About this ride
The Mark Twain is a genuine working sternwheeler steamboat operating on a guided underwater rail beneath the river. Three decks give guests panoramic views of the Rivers of America landscape: a waterfall, wildlife, a burning cabin, and the lush vegetation of Tom Sawyer Island.
Best time to ride
Mid-afternoon rest break. Also spectacular at sunset.
Insider tips
- Ask a Cast Member about visiting the pilot house — guests can sometimes briefly stand at the wheel for a photo.
- The upper deck has the best views and breezes on warm days.
- Watch for the burning settler's cabin scene on the riverbank — a classic Disneyland vignette.
Good for
Mateo's Take
Mark Twain Riverboat is one of the most peaceful experiences at Disneyland and one that most guests never give a full chance. The 14-minute river cruise shows you the western banks of Tom Sawyer Island from a perspective you can't get anywhere else in the park, and the Frontierland shoreline dioramas, animatronic animals, and ambient sound design create an atmosphere of genuine tranquility that is increasingly rare in a park full of immersive thrills. Sitting on the upper deck with a clear view of the water as you drift past the island is one of the best rest-your-feet moments in all of Disneyland. The riverboat runs on a schedule and shares the river with other craft, so check the Daily Entertainment listing in the app to plan around it. If it's running, get on it. Five minutes into the cruise you will understand why Walt Disney said the Rivers of America was one of the things he was most proud of building.
— Mateo, Lead Disney Parks Specialist
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