Changes

Jump to: navigation, search

Liberty Square Riverboat

4,306 bytes added, 23:41, 14 June 2021
/* Attraction Plot */
The Liberty Belle Riverboat is an attraction located in [[Liberty Square]].
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
| image=Libertyday.jpg
| duration=25:00
|custom_label_1 = Previous Name
|custom_value_1 = Admiral Joe Fowler (October 2, 1971- Fall 1980) (Retired) <br> Admiral Richard F. Irvine (1973-1996)|custom_label_2= FastPass +|custom_value_2= No
}}
The Liberty Belle Riverboat is an attraction located in [[Liberty Square]].
==Attraction History==
The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the few attractions that can trace its history back to before Walt Disney even created Disneyland. In fact, Walt Disney initially came up with an idea for a "Mississippi Steamboat" attraction to be housed at the Disney Studio in Burbank, California <ref name="Jack1"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_1_1.html</ref>. Although it was soon apparent that the Burbank Studio did not have the land necessarily to build the attraction, the idea was carried over to Disneyland. In order to create the riverboat attraction (which was soon called the Mark Twain Riverboat) Disney had to construct the first American made, working steamboat in 50 years <ref name="Jack1" />. With funds coming directly from Walt himself, Admiral Joe Fowler oversaw the construction of both the attraction's riverboat and dry dock (located in the Rivers of America). The Mark Twain itself was built in two separate pieces, with the hull being constructed in San Pedro, California and deck being built at the Disney Studios in Burbank. Finally, the ship was put together in Disneyland (with the pieces fitting together perfectly) and The Mark Twin Riverboat was up and running on July 17, 1955 (the opening day of Disneyland) <ref name=Jack1 /> <ref> http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/308/Disneyland-Resort/Disneyland-Park/Frontierland/Mark-Twain-Riverboat </ref>.
The beginning of Like many other Disneyland attractions, the Liberty Square Mark Twain Riverboat, can was selected to be traced all the way back to before there was Disneyland. duplicated for Walt Disney came up with an idea for a "Mississippi Steamboat" attraction at his Burbank StudiosWorld. Although The East Coast version of the Burbank Studios did not have attraction was renamed the land necessarily Admiral Joe Fowler in tribute to build the attraction, the idea was carried over man who had helped to create Disneyland. and Walt himself helped fund Disney World (as well as the attractionRiverboat attractions) <ref name="FowlerDatedWorld"> https://waltdatedworld.com/id141.html</ref>. Although not quite ready for opening day, which required the construction of the first American made working steamboat in 50 years. Admiral Joe Fowler, oversaw Riverboat opened one day after the construction of the attractionpark, including a dry dock located in the Rivers of Americaon October 2, 1971. The Mark Twain, as After the boat was called in Disneyland was built in two separate pieces. The hull was built in San PedroJoe Fowler Riverboat opened, California while live entertainment could often be found on the ship’s deck was built at (due to the Disney Studios in Burbank. Finally, the ship was put together in Disneyland, and the pieces fit fact that there were not that many sights for guests to perfection. The Mark Twin Riverboat was up and running see on the opening day Rivers of DisneylandAmerica) <ref name=FowlerDatedWorld/>.
Like many other Disneyland Since Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractionsto meet demand, in 1973 a second steamboat was built. Known as the Mark Twain Riverboat Richard F. Irvine, the new steamboat was selected to duplicated for named after Richard Irvine who oversaw the unopened planning and construction of Walt Disney World. The riverboat was renamed Besides their names, the only difference between the two steamboats was that Admiral Joe Fowlerhad two smokestacks, in tribute to while the man who had helped create both Disneyland and Walt Disney WorldRichard F. The Joe Fowler Riverboat opened Irvine only had one day after the park on October 2, 1971<ref name= Jack1/>. Due to the fact that their not much to see on the Rivers of America When they ran together, Liberty Square's riverboats were staggered in Walt Disney Worldtheir departure times, live entertainment could often be found on so that when one boat was circling Tom Sawyer Island the ships deckother boat would be unloading and loading new guests.
Since Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractions The first major change to meet demand, in 1973 a second steamboat was built, known as the Richard F. Irvine. The new steamboat was named after Richard Irvine who oversaw the planning and construction of Walt Disney World. The only difference between the two steamboats was that Admiral Joe Fowler had two smokestacks, while the Richard F. Irvine only had one. The two steamboats were staggered Liberty Square Riverboats came in there departure times, so that when one boat was circling Tom Sawyer's Island the other boat would be unloading and loading new guests1980.  Disaster struck in 1980, the attraction when the hull of the Admiral Joe Fowler was badly damaged while entering a back lot backlot, dry dock<ref> http://www.wdwradio. The exact com/2007/09/liberty-square-riverboat/ </ref>. Although the circumstances of the accident are unclear. One , one source says that the hull was damaged while being lifted by a crane, while another . Another source says states however, that it was split while water was being drained from the dry dock. Either way, it was Disney decided that ship they would not be restored. Although repair the broken ship, and although the exact location of the ships ship’s hull and decks are unknown, we do know that the boats machinery was sent to Tokyo and used in their steamship<ref name= FowlerDatedWorld/> <ref> http://meettheworldinprogressland. The blogspot.com/2010/02/walt-disney-world-steamboats-of-magic.html </ref>. Furthermore, the bell from the Admiral Joe Fowler was added to the #4 engine (the Roy O. Disney) on the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]].  ===Name Change===In 1996, after (following a refurbishment) the Richard F. Irvine was refurbishedrenamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat however the ship itself was renamed the Liberty Belle. The name change was done to both make the attraction's name easier to remember, and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square<ref name= Jack1/>. In order to keep the names of Joe Fowler and Richard Irvine alive in Walt Disney World, in 1999 two ferries that run from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom were renamed in their honor<ref> http://www.wcdept478.com/AbouttheFB.htm </ref>.
==Ship Structure==
The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a three deck working steamship that has a maximum capacity of 450 people<ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/lib-riverboat.htm </ref>. Guests enter the ship on the middle deck, which features a sitting room, and an outside wheelhouse , and the captains captain's quarters. Sometimes one lucky family is selected to ride the boat in the captains captain's quarters.
The On the bottom deck of the boat, is where guests scan can see the ships ship's boiler and pistons. The lower deck is also the location of a recently added "viewing platform"<ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html </ref>. Located at the front of the ship, the platform allows guests to get great views of all the attractions attraction's scenes. Finally, on the top deck, guests get the best view of the various sights. There is also limited seating available here.
Although a functioning steamship, the Liberty Square Riverboat is guided on an "I-beam" track that is hidden by the Rivers of America's murky water. The boat is also staffed by two crew members. The ride operator, who sits on the ship's top deck where he rings the bell, triggers the narration and blows the whistle. Down in the ship's boiler room, the engineer controls the ship's speed. As previously noted, the Liberty Square Riverboat is a working steamship, and thus the boat is propelled by the paddle wheel that is itself propelled by the steam engine <ref> http://www.disneydining.com/7-amazing-features-of-the-liberty-square-riverboat/ </ref>.
==Attraction Plot==
[[Image:BeaconJOe.jpg|thumb|360px|Beacon Joe as seen from the Liberty Square Riverboat. Photo by Lauren Javier]]The attraction Liberty Square Riverboat begins with the boats captain, Horace Bixby , making sure that everyone is aboard, all cargo is secure and before telling the crew to put the boat in motion. His leadsman then to sound sounds off, and (to get a depth reading. Finally ), before the engine room puts the boat in motion and . Horace Bixby then addresses the guests, saying:
{{Quotation| "Welcome aboard the Liberty Belle, I'm your captain Horace Bixby and my pilot with me here on the Texas Deck is a young cub that goes by the name of Samuel Clemens."}}
The It turns out that this trip aboard the Liberty Belle is the 100th journey for young Sam Clemens, who knows claims to know the Rivers of America like the back of his hand. Before the Belle leaves port, Sam warns guests to stay behind the railings, as the river pirates are known to lurk around these waters.
The first sight that guests can see from the Liberty Belle, is Fronteirland[[Frontierland]]. Sam comments that Fronteirland Frontierland was once just a boom town, and although there are still a few trappers, prospectors , and Indians, the town is well on its way to becoming a big city. He Sam also mentions that the large peak in the town is known as [[Chick-A-Pin Hill, or at least was]]. It seems that the dam atop the hill has burst, and people have begun to ride carved out logs over the ledge. NextContinuing on, the boat passes Sam's "old stomping ground", [[Tom Sawyers Sawyer Island]]. Sam says that the only way to get to the island is by raft, and he points before pointing out points parts of interest the island including, : Muff Potters Potter's Pond, Harper's Mill, Tom's Landing, and Huck's Landing. It (it seems that Tom, Huck and Sam used to explore the island quite a bit while looking for adventure).
Turning guests guest's attention port side, Sam next points out [[Big Thunder Mountain]], before giving guests a little bit of history behind the attraction. It seems Sam explains that the water gets so hot over by the attraction that geysers erupt. Indians used to the think that the geysers were spirits, and the also they named the mountain, Big “Big Thunder Mountain Mountain” because of the rain that would come from it. When Later, when prospectors and settlers came to the area and were blasting in the mountain, the name stuck. Sam does goes on to warn guestshowever, that there has not been blasting in the mountain in some time. Instead , all he hears now are ghost stories about spirits and runaway mine trains.
The As the boat continues its journey, the next sight that guests can see, is Beacon Joe and his dog Rufus in front of his bait shop. Sam informs guests that Beacon Joe has been marking the river for as long as he can remember. Further down the bank, Powhatan Indians are gathering. , and Captain Bixby explains that although he has seen various Indian tribes , (including the Seminole, Black Feet, and Crow tribes) Powhatan Indians are not usually found this far west. Sam suggests that since there are so many animals in the area, they are simply following the food. [[Image:IndianVillage.jpg|thumb|380px|The Indian village as seen from the Liberty Square Riverboat. Photo by Daryl Mitchell]]
Continuing on, the boat passes an unidentified Indian village. The captain informs guest that the Indians were not sure what to make of the steamboat originally. The , and they called the ship a "fire canoe" and comet “comet of sunsun”. Scenes in the village include Indians cooking, trading, washing , and also two kids working on canoes. Past the village is , guests see the Indian burial ground where the captain explains that the Indians lay their dead warriors on a "Bed of Death" and mourn them after nightfall.
Further down theriver, the Liberty Belle reaches Cutthroat Corner. Sam tells riders that Cutthroat Corner, is the most likely place to find river pirates. Sure enough, pirates can be heard coming from Wilson's Cave. ; however Sam tells guests however gusts that based on the sounds coming out of the cave, "their interests lie elsewhere". Looking back towards Tom Sawyer Island, guests can see Fort Laghorn, which Sam explains began as a trading post before becoming a port.
Before returning to portin [[Liberty Square]], the leadsman calls out one more time , and the Liberty Belle passes the [[Haunted Mansion]]. Sam says informs guests that rumor has it that the mansion was built on Indian burial ground, and now 999 ghosts haunt it. He says however, that he does not believe in these stories, (insinuating that the people who say they've seen ghosts , have been drinking). Finally , the Liberty Belle reaches port and Sam and Captain Bixby say goodbye and dock as the boatdocks.
If you want to hear the Liberty Belle Square Riverboat narration , click below:
<flashmp3>Liberty.mp3</flashmp3>
==Changes in the Script==
The narration aboard the Liberty Belle has grown and changed with the expansion of Frontierland. References to [[Tom Sawyer Island]], [[Splash Mountain]], and [[Big Thunder Mountain Railroad]] have all been added to the script since Riverboats opened.
The narration aboard the Liberty Belle, has grown and changed with the expansion of Frontierland. Tom Sawyer Island, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have all been added to the Liberty Belle Riverboat.  In 1992, the Powhatan Indians were added to the attraction in order to tie the ride in with both the new Disney movie Pocahontas, as well as with the [[Walt Disney World RadioRailroad]] <ref> http://land.  Before 2005, a burning cabin was seen beyond Fort Langhornallears. Here guests would see the cabin on fire, and a settler laying on the ground with an arrow through him. The narration would comment on how the settler was a victim of an Indian attack. Later, the scene was changed so that the arrow was removed, and the narration commented that the settler drank too much moonshine. Finally, in 2005 the effect was removed, due to corrosion in the pipes. Now the cabin is deserted and no mention of it is madenet/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2. html </ref>
Before 2005, a burning cabin was seen beyond Fort Langhorn. Here guests would see the cabin on fire, and a settler lying on the ground with an arrow through him. The narration would comment on how the settler was a victim of an Indian attack. Later, the scene was changed so that the arrow was removed, and the narration commented that the settler had drank too much moonshine. Finally, in 2005 the effect was removed altogether, due to corrosion in the pipes that created the effect <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/burningcabin.html </ref>. Now when the Liberty Belle passes by, the cabin is deserted and no mention of it is made. In 2014, a new effect was added to the cabin, so that it now looks like it is smoking. Although this creates the illusion that the cabin is on fire, actual flames are now longer used in the effect <ref> http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/new-smoking-settlers-cabin-formerly-burning-as-seen-from-liberty-belle-riverboat.887061/ </ref>.
==Historical References On The Attraction==
[[Image:Libertynarratorsjpg.jpeg|400px|thumb|Horace Bixby (left) and Samuel Clemens (right) serve as the narrators on the Liberty Square Riverboat]]
*Sam Clemens the pilot on the Liberty Belle , is better known as American writer Mark Twain. Twain was known as a lover of steamship's steamships (specifically those on the Mississippi River, ) and did actually captain some steamships himself. In Disneyland, the attraction is known as the Mark Twain Riverboat.
*Captain Horace Bixby, the Liberty Belle's captain , was a real steamboat captain on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard the Paul Jones (a steamboat), and Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. Some 21 years after this meeting, the now famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain the captain in St. Louis. Twain talks about Captain Bixby in his book, "Life on the Mississippi"<ref> http://www.twainquotes.com/19020608.html </ref>.
*Crates located on the banks of Frontierland have the name "Tell City Tool Co." on them. Tell City is real town located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Indiana. Tell City was one of the United States ' first "planned cities", and attracted many settlers with free land. The only stipulation for the land, was that settlers had to build a house worth at least $125.000. In the early days of the town, steamship was the only mode of transportationavailable, so the town was an obvious choice for addition to the attraction<ref> http://www.williamtellantiques.com/history-of-tell-city.html </ref>.
*Wilson's Cave is a reference to the real river pirate Jim Wilson. In the 1790's Jim Wilson opened Wilson's Liqueur Vault on the Ohio River in Illinois. Wilson would lure guests into what is now known as the "Cave-In-Rock" cave, and rob or even kill them<ref> http://thesouthern.com/progress/section3/pirates-ruled-the-river-at-cave-in-rock/article_c7f2efcc-f411-11e0-a81c-001cc4c03286.html </ref>.
*The Leadsman, was a crew member who would call out the depth of the water, when the water got shallow. One fathom equals six feet, two fathoms equal Mark Twain (on the attraction at least). [[Image<ref> http:Libertynight//www.jpg|thumb|A closeup of the Liberty Belle at nightboatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/marktwain.htm </ref>.]]
==Sam Clemens' Sayings==
During Throughout the narration of on the Liberty Belle, Sam Clemens gives various philosophical sayings. All though Although these phrases were not actually spoken by Mark Twain, they are written to give the character a similar personality. Sayings Sam Clemens says on the attraction include:
*"Well now I always figure it is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid, then to open it and remove all doubt."
*One of the crates on the Frontierland bank says "71" in honor of the year the Magic Kingdom opened.
*Another crate says Russel’s Falls, the this crate is named after Davy Crockett's sidekick George E. Russel<ref> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html </ref>.
*An Audio Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe's will turn its head as a fish jumps by.
 
*The Liberty Belle Riverboat's landing building is one of the few buildings in the Magic Kingdom that does not use forced perspective. This may have been done to hide the riverboat itself from guests in Liberty Square (where a steam powered riverboat would not fit the land's theming). <ref> http://www.wdwradio.com/2014/10/show-382-rivers-america-virtual-trip-history-details-recorded-live-walt-disney-world/ </ref>
 
* Inside the Liberty Belle's Salon, you can find a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by the attraction's narrator Samuel Clemens.
 
==Watch the Attraction!==
If you want to see the sights that the Liberty Belle Square Riverboat has to offer, click below. The narration is not included in the video.
{{#ev:youtube|lQ4zeBzfJuw|420}}
==Official Website==
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/liberty-square-riverboat/
==References==
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html
 
http://www.twainquotes.com/19020608.html