how long is magic kingdom liberty square riverboat

Liberty Square Riverboat

See the wild frontier.

Steam into American history aboard the majestic, Colonial-era Liberty Belle riverboat and enjoy a relaxing half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island .

Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.

It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!

Along the River’s Edge

During this charming, 17-minute trip, you’ll encounter a rarely seen side of Magic Kingdom park . Behold a bevy of sights from the early days of the American frontier, including:

• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .

Aboard the Liberty Belle

Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall Liberty Belle is a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi.

An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.

Guests Also Viewed

Safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for liberty square riverboat.

Complete Guide to Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom while learning a little bit about American history? Then welcome aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat!

You’ll ride the majestic  Liberty Belle  riverboat for a half-mile tour around  Tom Sawyer Island .

On this 17-minute trip, you’ll hear the voice of iconic American author and humorist, Mark Twain, sharing some of his memories of life on the Mississippi. You’ll also encounter a rarely-seen side of the Magic Kingdom.

It’s full steam ahead for our complete guide to the Liberty Square Riverboat .

In this article

Liberty Square Riverboat Quick Facts

• Location: Liberty Square , in The Magic Kingdom
• Height req : None
• Suitable for: Anybody
• Attraction length: About 17 minutes
• Do we recommend? Just as a time filler
• When to visit: Anytime
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s): Mostly standing room only, find a spot on the top deck to snap some good pics of nearby attractions.
• Description: This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.

Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square, across from Liberty Square Market and down the way from The Hall of Presidents .

Download the PDF

How to Ride Liberty Square Riverboat

Liberty Square Riverboat has a Standby Line. There is no Single Rider Line .

Do I need to use Genie+ at Liberty Square Riverboat?

Genie+ is not available at Liberty Square Riverboat.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

As there is no height requirement for Liberty Square Riverboat, this attraction does not offer Rider Switch .

Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

You can learn more about Rider Switch via our helpful guide.

What to Expect When You Ride

The queue to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat is shaded with some benches. The loading dock is also covered.

The ride leaves twice an hour on the hour and the half-hour so if you don’t make the boat, you’ll be waiting quite a bit for the next one.

Ride Vehicles

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a 47-foot-tall working steamship called The Liberty Belle . It is propelled by the paddle wheel that is itself propelled by the steam engine.

It is a reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the Mississippi River.

While it is fully functioning, it is actually guided on an “I-beam” track that is hidden by the green and brown-dyed water of the Rivers of America.

The Riverboat has a maximum capacity of 450 people.

Guests enter the ship on the middle deck. This area features a sitting room, an outside wheelhouse, and the captain’s quarters.

On the bottom deck of the boat, you can see the ship’s boiler and pistons and you can visit the viewing platform which has great views of all the attraction’s scenes.

On the top deck, guests get the best perspective of the Magic Kingdom from the water.

Accessibility Information

Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs may remain in them to ride The Liberty Square Riverboat.

If you are in a wheelchair or ECV, ask a Cast Member for help and they will assist you in boarding the ride up the exit ramp. There is actually a sign at the main entrance to the attraction that points those that require wheelchair or ECV access to enter to the left.

Those in wheelchairs and ECVs must remain on the middle deck of the riverboat as there is no handicap access for other levels.

On the Ride

If you prefer to keep your ride aboard The Liberty Square Riverboat a surprise, you may want to skip this part to avoid any spoilers.

The Liberty Square Riverboat begins with its captain, Horace Bixby, welcoming guests aboard The Liberty Belle as well as introducing his pilot, Samuel Clemens (known to future generations as the author, Mark Twain). You are currently on Clemens’ 100th journey aboard the Liberty Belle.

Before the Liberty Belle leaves port, Sam sets the scene for the ride ahead by warning guests to stay behind the railings, as river pirates are known to frequent the area.

As you sail down the river, you’ll see the sights of Frontierland, which for the purpose of the ride was once just a boom town but is well on its way to becoming a big city. Over the announcement system, Sam mentions that the large peak in Frontierland is known as Chick-A-Pin Hill (also known to Disney guests as the former Splash Mountain and future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ).

Continuing on, the boat passes Sam’s “old stomping ground”,  Tom Sawyer Island .

Next, he points out  Big Thunder Mountain where the water gets so hot that geysers erupt. Sam explains that Native Americans used to think that the geysers were spirits and that’s why they named the mountain “Big Thunder Mountain” and the moniker stuck.

As your boat ride continues, you’ll see Beacon Joe and his dog Rufus in front of his bait shop.

You’ll then see Powhatan Native Americans gathering and pass by an unidentified Indian village. Down the river, the Liberty Belle reaches Cutthroat Corner where riders are told they are most likely to find river pirates.

Before returning to port in Liberty Square, the Liberty Belle passes The Haunted Mansion . Sam informs guests that rumor has it that the mansion was built on a Native American burial ground, and now 999 ghosts haunt it.

Finally, the Liberty Belle reaches port and Sam and Captain Bixby say goodbye as the boat docks and guests are directed to disembark.

One thing to note about taking a ride on The Liberty Square Riverboat: on top of the sights you see on the attraction, you will also get a unique view of Magic Kingdom. You might even be able to spot the parade or a cavalcade during your ride!

Is Liberty Square Riverboat Kid-Friendly?

This is a great ride for the whole family to take a break from the crowds of Magic Kingdom.

Strollers are not allowed in most queues at Walt Disney World. Instead, you’ll need to leave your stroller in the designated stroller parking area near the entrance to the queue.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the few attractions that can trace its history back to before Disneyland or Walt Disney World even opened.

Walt Disney initially came up with the idea for a Mississippi steamboat attraction for the Disney Studio in Burbank, California. However, the Burbank Studio did not have the land to build the attraction so Walt decided to transfer the concept to Disneyland.

In order to create the attraction, Disney had to construct the first American-made, working steamboat in 50 years. Admiral Joe Fowler oversaw the construction of what would become The Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland.

The Mark Twain was built in two separate pieces. The hull was constructed in San Pedro, California and the deck was built at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The ship was assembled in Disneyland and The Mark Twin Riverboat debuted on July 17, 1955, for Disneyland’s opening day.

When Walt Disney World was in development, the riverboat was one of the attractions Imagineers decided to include in the opening day plans, however, it wasn’t quite ready.

The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat opened one day after the park, on October 2, 1971. It was named in tribute to the man who had helped to create Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the Riverboat attractions.

When the riverboat first debuted, live entertainment could often be found on deck because there wasn’t much else for guests to see on the Rivers of America at the time.

Since Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractions to meet demand, in 1973 a second steamboat was built. The Richard F. Irvine  Riverboat entered into service on May 20, 1973. It was named after the late Disney executive, Richard F. Irvine, who oversaw the planning and construction of Walt Disney World.

The only difference between the two steamboats was that The Admiral Joe Fowler had two smokestacks, while The Richard F. Irvine only had one.

In fall of 1980, The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat was destroyed in a drydock accident. Disney decided not to repair it, and the bell from the riverboat was added to the #4 engine known as the Roy O. Disney on the  Walt Disney World Railroad .

In 1996, The   Richard F. Irvine  was completely refurbished and returned to service as The   Liberty Belle  Riverboat.

The attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square.

With one ship gone and the other one renamed, Disney decided to pay homage to Admiral Fowler and Richard Irvine by naming two ferries that run from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom after them in 1999.

The narration aboard the Liberty Belle has expanded as more rides have been added to Frontierland . References to  Tom Sawyer Island , Splash Mountain (the future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ), and  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  have all been added to the script.

In 1992, the Powhatan Native Americans were added to the attraction after the release of the Disney-animated film, Pocahontas .

The  Liberty Belle  underwent extensive rehab from September 2005 to September 2006, and then in 2018 it was completely overhauled with a new boiler.

Other Fun Details

• Captain Horace Bixby, the name given to the Liberty Belle’s captain, was a real steamboat captain on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones . Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi .
• Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
• Watch the Audio-Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe’s. Every once and a while he will turn his head as a fish jumps by.

• To pay homage to the Samuel Clemens connection, in Disneyland the attraction is known as the Mark Twain Riverboat.
• Crates located on the banks of Frontierland are imprinted with “Tell City Tool Co.” Tell City is a real town located in Indiana on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was one of the United States’ first “planned cities.” Another crate has “71” on it to honor the year the Magic Kingdom opened and another says “Russel’s Falls” after Davy Crockett’s sidekick, George E. Russel.
• The attraction’s landing building is one of the few in the Magic Kingdom that does not employ forced perspective. This may be to hide the riverboat from guests in Liberty Square where a steam-powered riverboat would not fit the land’s theming.

Other Attractions in Liberty Square

• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• Liberty Square River Boat

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• Slow moving 20 minute boatride aboard a real steam-powered riverboat
• Take a lap around the Rivers of America, with great views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Haunted Mansion
• Perfect for a relaxing break during the middle of a busy Magic Kingdom day

Introduction | Attraction | RIde Logisitics |  Interesting Facts

INTRODUCTION 

Enjoy a slow cruise down the Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered sternwheeler. The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square across from the Hall of Presidents and to the left of the Haunted Mansion .

 The Rivers of America wind their way around Tom Sawyer Island . The half-mile journey takes just under 20 minutes to travel. The Liberty Belle departs several times a day from the Liberty Boat Landing . Although there are some seats, most areas are standing room only.

From on board the Liberty Belle, you’ll spot great views of Tom Sawyer Island, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, along with some sights of Frontierland natives — which can only be seen from the boat.

RIDE LOGISTICS

 This is a good place to go for a break from the hectic walkways of the Magic Kingdom . Kids can walk around on board and burn off a bit of energy — though this is usually more loved by adults.

Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchair/ECV.

INTERESTING FACTS

The original boat, an authentic sternwheeler steamboat called the Admiral Joe Fowler , was built in dry dock at Walt Disney World and set afloat when the attraction opened on May 20, 1973. The Richard F. Irvine was later added as a second boat. After its extensive rehab in the ’90s, the boat was renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.

In 1980, the Admiral Joe Fowler was sent to dry dock maintenance and never returned.

Admiral Joe Fowler was in charge of construction at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World .

Dick Irvine worked as an art director at Disney in the 1940s and was an early executive of WED Enterprises . His projects included planning and design for the theme parks and the World’s Fair projects.

How long is Liberty Square Riverboat?

The ride takes 16 Minutes Find all the attractions by their length

Will Liberty Square Riverboat make me motion sick?

The motion level is Low. Gentle boat ride Details on handling motion sensitivity on your visit

Is Individual Attraction Selection available for Liberty Square Riverboat?

No Liberty Square Riverboat is not eligible for Individual Attraction Selection Find Individual Attraction Selection attractions

Is Liberty Square Riverboat included in Genie+?

No Liberty Square Riverboat is not included in Genie+ Find Genie+ attractions using our search

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Liberty Square Riverboat

Magic Kingdom Park

Liberty Square

Guests Can Be

Age interest, thrill level.

Accessibility and Other Information - Opens Dialog

Accessibility

• May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV
• Wheelchair Access Vehicle
• Supervise children at all times. Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Cruise the scenic Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.

See the Wild Frontier

Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.

It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!

Along the River’s Edge

• An early American settlement
• An idyllic Native American village
• Harper’s Mill
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion .

Aboard the Liberty Belle

An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.

There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.

• 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 11, 2024

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Liberty Square Riverboat

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Take a leisurely ride down the Rivers of America on this authentic, steam-driven sternwheeler!

Quick Links:

The Liberty Belle takes you on a relaxing tour around Liberty Square and Frontierland. Along the way you’ll see some great views of the Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain. You’ll get an especially good look at Tom Sawyer Island—it’s a great way to check it out if you haven’t been there yet.

You’ll also catch a glimpse of what life was like for the frontier settlers (including some of the dangers that they faced!).

Magical Moments

• The views from the Riverboat are fantastic, and are unlike those you’ll see wandering around the park (particularly for the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island).
• Visit the Liberty Square Riverboat at night when its lit by hundreds of brilliant white lights.
• Listen closely to the ship’s captain as you tour the Rivers of America. You’ll hear some funny tales about life along the river (you’ll even hear how Mark Twain got his name!)

Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets

• Some folks point to the padlocks on the stocks outside of the Liberty Square Riverboat as examples of Hidden Mickeys. Is it a case of wishful thinking? Take a look and judge for yourself!

Did You Know...?

• The Liberty Square Riverboat holds up to 450 passengers.
• Walt Disney strongly believed that the Riverboat was a vital part of Disneyland, so much so that he funded part of the construction himself when funds threatened to fall short.

Touring Tips

• The Riverboat is a great way to get photos of the Haunted Mansion, Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain.
• Don’t neglect the Riverboat itself, you can wander around and do some exploring! There are lots of authentic details to discover.
• When leaving the Liberty Square Riverboat, keep in mind that many folks will wander over to the Haunted Mansion. If you follow you may find yourself in a long line. If that’s the case just try back later after the crowd dies down.

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Attraction Stats

Type: Boat Ride

Length: Ride Length: 15 Minutes

Audience: All Ages

Open since October 1, 1971

A Good Attraction, But Don't Wait Too Long

Take a fifteen minute tour around Tom Sawyer Island on the relaxing Liberty Square Riverboat ride. Guests board the three story Liberty Belle, which travels around the Rivers of America that run through Liberty Square and Frontierland. During the voyage, guests will be able to see great views of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Tom Sawyer Island, as well as unique tableaus created along the Rivers of America.

The Liberty Square Riverboat closes after dark. While not a major attraction, the Liberty Square Riverboat offers a nice break from running around the park, as well as a unique perspective of Magic Kingdom.

Tips and Trivia

• The Liberty Belle has three stories, so there is usually plenty of great views all around. My personal favorite is the top level.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat travels about half a mile around the Rivers of America during the tour.
• Located near several popular attractions like Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder, this is a good way to spend some time while you are waiting on a Fastpass+ reservation.

Liberty Square Riverboat Images

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Five Things to Know About the Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat attraction docks at – you guessed it – Liberty Square. The boat itself is named the Liberty Belle. It’s an old-timey (read: historic) steam-powered paddle-wheel riverboat that travels around the Rivers of America. As you ride, you’ll hear a recorded narrator share memories of Mark Twain’s time on the Mississippi. If you want to paddle along with us, keep reading. Oar (dad pun) to skip to the whys, wheres, and hows, here’s your shortcut .

1. You’ll take a step back in time.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a large (47-foot tall) working reproduction of the boats that ran up and down the Mississippi River in the 19th century. It’s loaded with amazing details, as you might expect. The wood craftsmanship throughout is absolutely meticulous! The large paddle is powered by an actual steam engine that functions by converting water from the Rivers of America into steam, turning the paddle to propel the boat.

2. It’s full steam ahead!

The ride begins as its captain, Horace Bixby,  welcomes guests aboard. He introduces his pilot, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and lets you know you’re in good hands, since this is Clemens’ 100th trip piloting the Liberty Belle. You depart from the dock and navigate the winding “river”.  Along the way, you’ll get views of the Magic Kingdom you just can’t get anywhere else. You’ll see Tom Sawyer Island, Harper’s Mill, and Fort Langhorn from a new vantage point. Other sights from the American frontier include settler’s cabins, old mining paraphernalia, a Native American village, animatronic wildlife, and even Wilson’s Cave Inn from Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. The riverboat also offers unique perspectives of the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. From the top deck especially, you’ll see Frontierland and Liberty Square in a whole new way.

As you ride, Sam Clemens offers his recollections of riding up and down the Mighty Mississippi. He points out various landmarks and shares a little about what he learned during his time on the river. Periodically, the horn and bell system are used, so you have to be prepared for the occasional and unpredictable ear-blasting loud outbursts. (I found that being toward the stern, rather than the bow, made the horn a bit more bearable.)

3. This Belle has quite a back story.

The first boat to sail the Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom was the Admiral Joe Fowler. Named after Disneyland’s construction supervisor, it debuted on October 2, 1971, the day after the park’s official opening. In 1973, a second boat, the Richard F. Irvine, debuted. It was named after the Disney executive who oversaw the planning of Walt Disney World. Both boats ran on the river until 1980. The Richard F. Irvine was overhauled and received an all-new superstructure of aluminum and vinyl. The boat was renamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square. (Side note: two of the three ferry boats running from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom are now named the Admiral Joe Fowler and Richard F. Irvine, so their memory lives on!)

The scenery along the Rivers of America has been updated over the years. Tom Sawyer Island was added in 1973 and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 1980. Similar versions of this attraction have also been added to other Disney Parks. At Disneyland Paris, it’s called the Rivers of the Far West. At Hong Kong Disneyland, there is no Frontierland, so the Imagineers merged the Rivers of America with the classic Adventureland Jungle Cruise attraction.

4. The Liberty Belle has her secrets, too.

Captain Horace Bixby, the Liberty Belle’s captain, was  a real steamboat captain  on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones. Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi.

Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

The riverboat actually travels along an I-beam guide rail, so the pilot  doesn’t really steer the ship. But that doesn’t mean he’s doing nothing. Rather, the pilot watches for other river traffic, like the Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, and communicates to the boiler engineer who is on the bottom deck towards the stern. This is where the throttle and reverser are located, so the boiler engineer controls the speed and direction of the riverboat.

5. The Nuts and Bolts.

You can catch a ride on the Liberty Belle at the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. There are no health or safety advisories and no height restrictions. Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to ride the Liberty Belle.  Sign language interpreters may be available, depending on when you visit. It’s truly a ride that everyone can enjoy.

The Liberty Belle has a maximum capacity of 450 people. You board the boat at mid-level; disembarking guests exit from the lower deck. There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each (some inside, some outside) but with plenty of space to stand and move around.

The Liberty Belle provides a stable, gentle ride. I’m vulnerable to motion sickness/sea sickness but have no trouble whatsoever riding the Liberty Belle. It’s a great idea to move around on the deck during this 17-minute trip to be sure to see all the different views.

Bad weather can affect the operation of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Genie+ is not available, but there’s no need for it. There’s no bad time of day to ride the Liberty Belle. It departs roughly every half-hour and usually the only waiting is waiting for the boat to leave or return. A good time of day to enjoy your ride is when you want a break from the crowds! But it’s worth noting that it closes earlier than the park and other park attractions; there is also no Early Theme Park Entry and no Extended Evening Theme Park hours.

The Bottom Line.

We ride the Liberty Belle nearly every time we visit Walt Disney World. But it’s not for thrill-seekers, to be sure. It’s perfectly peaceful – unless of course you’re right underneath the horn which is jarringly loud. It’s a great way to get out of the crowds, rest a bit, and enjoy a fun ride for every member of the family.

Have you ridden the Liberty Belle Riverboat? What was your favorite view? Let us know in the comments below!

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Bob Jacobs lives in Wisconsin where he retired as Editorial Director for a well-known catalog company. He and his wife Cristie have four children, seven grandchildren and a cocker spaniel named Penny the Dog. They’ve visited Walt Disney World regularly since 1992.

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Liberty Square Riverboat

Top ways to experience Liberty Square Riverboat and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Liberty Square Riverboat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Guide to Liberty Square at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Liberty Square is a land that is distinctively American.  With architectural theming from the Colonial era of America, this land in the Magic Kingdom is probably the most relatable to its American guests.  Within these Colonial-era designs, you’ll find varying motifs that represent different colonial outposts.  We’ve seen things that represent to us places from Boston down to Georgia.  We’re not an expert here; we just use our eyes to see things we recognize.  You may find something we’ve never noticed.  But all of it is distinctly Colonial.  We cover all of this and more here in our guide to Liberty Square at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Liberty Square is the smallest of all the lands in Magic Kingdom, but its theme consistency and execution is on point.  Beyond the architecture, you will find great touches, like a Liberty Tree and a replica Liberty Bell.  In the Liberty tree, you’ll find 13 lamps to commemorate the original 13 colonies of the United States.  The Liberty Bell is an official replica created to mark the bi-centennial in 1976.  There were only 50 produced, one for each state.  There are even lanterns in windows meant to replicate the one if by land, two if by sea signals that the colonists gave as part of the Revolutionary war.

We highly recommend you take your time in Liberty Square.  Even though it is small and only has three attractions, there’s a lot to be taken in here.  Don’t just blow through it on your way between Fantasyland and Frontierland.  Stop and admire the details in this slice of American history.

A fun fact for you; All of the attractions in Liberty Square were present when the park opened.  And yes, we know the Riverboat technically opened on day 2, but you get our point.

Liberty Square Attractions

Haunted mansion.

When Haunted Mansion opened in 1971, the special effects had to be revolutionary at the time.  And unlike some of the other original opening day rides, the effects here hold up very well. 

Take a ride through the Mansion where the ghosts of those gone before us have some spooky fun.  You’ll find a mix of some playful spirits with some “punny” humor and some more spooky frights.  Nothing we think you would consider intense, but some good fun.  You take it in by traveling in a “Doom Buggy” that leads you through 15 different rooms of the mansion that each depict their own haunted scenes.

The attraction has a pretty good queue.  The outside portion is well covered, and it features a graveyard with some silly saying written on the headstones, many of which are shout-outs to Imagineers that worked on the attraction.

Attraction Duration: 10 minutes

FastPass+ Availability: Yes

Minimum Height:  None

Seating Set Up: 2 riders per “Doom Buggy”

Rider Switch Available: No

Single Rider Available:  No

Kid Scare Factor:  Moderate.  It says “haunted” in the name, right?  It’s not like a Halloween haunted house you would encounter with gore and the like, but the special effects could frighten younger kids.  The ride is in the dark.

The Hall of Presidents

A land called Liberty Square that celebrates America’s origins can’t be complete without looking at the history of the country along with some its leaders, right?  Enter Hall of Presidents.

Modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, this attraction uses animatronics and film to walk you through some of the founders’ struggles with a fledgling nation, through the Civil War and into the present day.  You’ll hear from a few Presidents in their own voice.  Each sitting President since Bill Clinton has specifically recorded a speech for this attraction.  Many park-goers consider this attraction to be a monument to American patriotism.

The queueing area atrium has Presidential portraits and related memorabilia to behold.  If you’re interested in American history, allow yourself some time on the front end of the show to walk through this area at your own pace.

The attraction does offer 23 minutes of air-conditioned time off your feet.  And the wait is usually not bad.  That makes this a good option for a mid-afternoon break from the heat.

If you think you recognize the narrator’s voice, you probably do.  See if you can guess who it is.  We’re not going to spoil it!

Attraction Duration: 23 minutes

FastPass+ Availability: No

Seating Set Up: Theater style seating with individual chairs

Kid Scare Factor:  None

Liberty Square Riverboat

Board a classic Colonial-era inspired steamboat for a half-mile trip around Tom Sawyer Island.  During the journey, you’ll hear from Mark Twain, recounting tails of traveling and discovering new places.  The banks of the river provide various scenes of western range life.

The boat is named the Liberty Belle and is a reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the Mississippi river.  It possesses an actual working steam engine that converts the water from the river into steam that, in turn, powers the large paddle that propels the boat.

Attraction Duration: 17 minutes

Seating Set Up: There is limited seating on the four decks, most people will have to stand

Entertainment

Entertainment is one place that Liberty Square lacks in Magic Kingdom.  There isn’t really anything to see here.  Although we should give a shout out to our favorite show, “The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History”.  Unfortunately, Disney World canceled the show at the end of 2019.

Liberty Square does have some great places to watch the various parades that take place throughout the day.

Columbia Harbour House

This New England styled restaurant is one of the better quick-service eateries in the Magic Kingdom.  They focus on seafood here, so if you have any sort of allergy, you may want to stay away out of an abundance of caution.  Kids can get non-seafood-based meals here.

It may appear crowded in here.  Don’t waste your time trying to find a table downstairs if it is.  Go upstairs, and you can usually find plenty of seating without the hassle of wandering all over the place, hoping someone will get up and leave.

Location: Across the walkway from the entrance to Haunted Mansion

Table Service or Quick Service:  Quick Service

Menu: Click Here  

Cuisine Style: American

Price Range: Inexpensive (Entrees are under $14.99/adult and $8.00/child)

Hours:  11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Mobile Orders Accepted: Yes

Dining Plan Eligible:  Yes

Dining Plans Accepted: All

Dining Plan Credits Required: 1

Liberty Tree Tavern

What’s more American than Thanksgiving!  In the Liberty Tree Tavern, you’ll get to dine on possibly the most patriotic meal of all.  Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more.  You may be taken aback when the host or hostess asks you where you are from.  Rest assured, they aren’t trying to steal your identity. Instead, they are planning to announce to you/your party, similar to how it would have been done back in Colonial times.

The restaurant is themed to feel like an old Colonial home, with wood paneling, candelabra chandeliers, large brick fireplaces, and walls lined with period portraits.  If you’re having a hard time envisioning it, think of the houses in the movie The Patriot , with Mel Gibson.  It is divided into multiple rooms, which makes it feel a bit more intimate.  Each room features a famous person from American history like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and George Washington.

For lunch, you can get a Thanksgiving meal or order a la carte from the menu.  The a la carte items feature some more very American dishes, along with some other New England feeling seafood-based recipes.  However, dinner is only the Thanksgiving dinner style.  There is no a la carte menu for that meal.

They also do have a limited menu of beer, wine, and cocktails available.

We have a complete Liberty Tree Tavern review  if you want to see more about the food.

Location: As you leave Hall of Presidents, if you head towards Frontierland, it will be on your left.

Table Service or Quick Service:  Table Service

Menu: Click Here

Price Range: Moderate (Adults can eat for under $35/person; kids for under $15/person)

Hours:  11:00 AM to 9:30 PM (They do close briefly between lunch and dinner)

Mobile Orders Accepted: No

Dining Plans Accepted: Disney Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan

The Diamond Horseshoe

Diamond Horseshow is a bit of a conundrum in a few ways.  According to the Disney website, it is listed as a Liberty Square restaurant.  However, everything about it feels like Frontierland.  It is right on the border of where Frontierland and Liberty Square meet.  So, we’ll go with what the website says, but know that it is a bit out of place.

The menu is the first evidence of not being a Liberty Square restaurant.  This is a barbeque joint in its purest form.    It’s only open seasonally, so if you want to give this place a try, make sure it is open.

Price Range: Expensive ($35 to $59.99 per adult)

Hours:  1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Sleepy Hollow

This quick-service location serves up a pretty limited menu of snacks.  Most of the snacks are centered around a waffle.  There is no seating here, so you’ll take your food to go.

We also have a Sleepy Hollow review for anyone interested in seeing some of the food.

Location: On your right, just after you cross the bridge from the hub into Liberty Square

Price Range: Inexpensive (Snacks are less than $10 each, with most less than $8)

Hours:  11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Dining Plan Eligible:  Only for snacks

Dining Plans Accepted: All, only for snacks

Dining Plan Credits Required: 1 snack credit

Liberty Square Market

Liberty Square Market is another snack location in Liberty Square.  This one offers one of the better fruit assortments around Magic Kingdom if you are looking for options.  You can also get the famous Mickey Pretzel!

Location: Just to the left of Hall of Presidents

Price Range: Inexpensive (Most snacks are less than $7 each)

Hours:  9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

There are a few interesting shops to check out in Liberty Square, but like all our other guides, we’re just hitting the ones we think you will find more notable.

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

Looking for Disney related Christmas ornaments and decorations, but there in the middle of July?  No worries, head on over the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.  They stock a good selection of Christmas related items year-round.

Liberty Square Portrait Gallery

This shop is fun because they were because they feature hard drawn silhouette portraits, done by artists on site.  You can also get a caricature done here.

Memento Mori

Memento Mori is a small shop dedicated to Haunted Mansion related items.  It has a pretty good assortment of the Haunted Mansion collectibles if that’s your thing.

Wrapping Up our Guide to Liberty Square at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

While Liberty Square may be small, it certainly makes good use of what it’s got.  Make sure you check out the attractions here, even if only for a little bit.  To miss it would be to miss an entertaining part of Magic Kingdom.  What’s your favorite part of Liberty Square?  Did we omit something you think others in the community of readers would like to know about?  Tell us about it, drop down into the comments section below, and share your thoughts with everyone.

If you are interested in the other lands of Magic Kingdom, you can use the links below to skip to our guides to those areas of the park.  Otherwise, you can head back to our Disney World Trip Planning Guide to explore more of what Disney World has to offer.

Guide to Main Street, U.S.A.

Guide to Fantasyland

Guide to Frontierland

Guide to Adventureland

Guide to Tomorrowland

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Disney Deciphered

A podcast helping you and your family save money, time, and stress as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation

Ep. 70 – Liberty Square Guide

We continue our in depth land by land overviews with our Liberty Square guide. What do we think of the attractions, food options, and what are the best photo ops? Also, why do we think Liberty Square has some of the best merchandise in the Disney parks? All that and more on this episode of Disney Deciphered!

Attractions in Liberty Square

Liberty Square has three attractions, though probably only one that most Disney fans rate. That being said, it’s a great place to relax and escape heat or rain, plus there’s a lot for you and your kids to learn! So let’s start by taking a look at the attractions available.

Current Attractions

• Hall of Presidents : This 25 minute long show is a celebration of the office of the presidency over the course of American history. It features some amazingly life-like audio animatronics and some sage wisdom from the likes of Abraham Lincoln. Revisit key moments in United States history through the lens of the presidency. A nice cool place if you need to avoid the heat or rain. Verdict? Joe: Sometimes ride (but always ride in the rain!)  Leslie: Sometimes ride.
• Liberty Square Riverboat : You can board this three tier riverboat at the Liberty Square Riverboat landing for a peaceful cruise around the Rivers of America. This beautiful, large paddlewheel boat is a sight to see and a relaxing ride. Verdict?  Joe:  Never ride (though his son keeps begging). Leslie: Sometimes ride.

Dining in Liberty Square

Liberty Square has some of our favorite quick service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom (a place where we generally find it tough to get something good to eat).

If you’re looking for something unhealthy, head on over to Sleepy Hollow and get the Spicy Chicken Waffle sandwich (hold the spicy sauce if you’re buying for your kids). A fried chicken filet inside a waffle with a sweet and spicy sauce? You can’t go wrong.

For a healthier option, head on over to Joe’s most mentioned restaurant, Columbia Harbor House. You can get grilled salmon, broccoli, or macaroni and cheese (for the unhealthy option!). 

Liberty Tree Tavern is the only table service restaurant in Liberty Square. It serves traditional New England fare that we consider a little bit overpriced, but we’re biased as we’ve both spent quite a bit of time in New England!

Entertainment in Liberty Square

One thing we wanted to highlight in Liberty Square is “Great Moments in American History”, a show that happens a few times a day in Liberty Square. The Muppets present two separate shows: The Declaration of Independence and the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. It’s a very cute and very educational show, well worth your time (unless it’s too hot out!). Check Disney’s website or your My Disney Experience app to find out when it’s playing on a given day.

Merchandise in Liberty Square

Liberty Square has some of our favorite merchandise options in Walt Disney World. The cleverly named Memento Mori is one of the few places you can get Haunted Mansion merchandise and we love the ornaments you can find at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Definitely check both those locations out!

Episode Description

We visit Liberty Square as we continue our land by land guides. Join us as we discuss the details we love in the land, the attractions, and the history show that we didn’t even realize existed and that we’ve put into our next touring plan. What are your favorite parts of Liberty Square? Any tips or things you enjoy that we missed? Let us know by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com.

Episode Notes

1:21 – Hall of Presidents

3:55 – Liberty Square Riverboat

5:37 – Haunted Mansion

8:36 – Characters and photo ops

9:45 – Great Moments in American History

11:07 – Shops and merchandise

13:19 – Quick service food options

16:00 – Table Service: Liberty Tree Tavern

17:52 – Disney dos and don’ts

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Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat allows guests to set sail to a bygone era aboard the Liberty Belle.

Ride Information   Restrictions     Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: October 2, 1971

Type of Ride: Boat

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: 16 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Short; about 30 minutes, or the length until the next departure

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: No

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Boat

Type of Restraint: None; guests can walk around as they please

Attraction Open During Extended Evening Hours: No. See our Extended Evening Hours page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Park Map of Magic Kingdom:

Other Rides/Attractions In the Area:

This attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square .

Shopping: In Liberty Square, guests can have a silhouette or portrait drawn at “Liberty Square Portrait Gallery,” purchase Haunted Mansion-inspired merchandise at “Memento Mori,” and shop for Christmas items all year long at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe .

Dining/Refreshment: Three counter service restaurants ( Columbia Harbour House ; Liberty Square Market ; and Sleepy Hollow ) are located in Liberty Square, offering seafood, sandwiches, and various fruits. Table service dining for lunch and dinner is available at Liberty Tree Tavern .

Restroom: The closest restrooms are located in Fantasyland, just past the Liberty Square border. Restrooms were purposely excluded from Liberty Square because plumbing didn’t exist in colonial times.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke free.

Liberty Square Riverboat Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Liberty Square Riverboat is a steam-powered paddle wheeler, a replica of a vessel that one may have seen sailing the Mississippi River during the 19 th century. Liberty Square Riverboat does not, however, operate solely on steam power; it is aided by a submerged rail.
• The vessel’s official name is Liberty Belle , a moniker it has held since 1996. From 1973 to 1996, the riverboat was entitled Richard F. Irvine , after a Disney executive.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat embarked on its first voyage on October 2, 1971, one day after the Magic Kingdom opened. Titled Admiral Joe Fowler , after a retired navy admiral who was instrumental in the building of both Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom, this vessel was inadvertently destroyed during a 1980 refurbishment. Richard F. Irvine / Liberty Belle has served as the Magic Kingdom’s sole paddle wheeler since 1980.
• Liberty Square Riverboat has four decks from which guests can view the lush wilderness of Tom Sawyer Island , as well as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad , and Haunted Mansion .
• A voice actor portraying Mark Twain narrates the voyage.
• Guests are often, though not always, upon request allowed in the Pilothouse , where they can interact with the captain and “steer the ship” with the big wheel—the boat is guided on rail, so there’s no danger here.
• Liberty Square Riverboat is currently the only boat to sail the Rivers of America. Previously, “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” operated from opening day, October 1, 1971, until 1994; and “Mike Fink Keel Boats” sailed from opening day through April 29, 2001.
• Liberty Square Riverboat’s counterpart at Disneyland is Mark Twain Riverboat . Disneyland also offers two seasonal vessel experiences: “Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes” and “Sailing Ship Columbia ,” a replica of Columbia Rediviva , an 18 th -century merchant ship.

Top 5 Tips for Liberty Square Riverboat

• Experience Liberty Square Riverboat during the afternoon, when crowds are especially heavy at the park’s headliner attractions.
• Explore the various decks of the vessel.
• Enjoy the scenery around the vessel.
• Inquire about sailing in the Pilothouse for a different perspective of the voyage.
• Snacks and drinks are not allowed aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat, so prepare to eat either before or after your voyage.

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Liberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square invites you to travel back to colonial America in tribute to the nation’s early history.

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square

Entering the land from the hub of Cinderella Castle, you’ll encounter this sign setting the tone for what you’re about to experience:

“Beyond this gateway lies a humble village built on courage and hope. The hope to be heard. And the courage to listen and welcome new ideas…” 

“Welcome to Liberty Square”

“… The hope for freedom for all. And the courage to fight for it at any cost. May all who step foot here be awakened by this same hope and courageous spirit.” 

Let’s explore all the rides, entertainment, and eateries that Liberty Square has to offer!

Liberty Square Attractions

Haunted mansion.

Speaking of history… 999 Happy Haunts share a little of their own history  inside the  Haunted Mansion (and you can learn ALL about them here ). Climb into a Doom Buggy for a dark (yet family-friendly and whimsical!) ride through these chilling chambers, guided by your Ghost Host. But, BEWARE…

Haunted Mansion in Disney World

… “A GHOST MAY FOLLOW YOU HOME!”

P.S. Another Ghost has recently taken up residence in the Mansion … FIND OUT MORE HERE!

The Hatbox Ghost

HAUNTING HINTS: As you’re heading inside the Haunted Mansion, make sure to look to your left just before you enter. Madame Leota’s gravestone is there, and occasionally, she’ll open her eyes, blink, and look around.

“Dear Sweet Leota, beloved by all, in Regions Beyond now, but Having a Ball”

HAUNTING HINTS: In the interactive portion of the queue for the Haunted Mansion, you’ll be able to spot a wedding ring embedded in the ground. Near the crypt that sprays water, you’ll see a trash can — the ring is stuck in the pavement on the ground near the trash can. This was actually added after so many fans claimed a flush metal pipe in the ground of the original queue was a wedding ring belonging to the bride inside the ride (it wasn’t, but they added it for real later on!).

HAUNTING HINTS: In the  Haunted Mansion queue , there’s also a little “who done it” mystery played out with a collection of busts near the front of the queue and the rhyming plaques underneath them.

Haunted Mansion Graveyard

Each plaque provides a little riddle as to how that individual died and a little clue for who they might’ve killed …

Height requirement: None Ages: All Access: Standby Line and Disney Genie+ option On-ride Attraction Photo by Disney PhotoPass : Yes

Click HERE to read 25 seriously cool facts and secrets about the Haunted Mansion!

The Hall of Presidents

What does every person who has served as President of the United States have in common? Each and every one can be seen in The Hall of Presidents .

An original film sharing the journey of the nation and the office of the Presidency is followed by a stunning display of all of the Presidents onstage at once in an audio-animatronic display that must be seen to be believed.

DID YOU KNOW? In the waiting area prior to viewing The Hall of Presidents production, guests can explore artifacts and artwork connected to the Presidents and First Ladies. The Great Seal of the United States can be seen in this waiting area, and it is the only place where the Great Seal can be seen outside of the White House in Washington, D.C.

Height requirement: None Ages: All Access: Standby Line (The 25-minute production runs continuously throughout the day, and an air-conditioned room serves as a waiting area)

Liberty Square Riverboat

The steam-powered  Liberty Square Riverboat  carries guests along the Rivers of America and to a bygone era.

Board the Liberty Belle for a 17-minute ride. Guests are welcome to explore every deck of the Riverboat while taking in some terrific views of Magic Kingdom… all accompanied by the narration of Mark Twain!

HIDDEN GEM: On the second floor of the Liberty Square Riverboat, there’s a little-noticed indoor room. This room is a great place to take a seat and relax, as there are a few comfy booth seats and plenty of artwork to look at on the walls.

Height requirement: None Ages: All Access: Standby Line

Liberty Square Dining

Table service restaurants.

Oh, how we LOVE Liberty Tree Tavern ! Themed after a late 18th century home,  the restaurant is divided into different rooms decorated to reflect famous names from the United States’ Revolutionary period , including Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson.

Liberty Tree Tavern

The meal, served family-style, is both hearty and plentiful . Many guests like to refer to it as “Thanksgiving all year” due to the Patriot’s Platter, which serves up all-you-care-to-enjoy roasted turkey, pot roast, and oven-roasted pork served with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, seasonal veggies, and herb stuffing.

Counter Service Restaurants and Snack Stops

Enjoy some  New England-inspired surf-and-turf  at Columbia Harbour House !

Columbia Harbour House

With options for seafood lovers and landlubbers alike, Columbia Harbour House is an absolute gem of a Quick Service restaurant.

But Sleepy Hollow Refreshments also ranks right up there for favorite spots to grab a bite — or two — to eat in Magic Kingdom.

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

Sweet treats and savory snacks include Funnel Cakes, Waffle Sandwiches, Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs and more… all within view of Cinderella Castle!

Hear ye, hear ye! Guests searching for better-for-you fare will find that  Liberty Square Market is one of the best places in Magic Kingdom to get a healthy snack!

Liberty Square Market

That said 😉 , you’ll also find a few theme park staples such as Turkey Legs, Mickey Pretzels, hot dogs, and Frozen Slush drinks, too.

And don’t forget… there’s always the Liberty Square Popcorn Cart. 

Liberty Square Popcorn Cart

See it ALL in our Liberty Square Food Tour from our DFB YouTube Channel !

Liberty Square Characters

Merida is currently meeting guests at the Liberty Square Enchanted Glade Gazebo.

Merida meets at the Gazebo

(It’s the gazebo near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe!)

Anastasia and Drizella

From time to time, you may encounter Anastasia and Drizella (Cinderella’s Stepsisters) at the Liberty Square Gazebo . Mary Poppins has also been known to make appearances in the area.

Be sure to check My Disney Experience to see which characters are making appearances in Liberty Square!

More Magic in Liberty Square

DID YOU KNOW? The live oak tree in Liberty Square is over 100 years old . Hanging from its branches are 13 lanterns to represent the original 13 colonies. This tree was found on Disney World property and transplanted to this location!

Liberty Square Oak Tree

DID YOU KNOW? Take a look up at the windows of the buildings in Liberty Square to find a window with 2 lanterns on display. This is a nod to Paul Revere and his famous midnight ride as a possible signal to alert the Colonial soldiers the way by which the British soldiers were coming to attack: “One, if by land, and two, if by sea.” (One lantern would be displayed if the attack was coming by land, two lanterns if coming by sea.)

DID YOU KNOW? While you’re walking through Liberty Square, you should also look DOWN. The brown pathway that you see is meant to represent the (ahem) waste that used to flow through the streets during colonial times, considering that indoor plumbing didn’t exist during the era portrayed.

Liberty Square’s (ahem) Brown Pathway

P.S. This is also why there are no restrooms in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. Since public restrooms didn’t exist in colonial times, all the restrooms in this area are just outside of the boundaries of the land.

Liberty Square Shopping and Merchandise

Fans of the Haunted Mansion (and who isn’t?) MUST pay a visit to Memento Mori .

Memento Mori

The shelves are completely stocked with GHOULISH GOODIES GALORE !

You can also celebrate the Holiday Season — AND send you letter to SANTA — all year long at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe .

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

Along with oodles of ornaments and holiday decor, this Shoppe offers personalization on select items.

Customizable Plate

Additional souvenirs unique to Liberty Square are available at the Liberty Square Parasol Cart .

Haunted Mansion Parasol in Liberty Square

And you can have your silhouette created at the Liberty Square Portrait Gallery !

Liberty Square Portrait Gallery

It’s all waiting for you in Liberty Square!

Click HERE to learn more about Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

Are you ready for MORE Magic Kingdom adventures? If so, to learn more about all the other Magic Kingdom lands, click HERE !

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Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

This article discusses the Liberty Square Riverboat ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

“Welcome aboard the Liberty Belle!” That’s how the narration begins as you embark down the Rivers of America on the Liberty Square Riverboat.

This beloved steamboat attraction has quite a history. Walt Disney originally came up with the idea to build a steamboat for Disneyland. He enlisted the help of Admiral Joe Fowler, who oversaw the construction of the steamboat. That first boat was named the Mark Twain.

A duplicate attraction was built for Magic Kingdom Park. While it wasn’t an original opening day attraction, it was close. The Admiral Joe Fowler opened on October 2, 1971, a day after the park’s grand opening. Walt Disney World’s version was named to honor the man Walt hired to oversee the attractions.

Funny enough, in its first few years, Magic Kingdom didn’t have enough attractions to meet the demands of guests. So, a second boat was added in 1973, the Richard F Irvine. Unfortunately, the original Admiral Joe Fowler was damaged at some point, leaving Richard F. Irvine as the sole steamboat attraction. Then, in the 90s, Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle to make the name more relatable to the surrounding Liberty Square.

So, the current riverboat is the Liberty Belle. Fun Fact: now Magic Kingdom’s two ferries are named Admiral Joe Fowler, in honor of the retired navy admiral, and Robert F. Irvine, the construction overseer of Walt Disney World.

Let’s look at a few details about taking your own Liberty Square Riverboat voyage.

Here are a few quick reference details:

Additional Info:

Guests may remain in a wheelchair or ECV to experience this attraction. A separate waiting area is available on the lower level of the boat.

Liberty Square Riverboat

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square Riverboat attraction is in Liberty Square past The Haunted Mansion and across the walkway from Columbia Harbour House.

There’s a large covered entrance in front of the boat dock. If you were to see the boat docked and guests waiting to board, you can usually join the line and walk on in a matter of minutes.

Liberty Belle departs every hour on the hour and the half hour. Typically, this attraction is open from 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (or dusk).

Here is a view of the waiting area from the boat. Most guests will board on the second-floor deck. Guests with wheelchairs load on the first floor. All guests will unload on the first-floor deck.

When you board the Liberty Belle, you can go upstairs, downstairs, or stay on the middle deck.

If it’s not too busy, you might like to explore the steamboat.

However, if you want to stay in the shade, you’ll want to secure a spot quickly.

Or you might prefer a spot in direct sunlight.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to stand along the railings when possible. You’ll see several scenes during your trip down the river.

It takes approximately 17 minutes to travel full circle around Tom Sawyer’s Island . One of the first sights you’ll see is Harper’s Mill.

On the opposite side of the boat, you can see Frontierland.

As soon as you set sail, the narration begins. You’ll hear a recording of Captain Horace Bixby announcing that you’re setting sail. He then introduces you to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Samuel Clemens tells the story of his time on the Mississippi River.

Another fun fact, the Liberty Belle Riverboat runs on an underwater track. Unfortunately, she doesn’t run off steam.

But you wouldn’t notice this unless the attraction was under refurbishment. When that happens, Disney drains the water from the river, and you can see the track.

After passing Harper’s Mills, you’ll see Splash Mountain, soon to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, in the distance.

Liberty Belle continues past Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .

If you’re on this side of the steamboat, it’s exciting to see the train cars racing past.

Some of the other sights include:

• An early American settlement
• Native American village
• Fort Langhorn
• Wilson’s Cave Inn
• Woodland animals

There’s a nod toward Native American history.

There are also a few places to see some of the fun activities offered on the island.

As you return to the dock, a familiar sight comes into view.

Not only is the Liberty Belle a relaxing boat ride, but it also offers an exceptionally unique perspective of the Haunted Mansion.

Related: Haunted Mansion Ride Review

About this time, the Liberty Belle’s boat dock comes into view. As always, it was a nice reprieve from the theme park’s crowds.

Sadly, it’s time to disembark.

Hopefully, this review encourages you to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat on your next vacation. She is a beautiful vessel.

For more information, we have an entire list of rides at Magic Kingdom . Or you might like these individual rides:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride
• Country Bear Jamboree
• The Hall of Presidents at Disney World
• Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom

Are you planning a visit to the Disney Parks? You might enjoy browsing our list of Disney Hotel reviews . That article gives a brief overview of every resort at Disney.

For planning dining reservations, these are our most popular guides:

• Disney Restaurant Reviews
• Disney World Character Dining Guide
• Disney Signature Dining Restaurants
• Best Restaurants at Disney Springs
• Best Table Service Restaurants at Disney

If you plan to meet characters in the parks, there’s an updated list of  characters at Disney World . That review links to every meet available in each park.

In the Comments

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Liberty Square Riverboat Overview | Disney’s Magic Kingdom Attractions

Take a relaxing boat ride with rare sights on the Rivers of America when you ride the Liberty Square Riverboat!

Attraction Overview

Hop aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom for a relaxing boat ride. On this 17-minute trip on the Rivers of America, you experience this part of the park like never before. This tour of Liberty Square and Frontierland is about a half-mile long. Because this boat ride takes you around Tom Sawyer Island , it is narrated by the novel’s author: Mark Twain. During your ride down the river, the classic American novelist shares his own memories of growing up on the Mississippi.

In addition to nostalgic stories from Mr. Twain, the Liberty Square Riverboat provides views that you and your family just can’t miss! Experience the beginnings of the American frontier such as an early American settlement, an idyllic Native American village, and woodland animals. You will also come upon iconic locations from Tom Sawyer like Harper’s Mill, Fort Langhorn, and Wilson’s Cave Inn. On top of all these sights, you see news sides of Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain , and Haunted Mansion .

The Liberty Square Riverboat uses a real steam engine to give tours on the Rivers of America. The water from the river is converted into steam which provides power to the boat’s paddlewheel. Even though a steam engine is used, the Liberty Square Riverboat does operate on a track. With 4 decks on this 47-foot boat, it can move lots of guests around the river.

Location & Wait Times

The Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom. The entrance is located along the river next to the Haunted Mansion. It travels around Tom Sawyer Island on the Rivers of America. Along this path, you experience both Liberty Square and Frontierland. This ride is about 17-minutes long. Despite this, the Liberty Square Riverboat departs every 30 minutes (on the hour and half hour). With this schedule, the longest you will have to wait is likely 30 minutes or less.

Queue Experience

There is no true queue for the Liberty Square Riverboat. Instead, there is a small holding area where you can wait prior to boarding. To enter this waiting, look for the awning pictured below. This is the entrance to the attraction which can be found next to the queue entrance for Haunted Mansion.

Emily Murray

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53 Years Gone: Disney Announces Historic Overhaul of Magic Kingdom

in Walt Disney World

It soon will no longer be “Main Street, U.S.A.,” “Liberty Square,” “Frontierland,” “Adventureland,” “Tomorrowland,” and “Fantasyland” at Magic Kingdom Park.

There are big projects on the horizon for Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park, and it all starts in Frontierland . After Splash Mountain’s 1992 opening at Magic Kingdom, the attraction quickly became a favorite among Disney World guests. Now, fast-forward 32 years, and the water flume attraction has been closed down permanently, a nd a new ride is set to take over its space.

Of course, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure isn’t the only major new attraction coming to the Disney park in the near future.

Just recently, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro was spotted filming outside of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. As you can see in the video, it would stand to reason that there are major developments on the horizon for the attraction, which is set to open this coming summer.

Josh D’Amaro filming something at Tiana’s 👀 by u/CamG__ in DisneyWorld

In previous comments, D’Amaro has shared details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but what has intrigued more fans has been the upcoming project, titled “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.”

Magic Kingdom as we know it is coming to an end

There have always been updates to attractions– or changes– to Magic Kingdom, but over its history of more than five decades, the Disney World park has remained largely unchanged in terms of its lands and layout. Yes, Fantasyland was expanded back in 2012, and Toontown was demolished. Even then, though, the lands remained the same.

Even as new attractions have been introduced– whether it be The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or TRON Lightcycle / Run– they’ve always been introduced to an already-established land. What makes the expansion for “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” so intriguing is that this will be an entirely new land, overhauling the layout and what we’ve come to know about Magic Kingdom for more than five decades.

Just recently, X account @bioreconstruct posted an aerial photo of the Disney World theme park in which we can see just how vast and massive a land expansion could be.

Aerial overview of the Magic Kingdom area from 3100 feet. pic.twitter.com/s0c3vByDFK — bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 7, 2024

It’s not just the fact that a major expansion is coming. It’s the fact that it could become the single-largest land inside the historic Disney World theme park. That’s notable and certainly something that fans should be keeping their eyes on as Disney World moves forward with its expansion plans, in total worth $60 billion at Walt Disney World Resort.

Nothing has been finalized regarding what kind of land could come to Magic Kingdom. Josh D’Amaro teased Encanto , Coco , and Disney Villains nearly two years ago . With Bob Iger at the helm, the overarching belief is that it will be focused on some IP (intellectual property), but it still remains to be determined what direction Disney will take.

How to best maximize your time in Magic Kingdom

When visiting Magic Kingdom Park, it’s crucial to arrive early to maximize your time. Consider booking a breakfast reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant, located in the iconic Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Not only does this offer a unique dining experience, but it also grants you early access to the Disney World park, allowing you to get ahead of the crowds.

Once inside the park, prioritize your must-see attractions and book Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane attractions when possible. While classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain are undoubtedly popular, don’t overlook hidden gems like Tom Sawyer Island or The Enchanted Tiki Room. These attractions often have shorter wait times and provide a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy. For a break from the rides, explore the various themed lands and indulge in some lesser-known experiences. Wander through Adventureland and stop by the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen for a meal inspired by the world-famous Jungle Cruise.

To beat the heat and recharge, take advantage of the park’s indoor attractions and shows. Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Fantasyland offers a 3D musical adventure starring Disney characters, while Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland provides a nostalgic journey through the evolution of technology. As the day winds down, secure a spot for the nighttime spectacular, Happily Ever After. This breathtaking fireworks and projection show transforms Cinderella Castle into a canvas of Disney magic, featuring beloved characters and memorable moments from Disney films.

If you’re not into Happily Ever After, though, use this time to ride attractions and enjoy shorter wait times.

What do you think Disney will do to Magic Kingdom in the future? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!