Rivers of America

 

Rivers of America

Tragically, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom closed the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle Riverboat on July 7, 2025.  With the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade the previous year, this is a devastating blow to Frontierland.    I am grateful that my teenagers were able to visit the area last Christmas.  Though very low-tech compared to attractions like "Rise of the Resistance," they enjoyed the simple pleasure of running around and exploring.  

In my Disney Park, the steamboat is named "Steamboat Willie," in honor of one of Walt's most famous creations.  There are three ways to get to Tom Sawyer Island from the Frontierland mainland: the Mike Fink Keel Boats, the Huck Finn Rafts, and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.  Each of these is based on a real mode of transportation from the California or Florida parks.  The Tuscarora, a sailing vessel associated with the folklore of Alfred Bulltop Stormalong, shares the Rivers of America with Steamboat Willie.  It's modeled after the Columbia sailing ship, an attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim.  Tom Sawyer Island includes a number of features, including a burning cabin, a fort, a mill, and "Mickey Moose."  The John Henry diorama can be seen from both the Tuscarora and Steamboat Willie.
 
Attractions

Tom Sawyer Island Journey across the Rivers of America and discover an idyllic place influenced by the works of Mark Twain. Arrive at Tom’s Landing and embark on a self-guided expedition into the heart of early America.   Closes at dusk. 

Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, Mike Fink Keelboats, Huck Finn Rafts Unique watercraft transportation from the Fokeloreland mainland to Tom Sawyer Island.  Closes at dusk. 

Captain Stormalong's Sailing Ship Come aboard Captain Alfred Bulltop Stormalong’s Tuscarora for a journey down the Rivers of America.  But watch out for the Kracken.  You may get wet!

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

Character Greetings

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Catch them on Tom Sawyer Island if you can.

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