Difference between pages "Impressions de France" and "Liberty Square Riverboat"

From The Mickey Wiki: Your Walt Disney World Encyclopedia!
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Film Credits)
 
 
Line 1: Line 1:
−
Impressions de France is an attraction located within the [[France]] pavilion in World Showcase.
 
−
 
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
 
{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
−
| image=Impressionsfrance.jpg
+
| image=Libertyday.jpg
−
| caption='''The entrance sign for Impressions de France'''
+
| caption='''The Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America.'''
−
| opened= October 1, 1982
+
| land=Liberty Square
−
| type= Travelogue Film
+
| park= Magic Kingdom
−
| park= Epcot
+
| opened= October 2, 1971
−
| duration=18:00
+
| duration=25:00
−
| theme= Survey of France
+
|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_label_2= FastPass +
 
|custom_value_2= No
 
|custom_value_2= No
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
+
The Liberty Belle Riverboat is an attraction located in [[Liberty Square]].
 
==Attraction History==
 
==Attraction History==
−
Although Disney had always planned on creating a travelogue movie for the France pavilion, Impressions de France went through many changes before making its debut. Original models for the France pavilion show the Palais du Cinema (which houses the film) as being round. This has led to speculation that like [[O' Canada]] and [[Wonders of China]], early concepts for the France film may have called for a Circle Vision 360 format.
+
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 <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>.
  
−
Instead of being a Circle Vision 360 film, Impressions de France opened on October 1, 1982 with a 200 degree screen. The width of the screen allows guests to sit down while watching the film, while the screen still covers their peripheral vision. Initially Disney film crews shot 140 different locations for the film, before this number was cut down to 46 for the film's final version. After filming was complete, Buddy Baker recorded the soundtrack with the National Philharmonic Orchestra at the Abbey Road Studio in London. The only significant change to Impressions de France came in 2011 when the film was remastered and the theater was given digital projectors.
+
Like many other Disneyland attractions, the Mark Twain Riverboat was selected to be duplicated for Walt Disney World. The East Coast version of the 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) <ref name="FowlerDatedWorld"> http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id141.html</ref>. 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) <ref name=FowlerDatedWorld/>.  
  
−
==Film Plot==
+
Since 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 <ref name= Jack1/>. When they ran together, Liberty Square’s riverboats were staggered in their departure times, so that when one boat was circling Tom Sawyer Island the other boat would be unloading and loading new guests.
  
−
Impressions de France showcases 46 locations in France, set to classical music arranged by Buddy Baker. Claude Gobet gives guests sparse narration during the film. The scenes (in order) that appear in Impressions de France are:
+
The 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 <ref> http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/liberty-square-riverboat/ </ref>. 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 ship, 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 <ref name= FowlerDatedWorld/> <ref> http://meettheworldinprogressland.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 (following a refurbishment) the Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat. 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>.
  
−
{| style="border-width: 0px"
+
==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 outside wheelhouse and the captains quarters. Sometimes one lucky family is selected to ride the boat in the captains quarters.
−
|
+
  
−
1. Cliffs at Étretat in Normandy
+
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" <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 scenes.  Finally, on the top deck, guests get the best view of the various sights. There is also limited seating available here.
  
−
2. Marais Poitvin, a swamp near La Rochelle
+
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, 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 propelled by the steam engine <ref> http://www.disneydining.com/7-amazing-features-of-the-liberty-square-riverboat/ </ref>.
 +
==Attraction Plot==
  
−
3. Château Chenonceau, shot from the Loire Valley and the gardens
+
The Liberty Square Riverboat begins with the boats captain, Horace Bixby making sure that everyone is aboard, before telling the crew to put the boat in motion. His leadsman then sounds off (to get a depth reading), before the engine room puts the boat in motion. Horace then addresses guests, saying:
  
−
4. Horsemen and hunting dogs in the Cheverny Forest, with Château Cheverny in the background
+
{{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."}}
  
−
5. Chambord in the Loire Valley
+
It turns out that this trip aboard the Liberty Belle is the 100th journey for young Sam Clemens, who 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 river pirates are known to lurk around these waters.
  
−
6. Vézelay Village and church interior
+
The first sight that guests can see from the Liberty Belle is Frontierland. Sam comments that 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. Sam also mentions that the large peak in the town is known as [[Chick-A-Pin Hill]]. It seems that the dam atop the hill has burst, and people have begun to ride carved out logs over the ledge. Continuing on, the boat passes Sam's "old stomping ground", [[Tom Sawyer Island]]. Sam says that the only way to get to the island is by raft, before pointing out parts of the island 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).
  
−
7. Horsecart riding through Riquewihr Village in Alsace
+
Turning guests attention port side, Sam next points out [[Big Thunder Mountain]], before giving guests a little bit of history behind the attraction. Sam explains that hat the water gets so hot over by the attraction that geysers erupt. Indians used to the think that the geysers were spirits and they named the mountain “Big Thunder Mountain” because of the rain that would come from it. Later, when prospectors and settlers came to the area, the name stuck. Sam goes on to warn guests however, 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.
  
−
8. Marketplace in Bouvron in Normandy
+
As the boat continues its journey, the next sight that guests can see is Beacon Joe and 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.
  
−
9. Wine harvest at Monbazillac Vineyard
+
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, and the called the ship a "fire canoe" and “comet of sun”.  Scenes in the village include Indians cooking, trading, washing, and also two kids working on canoes. Past the village, 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.
  
−
10. Cognac cave near city of Cognac
+
Further down the river, 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 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.
  
−
11. Fountain of Apollo, gardens, west face and Hall of Mirrors at Versailles
+
Before returning to port in Liberty Square, the leadsman calls out one more time, and the Liberty Belle passes the Haunted Mansion. Sam 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 as the boat docks.
  
−
12. Castle Beynac in Dordogne Valley
+
If you want to hear the Liberty Square Riverboat narration, click below:
  
−
13. Forest near Château Montpoupon
+
<flashmp3>Liberty.mp3</flashmp3>
  
−
14. Bicyclists at La Rogue-Gaceac in Dordogne Valley
+
==Changes in the Script==
  
−
15. Bicyclists at Château Montpoupon
+
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 the attraction opened.  
  
−
16. Bugatti race cars in Cannes
+
In 1992, the Powhatan Indians were added to the attraction in order to tie the ride in with the new Disney movie Pocahontas, as well as with the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]] <ref> http://land.allears.net/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 drunk 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>.
  
−
17. Hot air balloons near Chaumont Castle on the Loire River and in cliff city of Rocamadour
+
==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 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.
  
−
18. French Alps in spring
+
*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 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>.
  
−
19. Mont Blanc in winter
+
*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 available, so the town was an obvious choice for addition to the attraction <ref> http://www.williamtellantiques.com/id17.html </ref>.
  
−
20. Skiers on rocky peaks in the French Alps at Chamonix
+
*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>.
  
−
21. La Rochelle harbor
+
*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)<ref> http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/marktwain.htm </ref>.
  
−
22. Brittany fishing boat at sea
+
[[Image:Libertynight.jpg|350px|thumb|A close up of the Liberty Belle at night]]
  
−
23. Rocky beach in Normandy
+
==Sam Clemens' Sayings==
  
−
24. Mont St.-Michel
+
Throughout the narration on the Liberty Belle, Sam Clemens gives various philosophical sayings. 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:
  
−
25. Small church in Brittany
+
*"Well now I always figure it is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid, then to open it and remove all doubt."
  
−
26. Wedding reception at a Brittany farmyard
+
*"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."
  
−
27. Cliffs at Normandy in Étretat
+
*All my life it seems I could never tell a lie that anybody could doubt, nor a truth that anybody could believe."
  
−
28. Cliff city of Bonifacio in Corsica
+
*"Believe me when I tell you, truth is the most valuable thing we have, so I make sure I only use it with economy."
  
−
29. Villefranche near Nice
+
*"I was born humble captain, but mostly it's worn off."
  
−
30. Cove at Calanque Cliffs near Cassis
+
*"I believe we ought never to do wrong captain, especially when others are looking."
  
−
31. Pier in front of Carlton Hotel in Cannes
+
*"My feeling is these days there's a lot less frontier and a lot more civilization than is truly necessarily."
  
−
32. Rooftop restaurant overlooking Cannes harbor at night
+
==Trivia==
−
|
+
*One of the crates on the Frontierland bank says "71" in honor of the year the Magic Kingdom opened.
−
33. Railway tracks in hills of Chaporoux
+
  
−
34. Gare du Nord rail station in Paris
+
*Another crate says Russel’s Falls, 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>.
  
−
35. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
+
*An Audio Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe's will turn its head as a fish jumps by.
  
−
36. Boat on Seine River in Paris, under the Pont Neuf
+
*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>
−
+
−
37. Balloon release at Notre-Dame Cathedral
+
  
−
38. Garde Republicaine rides through the archways at the Louvre
+
==Watch the Attraction!==
  
−
39. La Concierge in Paris
+
If you want to see the sights that the Liberty Square Riverboat has to offer, click below. The narration is not included in the video.
  
−
40. Garde Republicaine Stables in Paris
+
{{#ev:youtube|lQ4zeBzfJuw|420}}
−
 
+
−
41. Eiffel Tower
+
−
 
+
−
42. Étretat Cliffs
+
−
 
+
−
43. Alps near Chamonix
+
−
 
+
−
44. Château Chambord
+
−
 
+
−
45. French Alps near Mont Blanc
+
−
 
+
−
46. Eiffel Tower
+
−
|}
+
−
 
+
−
==Film Credits==
+
−
 
+
−
'''Director'''- Rick Harper
+
−
 
+
−
'''Producer'''- Rick Harper and Bob Rogers
+
−
 
+
−
'''Score'''- Buddy Baker
+
−
 
+
−
'''Writers'''-Rick Harper and Bob Rogers
+
−
 
+
−
'''Production Managers'''-Antoine Compin, Charis Horton and Philippe Modave
+
−
 
+
−
'''First Camera Assistant'''- Joe Nash
+
−
 
+
−
'''Cinematographer'''- Rick Harper
+
−
 
+
−
'''Camera Assistant'''- Frank Redmond
+
−
 
+
−
'''Chief Grip'''- René Strasser
+
−
 
+
−
'''Grip'''- Yvon Sausseau
+
−
 
+
−
'''Transportation'''- Hilaire Lovato and Pierre Vimont
+
−
 
+
−
'''Helicopter Pilot'''- Marc Wolff
+
−
 
+
−
'''Camera Assistant'''- Steve North
+
−
 
+
−
'''Circle-Vision 200 Camera Operator'''0 Don Iwerks
+
−
 
+
−
'''Editor'''- Andre Bacha
+
−
 
+
−
'''Music Research and Editor'''-Rick Haper
+
−
 
+
−
'''Music Production Coordinator''' – Richard Clements
+
−
 
+
−
'''Narrator'''- Claude Gobet
+
−
 
+
−
==Score==
+
−
The Score for Impressions de France was arranged by Buddy Baker. Below is a list of the musical selections chosen by Baker, with the original composer in parentheses.
+
−
 
+
−
'''Cliffs of Etretat in Normandy'''- "Solo for Flute" (Debussey)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Marais Poitvin, a swamp near La Rochelle'''- "Aquarium" from "Carnival of the Animals" (Saint-Saens)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Château Chenonceau''' - "Concerto for Harp and Orchestra" (Boieldieu)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Castle Beynac in Dordogne Valley'''- "Nocture 1" (Debussey)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Bicyclists at La Roque'''- "Gaite Parisienne" (Offenbach)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Hot air balloons near Chateau Chaumont'''- "Daybreak" from "Dauphine et Chole Suite 1" (Ravel)
+
−
 
+
−
'''French Alps''' - "Claire de Lune" (Debussey)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Skiers in Chamonix'''- "Trois Gymnopedies"(Erik Satie)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Mont St. Michel'''- "Aquarium" from "Carnival of the Animals" (Saint-Saens)
+
−
+
−
'''Wedding reception at a Brittany farmyard''' - traditional folk music (unidentified)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Railway tracks in hills of Champeauroux'''- "Finale" from "Carnival of the Animals" (Saint Saens)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Notre Dame de Paris'''- "Gaite Parisienne" (Offenbach)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Garde Republicaine rides through archway at the Louvre'''- "Fanfare" from "La Peri" (Dukas)
+
−
 
+
−
'''Eiffel Tower'''- 4th movement from Organ Symphony no. 3 (Saint Saens)
+
−
 
+
−
==Watch the Film==
+
−
To watch Impressions de France, click play below:
+
−
 
+
−
{{#ev:youtube|dF3ADQndBGM|420}}
+
−
 
+
−
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
+
−
 
+
−
* The screens in the Impressions de France theater are 21 feet high an 27 1/2 feet wide.
+
−
 
+
−
* The theater that houses Impressions de France is based on a theater in Founteinbleau.
+
−
 
+
−
* Impressions de France marked the first time that a film had been completed with an entirely digital soundtrack.
+
  
 +
==Official Website==
 +
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/liberty-square-riverboat/
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
http://progresscityusa.com/2012/02/07/82if/
 
−
 
−
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2011/09/france_pavilion_part_two.html
 
−
 
−
http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=121
 
−
 
−
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/epcot/impressions_de_france/
 

Revision as of 21:00, 21 June 2016

Liberty Square Riverboat
Libertyday.jpg
The Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America.
Magic Kingdom
Land Liberty Square
Opening date October 2, 1971
Ride duration 25:00 minutes
Previous Name Admiral Joe Fowler (October 2, 1971- Fall 1980) (Retired)
Admiral Richard F. Irvine (1973-1996)
FastPass + 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 [1]. 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 [1]. 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) [1] [2].

Like many other Disneyland attractions, the Mark Twain Riverboat was selected to be duplicated for Walt Disney World. The East Coast version of the 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) [3]. 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) [3].

Since 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 [1]. When they ran together, Liberty Square’s riverboats were staggered in their departure times, so that when one boat was circling Tom Sawyer Island the other boat would be unloading and loading new guests.

The 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 [4]. 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 ship, 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 [3] [5]. 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 (following a refurbishment) the Richard F. Irvine was renamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat. The name change was done to both make the attraction's name easier to remember, and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square [1]. 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 [6].

Ship Structure

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a three deck working steamship that has a maximum capacity of 450 people [7]. 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" [8]. Located at the front of the ship, the platform allows guests to get great views of all the attractions 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, 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 propelled by the steam engine [9].

Attraction Plot

The Liberty Square Riverboat begins with the boats captain, Horace Bixby making sure that everyone is aboard, before telling the crew to put the boat in motion. His leadsman then sounds off (to get a depth reading), before the engine room puts the boat in motion. Horace then addresses guests, saying:

"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."

It turns out that this trip aboard the Liberty Belle is the 100th journey for young Sam Clemens, who 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 river pirates are known to lurk around these waters.

The first sight that guests can see from the Liberty Belle is Frontierland. Sam comments that 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. Sam also mentions that the large peak in the town is known as Chick-A-Pin Hill. It seems that the dam atop the hill has burst, and people have begun to ride carved out logs over the ledge. Continuing on, the boat passes Sam's "old stomping ground", Tom Sawyer Island. Sam says that the only way to get to the island is by raft, before pointing out parts of the island 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, before giving guests a little bit of history behind the attraction. Sam explains that hat the water gets so hot over by the attraction that geysers erupt. Indians used to the think that the geysers were spirits and they named the mountain “Big Thunder Mountain” because of the rain that would come from it. Later, when prospectors and settlers came to the area, the name stuck. Sam goes on to warn guests however, 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.

As the boat continues its journey, the next sight that guests can see is Beacon Joe and 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.

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, and the called the ship a "fire canoe" and “comet of sun”. Scenes in the village include Indians cooking, trading, washing, and also two kids working on canoes. Past the village, 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 the river, 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 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 port in Liberty Square, the leadsman calls out one more time, and the Liberty Belle passes the Haunted Mansion. Sam 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 as the boat docks.

If you want to hear the Liberty Square Riverboat narration, click below:

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 the attraction opened.

In 1992, the Powhatan Indians were added to the attraction in order to tie the ride in with the new Disney movie Pocahontas, as well as with the Walt Disney World Railroad [10]

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 drunk too much moonshine. Finally, in 2005 the effect was removed altogether, due to corrosion in the pipes that created the effect [11]. 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 [12].

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 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 the captain in St. Louis. Twain talks about Captain Bixby in his book, "Life on the Mississippi" [13].
  • 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 available, so the town was an obvious choice for addition to the attraction [14].
  • 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 [15].
  • 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)[16].
A close up of the Liberty Belle at night

Sam Clemens' Sayings

Throughout the narration on the Liberty Belle, Sam Clemens gives various philosophical sayings. 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."
  • "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, this crate is named after Davy Crockett's sidekick George E. Russel[17].
  • 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. [18]

Watch the Attraction!

If you want to see the sights that the Liberty Square Riverboat has to offer, click below. The narration is not included in the video.

Official Website

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

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_1_1.html
  2. ↑ http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/308/Disneyland-Resort/Disneyland-Park/Frontierland/Mark-Twain-Riverboat
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id141.html
  4. ↑ http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/liberty-square-riverboat/
  5. ↑ http://meettheworldinprogressland.blogspot.com/2010/02/walt-disney-world-steamboats-of-magic.html
  6. ↑ http://www.wcdept478.com/AbouttheFB.htm
  7. ↑ http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/lib-riverboat.htm
  8. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html
  9. ↑ http://www.disneydining.com/7-amazing-features-of-the-liberty-square-riverboat/
  10. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html
  11. ↑ http://www.yesterland.com/burningcabin.html
  12. ↑ http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/new-smoking-settlers-cabin-formerly-burning-as-seen-from-liberty-belle-riverboat.887061/
  13. ↑ http://www.twainquotes.com/19020608.html
  14. ↑ http://www.williamtellantiques.com/id17.html
  15. ↑ http://thesouthern.com/progress/section3/pirates-ruled-the-river-at-cave-in-rock/article_c7f2efcc-f411-11e0-a81c-001cc4c03286.html
  16. ↑ http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/marktwain.htm
  17. ↑ http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/03/liberty_belle_riverboat_part_2.html
  18. ↑ http://www.wdwradio.com/2014/10/show-382-rivers-america-virtual-trip-history-details-recorded-live-walt-disney-world/
Retrieved from "http://themickeywiki.com/index.php?title=Impressions_de_France&oldid=8966"