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It’s time to take a leisurely cruise around the Rivers of America as we head to Magic Kingdom to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat on this episode of Attraction Checklist.

Attraction audio recorded on June 6, 2024.

TRANSCRIPT:

Welcome to Attraction Checklist.

This episode we’re going to hop aboard the Liberty Belle for a cruise on the Liberty Square Riverboat.

The Walt Disney World website describes this attraction saying: Cruise the scenic Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.  There are no age or height requirements for this attraction and the thrill level describes the attraction as being a slow ride.

Before we shove off, here are five fast facts about the Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom.

1. The Liberty Square Riverboat attraction opened at Walt Disney World on October 2, 1971.  The first boat that served was called the Admiral Joe Fowler, named after Joe Fowler who was in charge of construction at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.  In 1973, a second river boat was added named the Richard F. Irvine.  In 1986, that boat was renamed to Liberty Belle which still runs the Rivers of America today.  An interesting note is that the original boat, the Admiral Joe Fowler was damaged in a dry dock incident and was retired in 1980.  

2. The Liberty Belle is a steam-powered sternwheeler replica.  Sternwheeler means there is one paddle wheel on the rear or stern of the ship.  A steam engine pulled water from the river to turn into steam to power the paddlewheel.

3.  The Liberty Belle is 47 feet tall and features four decks for guests to visit during the ride.

4. During the 17 minute trip, a narrator, in the in the voice of Mark Twain points out the sights guests see as they travel down the river including an early American settlement, a Native American village and Big Thunder Mountain.

5. The captain on the narration track is named Horace Bixby who was a real riverboat captain who mentored Samuel Clemons aka Mark Twain.

Let’s head to Liberty Square for a ride on the Liberty Belle.  After the ride audio I’ll give you my thoughts on this attraction.  This is a binaural recording so if you have headphone put them on now as we ride Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square Riverboat!

The attraction audio recorded for this episode is available exclusively to the Saturday Morning Media Patreon Patrons.  Support the show and get fun Bonus content over at http://www.patreon.com/saturdaymorningmedia

Episode edited by Stephen Staver

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SOURCES:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/liberty-square-riverboat/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Belle_Riverboat

https://touringplans.com/blog/five-things-to-know-about-the-liberty-square-riverboat/

Show ©2025 Saturday Morning Media/Grant Baciocco