The Tomorrowland Speedway Liberty Belle Riverboat is an attraction located in [[TomorrowlandLiberty Square]].{{Template:Infobox Disney ride || image=SpeedwayLibertyday.jpg| caption='''The Entrance to Liberty Belle on the Tomorrowland SpeedwayRivers of America.'''| opened=October 1st, 1971| duration=3:50| number_of_vehiclesland=146Liberty Square
| park= Magic Kingdom
| landopened=TomorrowlandOctober 2, 1971| vehicle_typeduration=Mark VII | based_on=Indianapolis Motor Speedway25:00| custom_label_1= Track Length | custom_value_1= .4 miles| height_requirement= 52|custom_label_2 = Previous Name|custom_value_2 custom_value_1 = Grand Prix Raceway Admiral Joe Fowler (October 2, 1971-1996Fall 1980) (Retired)Tomorrowland Indy Speedway Admiral Richard F. Irvine (19961973-20091996)
}}
==Attraction History==
Like many early Magic Kingdom attractions, what would eventually be known as the Tomorrowland Speedway, actually traces its origin back to Disney. The Tomorrowland Speedway’s predecessor was an attraction known as Autopia. Located in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, Autopia allowed guests to board cars and travel on the highway of the future (Disneyland’s Autopia opened before President Eisenhower signed Interstate Highway legislation into law). The attraction proved to be extremely popular in California, and thus it was an obvious choice for addition in Walt Disney World.
The Magic Kingdom’s version of Autopia opened as the Grand Prix Raceway with the rest of the park on October 1, 1971. Unlike the Disneyland version of the ride which was themed to look like a futuristic highway, the Grand Prix Raceway was instead created to look like an international car race. The Grand Prix Raceway was originally sponsored by Goodyear, who supplied tires for all of the attraction vehicles.
Although the basic idea The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the Grand Prix Raceway has not changed since few attractions that can trace its openinghistory back to before Walt Disney even created Disneyland. In fact, the name and theming of the Walt Disney initially came up with an idea for a "Mississippi Steamboat" attraction have. The first change to be housed at the Grand Prix Raceway came Disney Studio in 1973Burbank, when the track was expandedCalifornia. By 1987 however Although it was soon apparent that the Burbank Studio did not have the land necessarily to build the attraction, the track idea was shortened carried over to make room for Mickey's BirthdaylandDisneyland. In 1996 order to create the riverboat attraction (which was renamed soon called the Tomorrowland Indy SpeedwayMark Twain Riverboat) Disney had to construct the first American made, working steamboat in 50 years. With funds coming directly from Walt himself, Admiral Joe Fowler oversaw the construction of both the attraction's riverboat and it dry dock (located in the Rivers of America). The Mark Twain itself was given new futuristic theming to coincide built in two separate pieces, with the "New Tomorrowland". In 1999 Disney hull being constructed in San Pedro, California and deck being built at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that they would partner Disney Studios in Burbank. Finally, the ship was put together to change in Disneyland (with the theme of pieces fitting together perfectly) and The Mark Twin Riverboat was up and running on July 17, 1955 (the Tomorrowland Indy Speedwayopening day of Disneyland). Famous items from the Indianapolis Speedway were added to the attraction including:
*Like many other Disneyland attractions, the Mark Twain Riverboat was selected to be duplicated for Walt Disney World. The Yard East Coast version of Bricksthe attraction was renamed the Admiral Joe Fowler in tribute to the man who had helped to create Disneyland and Walt Disney World (as well as the Riverboat attractions). Although not quite ready for opening day, the Joe Fowler Riverboat opened one day after the park, on October 2, 1971. After the Joe Fowler Riverboat opened, live entertainment could often be found on the ship’s deck (due to the fact that there were not that many sights for guests to see on the Rivers of America).
*The Scoring PylonSince Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractions 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. Besides their names, the only difference between the two steamboats was that Admiral Joe Fowler had two smokestacks, while the Richard F. Irvine only had one. When they ran together, Liberty Square’s riverboats were staggered in their departure times, so that when one boat was circling Tom Sawyer's Island the other boat would be unloading and loading new guests.
*Gasoline AlleyThe first major change to the Liberty Square riverboat’s came in 1980. Disaster struck the attraction when the hull of the Admiral Joe Fowler was badly damaged while entering a backlot, dry dock. Although the circumstances of the accident are unclear, one source says that the hull was damaged while being lifted by a crane. Another source states however, that it was split while water was being drained from the dry dock. Either way, Disney decided that they would not repair the broken shop, and although the exact location of the ship’s hull and decks are unknown, we do know that the boats machinery was sent to Tokyo and used in their steamship. Furthermore, the bell from the Admiral Joe Fowler was added to the #4 engine (the Roy O. Disney) on the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]].
*The "Wheels and Wings" logo===Name Change===
AlsoIn 1996 (following a refurbishment) the Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle, panels of and the Indy 500attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat. The name change was done to both make the attraction's name easier to remember, Brickyard 400 and to tie the Grand Prix Raceway boat in with Liberty Square. 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.. ==Ship Structure==The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a three deck working steamship that has a maximum capacity of 450 people. Guests enter the ship on the middle deck, which features a sitting room, and outside wheelhouse and the captains quarters. Sometimes one lucky family is selected to ride the boat in the captains quarters. The bottom deck of the boat, is where guests scan see the ships boiler and pistons. The lower deck is also the location of a recently added "viewing platform". Located at the front of the ship, the platform allows guests to get great views of all the loading areaattractions scenes. Finally, on the top deck, guests get the best view of the various sights. There is also limited seating available here.
In 2009 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended their sponsorship of the attraction and the the "Indy" was dropped from the name of the attraction. Although now sponsorless, the theming of the Speedway remains the same.
==Attraction Plot==
The Tomorrowland Speedway allows guests to drive their own "race cars" around a 4/10 mileattraction begins with the boats captain, four lane track. A guide rail keeps each guest in his or her laneHorace Bixby making sure that everyone is aboard, but can lead to a sometimes bumpy ride. The attraction all cargo is especially popular among younger guests who cannot yet drive a real car. The Tomorrowland Speedway is themed secure and telling the crew to resemble put the famous Indianapolis Speedwayboat in motion. To add His leadsman then to the illusionsound off, environmental sounds from a race track are actually pumped in through speakers in each car. The cars are also equipped with an acceleration pedal and to get a steering wheel (the cars reach top speeds of 7depth reading.5 mph). Famous announcer Tom Carnegie can be heard announcing Finally the "race" as cars travel around engine room puts the track, which takes minutes to complete. At boat in motion and Horace Bixby addresses the end of the race, a checkered flag waves for every rider.guests:
==See The Attraction!==To see {{Quotation| "Welcome aboard the Tomorrowland Speedway click play belowLiberty 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."}}
{{#ev:youtube|3ZB7UkQx_rM|420}}The trip aboard the Liberty Belle is the 100th journey for young Sam Clemens, who knows 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. Sam comments that Fronteirland was once just a boom town, and although a few trappers, prospectors and Indians, the town is well on its way to becoming a big city. He 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 burst, and people have begun to ride carved out logs over the ledge. Next, the boat passes Sam's "old stomping ground", Tom Sawyers Island. Sam says that the only way to get to the island is by raft, and he points out points of interest including, Muff Potters Pond, Harper's Mill, Tom's Landing, and Huck's Landing. It seems that Tom, Huck and Sam used to explore the island quite a bit while looking for adventure.
Turning guests attention port side, Sam next points out Big Thunder Mountain. It seems 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 named the mountain, Big Thunder Mountain because of the rain that would come from it. When prospectors and settlers came to the area and were blasting in the mountain, the name stuck. Sam does warn guests, that there has not been blasting in the mountain in some time. Instead all he hears are ghost stories about spirits and runaway mine trains.
==Fun Facts The next sight that guests can see, is Beacon Joe and Trivia==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. 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.
* From 1994-2009 when guests rode Continuing on, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority over boat passes an unidentified Indian village. The captain informs guest that the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, MrIndians were not sure what to make of the steamboat originally. Johnson would give The called the ship a traffic report. He would always say: "Hi there Tomorrowland travelersfire canoe" and comet of sun. This is Mr. Johnson Scenes in Skyview Hovercraft One, bringing you the latest Tomorrowland traffic report. As usualvillage include Indians cooking, everything trading, washing and two kids working on canoes. Past the village is perfect the Indian burial ground where the captain explains the Indians lay their dead warriors on Tommorowland’s Super Highwaysa "Bed of Death" and mourn them after nightfall.
* MrFurther down the, the Liberty Belle reaches Cutthroat Corner. Johnson Sam tells riders that Cutthroat Corner, is actually a reference the most likely place to a character find river pirates. Sure enough, pirates can be heard coming from Mission to MarsWilson's Cave. Sam tells guests however 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 former Tomorrowland attractionport.
* There is a sponsor lounge in Before returning to port, the control towerleadsman calls out one more time and the Liberty Belle passes the Haunted Mansion. Sam says that rumor has it the mansion was built on Indian burial ground, near 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 front of Liberty Belle reaches port and Sam and Captain Bixby say goodbye and dock the attractionboat.
* Al Unserbot is If you want to hear the official host of the Tomorrowland Indy 500.Liberty Belle narration click below:
* Al Unserbot Jr. is the 4 time winner of the Constellation Cup<flashmp3>Liberty.mp3</flashmp3>
==ReferencesChanges in the Script==
http://allearsThe narration aboard the Liberty Belle, has grown and changed with the expansion of Frontierland.net/tp/mk/mk_speedTom Sawyer Island, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have all been added to the Liberty Belle Riverboat.htm
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 Railroad. Before 2005, a burning cabin was seen beyond Fort Langhorn. 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 made. ==Historical References On The Attraction== *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 specifically those on the Mississippi River, and did 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 in St. Louis. Twain talks about Captain Bixby in his book, "Life on the Mississippi". *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 transportation, so the town was an obvious choice for addition to the attraction. *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. *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:Libertynight.jpg|thumb|A closeup of the Liberty Belle at night.]] ==Sam Clemens' Sayings== During the narration of the Liberty Belle, Sam Clemens gives various philosophical sayings. All though these phrases were not actually spoken by Mark Twain, they are written to give the character a similar personality. Sayings Sam Clemens says 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." *"It seems to me that when I was younger, I could remember everything whether it happened or not. But as I grow older I seem to remember only the things that never happened at all." *All my life it seems I could never tell a lie that anybody could doubt, nor a truth that anybody could believe." *"Believe me when I tell you, truth is the most valuable thing we have, so I make sure I only use it with economy." *"I was born humble captain, but mostly it's worn off." *"I believe we ought never to do wrong captain, especially when others are looking." *"My feeling is these days there's a lot less frontier and a lot more civilization than is truly necessarily." ==Trivia==*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 crate is named after Davy Crockett's sidekick George E. Russel. *An Audio Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe's will turn its head as a fish jumps by.==Watch the Attraction!== If you want to see the sights that the Liberty Belle has to offer, click below. The narration is not included in the video. {{#ev:youtube|lQ4zeBzfJuw|420}} ==References==http://disneyworldland.disneyallears.go.comnet/parksblogs/magic-kingdomjackspence/attractions2010/tomorrowland-speedway03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html
http://www.wdwradiotwainquotes.com/2007/09/tomorrowland-indy-speedway/s19020608.html
