Sawyer Island’s walk-through
• Wilson’s Cave Inn, a hidden bootlegging outpost built into the riverbank
• Woodland animals scattered throughout the scenery, mostly static figure
• Unique angles of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion rarely visible from elsewhere in the park

Narration and Atmosphere

Throughout the ride, a recorded narration in the voice of Mark Twain offers context, reflections, and bits of humor tied to the American riverboat era. It’s light but informative, touching on history and the spirit of exploration.

Experience Details

• Ride Duration: ~17 minutes
• Boarding Location: Dock in Liberty Square
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes, for the lower deck
• Wait Time: Usually minimal, as it’s a continuous-load attraction with high capacity