At a glance
This attraction is a ride on the water that takes you all the way around Big Thunder Mountain’s island aboard the Molly Brown, a paddle-wheel steamboat. A second ship, the Mark Twain, is currently out of service. These boats are faithful re-creations of the steamboats that plied American rivers during the nineteenth century. Guests settle in on the different decks to take in the Wild West scenery from the water.
The ride gives you a one-of-a-kind look at the Frontierland geysers, the fishing 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 ship’s steam whistles. The trip is fully automated, since the boat follows a track hidden under the surface of the lake.
This cruise is ideal for a break away from the bustle of the park. Along the banks you’ll spot hidden details such as dinosaur skeletons and fake wild animals, all while enjoying a wide view over the other activities in the area. It’s a relaxing moment open to all guests, with no jolts at all.
The paddle-wheel cruise around the island. A stern-wheel steamboat that loops around the Rivers of the Far West, passing Big Thunder Mountain, the Phantom Manor graveyard, and Wild West scenery. A slow, restful cruise with a beautiful view of Frontierland from the deck.
History
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing has been running since April 12, 1992, opening day for the park, and its paddle-wheeler plies the Rivers of the Far West. Several Disney parks offer a similar river trip, starting with the Mark Twain Riverboat at Disneyland Anaheim (1955) and including Orlando’s Liberty Square Riverboats (1973).
There’s a fun story behind the name Mark Twain, too. Aboard Mississippi steamboats, a crew member would drop a weighted line to check how deep the river was, then shout the result: "mark twain" stood for two fathoms, roughly 3.7 meters, just enough water for a flat-bottomed boat to keep going without getting stuck. Samuel Clemens, who had once piloted boats on that river, borrowed the phrase for his pen name.
This riverboat belongs to the Thunder Mesa saga: discover the full story.
Technical specs
- Top speed
- 9 km/h
- Duration
- 15 min
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Transportation
- Opening date April 12, 1992
- Duration 15 min
- Speed 9 km/h
- Vehicle type Paddle-wheel steamboat
- Inspiration Disneyland California’s Mark Twain Riverboat (1955)
Theme & world
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact moderate
- Perceived wait moderate
- Height requirement None (open to everyone)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access fully accessible
- Pregnant visitors OK to ride
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
This ride has no Single Rider line. If you want to cut your wait, rely on Premier Access or get there at park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
This ride stays closed during Extra Magic Time and only opens when the park does.
Who it’s made for
Pros and cons
The highlights
- Sweeping views of Big Thunder Mountain and Phantom Manor
- You can sit down or wander between the boat’s different decks
- A moment of complete rest in the middle of your day
The downsides
- The boarding dock has no shade while you wait
- The slow pace can feel like forever to kids
- The last boat often leaves before the park closes
My verdict
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing is the paddle-wheel boat ride around Big Thunder Mountain’s island, on the Rivers of the Far West. Expect a 15-minute calm cruise at 9 km/h, with outstanding views of Big Thunder, Phantom Manor, and scenes with animatronic animals. No height requirement, and no Premier Access.
It’s one of my favorite personal hideaways for catching my breath in the middle of the day and taking photos from an angle you don’t usually get. My real insider tip: head to the back of the boat, where there are far fewer people, benches to sit on, and a view that’s just as nice. Watch out, the last departures are often earlier than park closing, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Good to know: there used to be a second boat, the Mark Twain, which is currently out of service, so only the Molly Brown is sailing.
Julie’s tip
Best time to go
Based on this ride’s wait time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
You’ll find Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing in Frontierland, close to Big Thunder Mountain.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long lines for the most popular rides?
To skip long lines at Disneyland Paris, I mix several strategies. 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 don’t mind boarding apart from your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that guarantees you priority entry on the headline rides. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and that’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without waiting. Last, heading to the busiest rides during a parade or a big show empties the lines dramatically.
02 Are the wait times posted in the park accurate?
Yes, the wait times shown in the app or on the park’s screens are generally accurate. They’re often equal to 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 under refurbishment during my vacation?
Disneyland Paris posts the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website several weeks ahead of time. Since the parks are open year-round, maintenance crews sometimes work on days the park is open, which leads to temporary closures. My tip: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before you book, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young kids?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can be a bit much for young kids, even with no height requirement. 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 moments. La Tanière du Dragon, beneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, leans into its ghostly mood and stays pretty intense for little ones. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful scenes and darker ones. I recommend watching how your child reacts before you board.
05 How far ahead does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris shares its list of ride closures about 2 to 3 months ahead. For major rides, the park lets guests know about planned construction at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, since dates can change. That way you won’t get the nasty surprise of finding out on the spot that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment.
