At a glance
This attraction is a boat trip around Big Thunder Mountain’s island aboard the Molly Brown, a steam-powered paddle boat. A second boat, the Mark Twain, is currently out of service. These boats are faithful replicas of the steamers that sailed American rivers in the nineteenth century. Passengers settle on the different decks to take in the Wild West scenery from the water.
The experience offers a rare viewpoint on the Frontierland geysers, the fishermen’s camps and the rocky waterfalls of the haunted mine. It’s a very calm attraction where you take the time to listen to the sounds of nature and the boat’s steam whistles. The trip is fully automated, as the boat follows a rail hidden under the surface of the lake.
This trip is ideal for a break away from the bustle of the park. You’ll spot hidden details along the banks, such as dinosaur skeletons and fake wild animals, while enjoying a wide view of the other activities in the area. It’s a relaxing moment open to all visitors, with no jolts at all.
The paddle steamer trip around the island. A stern-wheel steamer that circles the Rivers of the Far West, passing Big Thunder Mountain, the Phantom Manor graveyard and Wild West scenery. A slow, restful cruise with a lovely view of Frontierland from the deck.
History
Opened on 12 April 1992 with the park, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing is home to the paddle steamer that sails the Rivers of the Far West. This kind of river cruise exists in several Disney parks, from the Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland Anaheim (1955) to the Liberty Square Riverboats in Orlando (1973).
The name Mark Twain tells a story of its own. On Mississippi steamboats, a sailor measured the depth of the water with a weighted rope and called it out loud: "mark twain" meant two fathoms, about 3.7 metres, the minimum depth for a flat-bottomed boat to sail without running aground. The writer Samuel Clemens, a former pilot on the river, took it as his pen name.
The Thunder Mesa Riverboat is part of the Thunder Mesa saga: discover its full story.
Technical data
- Top speed
- 9 km/h
- Duration
- 15 min
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Transport
- Opening date 12 April 1992
- Duration 15 minutes
- Speed 9 km/h (6 mph)
- Vehicle type Paddle steamer
- Inspired by Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland in California (1955)
Theme & story
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact moderate
- Perceived wait moderate
- Minimum height None (open to all)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access fully accessible
- Pregnant visitors suitable
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
No Single Rider here. To save time, count on Premier Access or park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
Not open during Extra Magic Time: it opens at the same time as the park.
Who it’s for
Pros and cons
Strong points
- Panoramic views of Big Thunder Mountain and Phantom Manor
- You can sit or walk around the boat’s different decks
- A moment of complete rest during your day
Weak points
- Queueing in full sun on the boarding dock
- A very slow pace that can feel long for children
- Last departures often earlier than park closing
My verdict
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing is the paddle steamer trip around Big Thunder Mountain’s island, on the Rivers of the Far West. 15 minutes of calm cruising at 9 km/h (6 mph), with superb views of Big Thunder, Phantom Manor and scenes of animatronic animals. No minimum height, no Premier Access.
One of my favourite personal hideaways to catch my breath in the middle of the day and take photos from a fresh angle. My real insider tip: head to the back of the boat, it’s much less crowded, there are benches to sit on and the view is just as good. Watch out, the last departures are often earlier than park closing, so don’t leave it to the last minute. Good to know: there is a second boat, the Mark Twain, but it’s currently out of service, so only the Molly Brown is sailing.
Julie’s tip
Best time to visit
Calculated from the ride’s queue time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing is in Frontierland, close to the Big Thunder Mountain attraction.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long queues for the most popular rides?
To avoid long queues at Disneyland Paris, I combine several tactics. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille and Spider-Man, as long as you’re happy not to ride with your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that gives you priority access to the headline rides. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and it’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without queuing. Finally, heading to the most popular rides during a parade or a big show empties the queues considerably.
02 Are the queue times shown in the park reliable?
Yes, the queue times shown in the app or on the screens around the park are generally reliable. They’re often the same as, or slightly longer than, the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be closed for refurbishment during my trip?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website, several weeks in advance. Because the parks are open all year round, the maintenance teams sometimes work on days when the parks are open, which leads to temporary closures. My advice: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before booking, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young children?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can frighten young children even without a height restriction. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling scenes. La Tanière du Dragon, under Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, plays on a ghostly atmosphere and is really intense for toddlers. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful moments and darker scenes. I’d suggest watching how your child reacts before you get on.
05 How far in advance does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of ride closures around 2 to 3 months in advance. For major rides, the park tells visitors about planned construction work at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, as dates can change. That way you avoid the nasty surprise of finding out on the day that your favourite ride is being refurbished.
