mark twain riverboat refurbishment

68-Year-Old Attraction Returns to Disney Park

in Disney , Disneyland Resort

After months of refurbishment and anticipation, a beloved opening day attraction has finally reopened at Disneyland Park in Southern California.

Related: Dad Drops Child From Space Mountain Rocket

While most focus seems to be put on the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, there’s nothing quite like visiting Disneyland Resort. If you want thrills, you can visit Disney California Adventure . If you want to experience the original park that Walt built, as well as the original versions of classic rides like the Haunted Mansion , the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean , and Peter Pan’s Flight, head to Disneyland proper.

Of all the attractions at the park today, 13 are from Disneyland’s opening day on July 17, 1955, and one of these fan-favorite experiences has finally reopened after months of refurbishment .

Opening Day Attraction Returns To Disneyland

Related: No, Cinderella Castle Has Not “Burned to the Ground” at Disney World

While Disneyland is almost always open, sometimes rides need to take a break in order to be repaired or brought to modern standards. Such was the case for the Mark Twain Riverboat , which has been closed for refurbishment for the past five months.

Named after one of Walt Disney’s favorite authors, the Mark Twain Riverboat is one of the most underrated attractions in the entire park. A 14-minute boat ride along the Rivers of America and around Tom Sawyer Island , the riverboat shows classic American sights like a rustic frontier cabin, an idyllic Native American village, and various animals enjoying the sun.

Related: Disney World Raises Parking Prices Effective Immediately

More than anything, the riverboat is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park. Just head on over to the Ship to Shore Marketplace, buy a snack (like a turkey leg , pickle, chimichanga , or corn on the cob), and avoid the crowds for a quarter of an hour.

While the more elaborate rides get more attention, like Big Thunder Mountain and the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly known as Splash Mountain ), it’s these experiences that separate Disneyland from other parks. A Disney Park is more than just roller coasters and thrill rides. It’s an adventure meant to be enjoyed by everyone .

What do you think is the most underrated Disney attraction? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

• Disneyland Park / Disneyland Resort / News

PHOTOS: Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat is Down for Refurbishment!

by Cassie Agundes · October 18, 2023

What are your “must-dos” when visiting Disneyland Park? We have several!

Each time we visit, we have  to spin on King Arthur’s Carrousel, toboggan down Matterhorn mountain, attempt to be the rebel spy on Star Tours, and cruise down the Rivers of America. If you also have a boat ride on your must-do list, you’ll want to check out the new refurbishment in the park. 

Mark Twain Riverboat

The Mark Twain Riverboat is currently down for refurbishment! If you’ve visited the park recently, you probably noticed the giant, blocked-off project…

Mark Twain with Scrims

…sitting on the Rivers of America.

But the scrims have come down, revealing tons of scaffolding!

Mark Twain with Scaffolding

The beloved riverboat deserves some TLC and now is the perfect time to do that, considering the boat is no longer needed for the Fantasmic! show. ( The show is set to return in Spring 2024 .)

Photo: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland

While Disney has yet to share how long the refurbishment will last, we know it will still be ongoing through November 29th–which is as far out as Disneyland’s calendar goes. 

Photo: Disney

We’ll update you when the Mark Twain Riverboat is cruising the Rivers of America once again! And we’ll keep you updated with the latest happening all around the resort, so stay tuned to MickeyBlog.com!

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2024 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar

This Disney California Adventure and Disneyland ride refurbishment calendar for 2024 lists temporary attraction closures so you know what won’t be operating before planning your vacation. Additionally, we offer info about reimagining projects that are underway to enhance experiences around the resort. ( Updated January 7, 2024 .)

While no one wants attraction closures during their visit, they are a necessary part of keeping Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in good condition, as routine maintenance, safety upgrades, and attraction improvements are all done during scheduled ride closures. Usually, there are only a handful of simultaneous closed rides, plus new attractions being built.

Having an idea of which attractions are closed at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is important, but we recommend consulting our 2024 Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide for more comprehensive info. That covers everything from saving money on park tickets and hotels to where to eat, when to visit, and more.

In addition to scheduled attraction refurbs, unscheduled downtime can also occur during a visit. This usually only occurs for a few hours at a time, so if you find an attraction is closed during your visit to Disneyland Resort and it’s not listed below, it’s likely a temporary closure that will last a few hours. Check with nearby Cast Members to confirm.

Below is a schedule of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure refurbishments, when the closure starts, and when the refurbishment will conclude. To the extent that specific dates are not yet listed, those will be updated once Disneyland Resort provides precise start and/or end dates. The following day will be when the attraction is scheduled to reopen.

Here are the closure schedules for Disney California Adventure and Disneyland…

Disney California Adventure

• Beast’s Library in the Disney Animation Building – Permanently closed
• Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade – Debuts on April 26, 2024
• Grizzly River Run – Closed January 8, 2024 to TBD
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind – Closed January 22 to February 8, 2024
• Paint the Night Parade – Return Date Unknown
• Rogers: The Musical – Return Date Unknown
• World of Color ONE – Closed January 8-18, 2024

Several new refurbishments added to the calendar, as is common with the start of the winter off-season. In 2024, these are staggered slightly, which is likely a result of the Disneyland Half Marathon–Disney wants to maintain as much capacity as possible until after that runDisney weekend.

A few of these are water-based attractions, which typically close for refurbishment when the weather is cold and demand is low. The rest are mostly routine maintenance or the removal of seasonal overlays. Expect at least a few more closures to be added to the calendar for Winter 2024.

The biggest closure is World of Color – ONE, which will go down at the end of the holiday season and return around the start of the Disney California Food & Wine Festival on March 1, 2024. What’s not yet known is which  World of Color will return, or even if it’ll be an all-new show. Our guess is that it’ll be the original World of Color, potentially with an  Inside Out 2  pre-show.

For reasons unknown, the World of Color – ONE refurbishment was substantially shortened, reduced from multiple months to just 10 days. It’s possible this was partially a closure due to a lower off-season crowd forecast–and those expectations have changed with the SoCal ticket deal and Magic Key sales resuming. It’s also possible that it’s not possible to accomplish certain maintenance (labor? parts?) during this closure, so the can has been kicked down the road and World of Color will have another refurbishment in 2024.

Either way, World of Color – ONE (the Disney100 version of the nighttime spectacular, not the original version) will be returning in January 2024. Only a few days later, the exceptional ‘Hurry Home’ pre-show tag will return for the Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure . (Don’t miss Lunar New Year or Hurry Home–both are fantastic!)

Next, let’s take a look at the 2024 Disneyland attraction closure calendar…

• Adventureland Treehouse – Now open!
• Astro Orbitor – Reopening Date TBD
• Fantasmic – Returns May 24, 2024
• Haunted Mansion – Closed January 22, 2024 to TBD
• “it’s a small world” – Closed January 7-17, 2024
• Magic Happens Parade – Returns February 2, 2024
• Main Street Electrical Parade – Return Date Unknown
• Mark Twain Riverboat – Reopens February 2, 2024
• “Mickey’s Mix Magic” – Returns January 8 to March 21, 2024 and April 15-25, 2024
• Sailing Ship Columbia – Closed January 8-11, 2024
• Splash Mountain – Permanently closed
• Tale of the Lion King – Permanently closed
• Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular – Returns on April 26 to August 24, 2024
• Wondrous Journeys Fireworks – Returns March 22 to April 14, 2024

The big closure on the calendar for Disneyland is Haunted Mansion, which goes down on January 22, 2024. As discussed in  Haunted Mansion New Grounds & Store Coming in 2024 to Disneyland , this is a big project–much larger in scope and scale than the normal  Nightmare Before Christmas  overlay removal.

Don’t be surprised if the ride doesn’t reopen for several months–and if OG Haunted Mansion doesn’t return until 2025.

Additionally, Disneyland has officially released the entertainment schedule for 2024 , which includes a variety of fireworks shows and nighttime spectaculars. What changes that might be in store for a reimagined Fantasmic are unknown, but even when the nighttime spectacular does return, it’ll be in b-mode. Judging by the nature and extent of the fire damage, it’s likely that the Murphy Audio Animatronics figure of Maleficent will be missing for far longer.

That post also discusses why we’re expecting more than just a reimagined Fantasmic to make a splash next summer. With nothing else to celebrate and no new attractions to drive crowds, it’s likely that Disneyland leans on entertainment and builds out an ‘event’ that revolves around Fantasmic and other nighttime spectaculars. Our guess is that Paint the Night  finally  makes its return over at DCA in Summer 2024, too.

Finally, Splash Mountain is now officially closed to be reimagined into a new ride based on The Princess and the Frog . There are already visible signs of the transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure .

It was a curious decision to close Splash Mountain right before the busy (and hotter) summer season, but it’s our understanding that the closure date had been pushed back a couple of times for various reasons and the team working on it needs as much time as they can get.

In Florida, Imagineers have already kicked that coast’s version of this project into high gear. Already, construction walls are up around Chick-A-Pin Hill and Imagineers have been observed on and around the attraction beginning work on the overhaul. The transformation timeline is an aggressive one, and we’re skeptical that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will actually open in 2024. More likely, it’ll be delayed until 2025.

Now, a few notes about the above refurbishments. Disneyland is notorious for changing its refurbishment schedules, adding or canceling planned downtimes weeks or days in advance. While this practice is still relatively uncommon in the grand scheme of things, it’s worth pointing out because it does happen.

Now, here’s a bit of our philosophy concerning refurbishments, with the specific example of the recent multi-year Disneyland Railroad refurbishment used to illustrate…

Thoughts on Refurbishments

Nobody likes a favorite attraction to be refurbished during their vacation. It means missing out and potentially not being able to experience the ride for another year or longer, depending upon the frequency of your visits to Disneyland. A couple of years ago, the Disneyland Railroad closed for an extended refurbishment due to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction.

At first, we were really disappointed. This might seem like an odd attraction to lament the closure of, but as Southern Californians with Disneyland Annual Passes, this was an absolute favorite of ours. We rode regularly when we wanted to rest our feet, or simply a break from the crowds. With the exception of maybe ‘it’s a small world’, we did Disneyland Railroad more than any other attraction.

However, that initial disappointment pretty quickly gave way to excitement. We began thinking about ways Disneyland Railroad could be plussed, improving the experience for years to come. Disney had already announced that some changes would be made (as the track needed to be re-routed), and we were excited for the prospect of new show scenes or other visuals.

From my perspective, investing in the long-term quality of an attraction is far more important than the temporary satisfaction I’ll get out of riding it on my next visit. This is why it always perplexes me when regulars contend that their vacation will be ruined because their favorite attraction will be closed.

If it’s your favorite attraction and you’re active in the Disney fan community, that means you’ve been to Disneyland before and probably will visit again. It would thus stand to reason that you would want something you love to get the TLC it deserves, and continue to improve.

Disneyland Railroad works as a good example here…in large part because it did receive significant changes and enhancements. (Arguably, the Rivers of America suffered due to being condensed, but that’s another topic for another day–we cover all aspects of this in our New-Look Grand Circle Tour of Disneyland post.)

The point extends to other attractions that have seen similar plussings, but also have more of a problem with effects breaking. Take Indiana Jones Adventure, for example. This is a ride that seems to get a refurbishment about every other year (sometimes more frequently) and we’d argue that it could probably use more regular maintenance than that.

If you are a long-term fan, would you rather experience Indiana Jones Adventure every single visit with 75% of the effects working, or every single visit minus one or two with 95% of the effects working? For me, the answer to that is easy. I’ll take a superior long term experience every time.

Beyond that, there’s the much more compelling justification for regular refurbishments: they are essential for the safety of attractions. While we may think of these attractions as all fun and games that offer a safe sense of exhilaration, that’s when they are properly maintained.

It’s unpleasant to think about, but there have been several preventable deaths in the history of Disney’s parks. During a dark era of Disneyland history, improper maintenance was the cause of death on Big Thunder Mountain. Likewise, years of neglect at Disneyland Paris have led to incidents of injury that could be attributed to a lack of maintenance. In both cases, this has been addressed, and maintenance has improved considerably.

This is not meant to scare anyone or provoke an emotional reaction. Disney’s worldwide safety record is sterling as compared to other park operators. It’s still important to remember that these fun, ‘magical’ places also exist in the real world and use a lot of potentially dangerous elements if safety is not viewed as key. (Or, in Disney’s case, one of the Four Keys .)

When it comes to maintenance that is not essential to the safe operation of an attraction, we are left to contemplate what amount of show quality should be accepted. If following a strict Nunis-ian interpretation of the Four Keys, show is an important consideration, and it should always be 100%. This is a nice goal to strive for, but the practical reality is that 100% show quality is an unworkably high threshold sometimes.

In my estimation, this is a good example of balancing guest interests with show quality. Get the effects working that are easily fixable, and find other ways to address effects that are frequently breaking. We’re not talking about safety here, just random effects. Indiana Jones Adventure has had a number of effects disabled or replaced over the years because they were unreliable.

Guests are understandably concerned when it appears an inordinate number of attractions are closing during their vacation, especially out of state visitors. Trips to California are not cheap and are often once in a lifetime experiences; first-timers certainly do not want to miss out on experiences about which they’ve read extensive hype.

With that said, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure ought to be publishing their routine refurbishment schedules several months in advance, allowing guests to plan around closures. Disney plans maintenance well in advance, and this info should be passed along to guests. For the most part, it is.

Obviously, unplanned maintenance can occur, which takes rides out of commission for hours or even days at the last minute. This is an unavoidable part of sophisticated theme park attractions, and there’s no real way to “plan around” this. It just is what it is.

However, the problem with a “not during my vacation” attitude like this is that it’s always going to be someone’s (or tens of thousands of someones) vacation. If Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attractions with show quality issues aren’t close for refurbishments for fear of some guests during a time-limited window missing out, all guests in perpetuity are going to have a lesser experience.

The end result of that thinking is a duct-tapped approach to attraction maintenance, with whatever work that can be done overnight accomplished, and two parks full of attractions with half their effects broken. First-timers would be left wondering why there was so much hype about Disneyland in the first place, as so many components of rides simply don’t work. If you’re reading this as a lifelong fan, well…maybe you wouldn’t have become a lifelong fan if this were actually Disneyland’s modus operandi.

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets . Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings . For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews . For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney . For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide . Finally, for guides  beyond Disney , check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!

Your Thoughts…

Any questions about the current refurbishments at Disneyland Resort? What do you think about refurbishments at the Disney Parks? Are you more concerned about an improved long-term experience, or do you think “not during my vacation!”? Any other factors you think are worth considering? As mentioned, we think this is a conversation, so please share your ‘refurbishment philosophy’, or any other thoughts or questions you have, in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

I’m bummed Small World will be closed during the runDisney weekend. I love that version since it’s the original and it boards outside.

I’m going to be at DL & DCA on my birthday the last week of January. My girlfriend and I are bummed that Splash Mountain will be closed as well as the haunted mansion are a lot of other closures expected to happen? I guess my main concern is is this a good time to go?

Just finished a trip to Disneyland and over the course of three days we had a ride go down while we were in queue or en route at least 6 times. Looking at the map on the app there were always several rides down at all times of the day and it seemed like no ride was safe from breakage. While we understand that this will happen, the frequency was jarring and became a running joke as the trip went on. It made it impossible to enter an area of a park and be able to do everything in that area. We found ourselves having to come back to areas we should have already “completed.” We’ve been to WDW many times and never experienced even a small fraction of the amount of ride closures we ran into at Disneyland. Are they starting to skimp on maintenance crews as part of their current cost cutting measures?

It appears Blue Bayou is closed January 7-12, any details on why? Will it mean that the Pirate ride will possibly be closed that week too? Thanks!

Am I misreading something when I look on the disneyland interactive map it says the train is being refurbished is that correct?

Disneyland needs ton of maintenance. We were there in June and in two days we hit 10 rides that were evacuated. Two of which we were. The ride stability for Spider-Man and for the incredicoaster was terrible. Indiana jones evacuated twice. Haunted mansion a few effects and on one ride we stopped 15 times. The magic was really not there that day.

Do you happen to have any idea what “The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural” is? I noticed it appeared on the calendar with only night time hours (I’m looking at November 27th) – making me wonder if it’ll be a nighttime something or other on the Rivers of America. We saw lights & workers doing stuff on the Pirate ship every night while we were there last week.

And then I’m actually glad the Incredicoaster is getting some love – it’s my favorite ride but we didn’t have one single good ride on it last week b/c all of the coaster’s audio is messed up in one way or another. That + Indy being down is going to save us money on Genie+ for our next trip – no high height requirement rides means mom & dad don’t need it to quickly rider swap them without the kids, thanks Disneyland!

Congrats on Baby Bricker! From experience & with love – Rider swapping / trying to ride all the rides quickly with an under 40″ kid in tow will slow down / lower your ride counts IMMENSELY – I look forward to your updated Parental park ride strategies.

I heard that both the Incredicoaster and the Indiana Jones ride are going down for refurbishment on November 27th. But there is no word on how long they will be closed. I wonder what the chances are that the Indiana Jones ride will reopen before my trip in late January. I am surprised that the Indiana Jones ride is closing again after they just went through a 3 month refurbishment.

I just heard that the Indiana Jones ride will reopen on December 1st!! Yay!!!

Re: Fantasmic return

Once it returns in the spring, if it is used for a big marketing push, can we expect two showings a night on weekends in that coming fall?

I’m deciding how many park nights I need on a fall trip to see all the nighttime spectaculars. If they have two showings on a DL weekend night in September I can watch the halloween fireworks then catch the 10:30 Fantasmic, yes?

We were told on a recent Keys to the Kingdom tour by our guide, that Paint the Night would not ever come to MK as Mac the Truck was too big to make the turns on the parade route. Makes me sad as that is one of my favorite parades. I would love to see it come back in some form at DCA.

No offense to your guide, but whether Paint the Night will ever come to MK isn’t something they’d know.

It’s entirely possible that certain floats wouldn’t work in other parks–it was also the thought that Mack wouldn’t work at Disneyland back when Paint the Night was only in Hong Kong. But the solution to that is cutting those floats from the parade, just like they did with Frozen when PtN moved to DCA.

Tom, do you think there’s any chance that the current iteration of Rogers: The Musical is an audition or test run for something bigger (i.e., Broadway itself)? The current trend on Broadway right now is recycled nostalgia and from what I’ve heard about the Rogers musical, if it was able to be beefed out a bit more to pad its running time it would likely be as good as (and likely much better than) the average Broadway production.

It’s no secret that new iterations of the last two Hyperion Theater shows (Aladdin and Frozen) both became Broadway hits. While I realize those were new incarnations without a direct lineage tracing back to the Hyperion productions, if I were Disney brass I’d be thinking about ways to more directly monetize Rogers: The Musical vs. giving it away “for free” at DCA.

Wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case, or if it’s a test for Disney Cruise Line.

Either way, I hope it’s not solely a test and that this version returns to DCA in 2024.

That would be fantastic. We’re huge fans of Rogers: The Musical and would love to see it return in any format!

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Disneyland | Disneyland closes 6 attractions after busy…

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Disneyland | disneyland closes 6 attractions after busy christmas season, it’s a small world, grizzly river run, sailing ship columbia and the ‘world of color’ water show will temporarily close jan. 7 or 8 as part of disneyland’s standard refurbishment schedule..

Disneyland will close six attractions for seasonal refurbishments just days after the busy Christmas holiday season comes to an end and blocked out Magic Key annual passholders flood back into the Anaheim theme parks.

It’s a Small World, Grizzly River Run, Sailing Ship Columbia and the “World of Color” water show will temporarily close Jan. 7 or 8 as part of Disneyland’s standard refurbishment schedule.

The four new attraction closures join the Astro Orbitor and Mark Twain Riverboat that were already shuttered for refurbishment.

ALSO SEE: What’s next for Disneyland’s Hyperion and Fantasyland theaters?

The timing of the attraction closures coincides with the end of the Christmas holiday season at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on Sunday, Jan. 7.

It’s a Small World will be closed Jan. 7-18 to remove the annual seasonal holiday overlay.

Crowds are expected to be thick for Small World during the final few days of the holiday overlay as tourists disappear and passholders return after a two-week blockout.

ALSO SEE: Top 25 for 2024: Best new theme park rides and attractions

The Grizzly River Run will close during the coldest part of the year in typically sunny Southern California when fewer visitors want to get soaked on the water ride.

Grizzly River Run will be out of commission starting Monday, Jan. 8 for a temporary refurbishment that will stretch at least through mid-February.

The new “ World of Color — One ” debuted in January 2023 as part of the Disney100 celebration.

The DCA nighttime spectacular will go down for an extended 8-week refurbishment from Jan. 8 through Feb. 29.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland Ambassadors pass title to next theme park spokespeople

The temporary closure of the Sailing Ship Columbia will be short-lived on Jan. 8-11 — and briefly sideline both big ships that ply the Rivers of America.

The Mark Twain Riverboat has been closed for refurbishment since mid-September and will return Feb. 3, according to the Disneyland website.

Scaffolding has surrounded the paddlewheeler docked at Pelican Landing while the riverboat that plays a key role in “Fantasmic” gets a heavy dose of TLC during the nighttime spectacular’s extended downtime.

“ Fantasmic ” will return on May 24 after a yearlong hiatus following an inferno that engulfed the show’s audio-animatronic fire-breathing dragon.

ALSO SEE: 5 fireworks shows coming to Disneyland in 2024

Astro Orbitor closed in late November and will undergo refurbishment through Winter 2024.

The rocket spinner ride at the entrance to Tomorrowland in Disneyland is expected to return between mid-February and mid-March.

The latest temporary closures don’t include Splash Mountain — which is undergoing an extensive conversion into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure . The Critter Country log flume ride is scheduled to reopen with a new “Princess and the Frog” theme late this year.

Also not on the temporarily “out of order” list are several attractions that never returned following the year-long pandemic closure that shuttered Disneyland and DCA.

Disneyland’s Star Wars Launch Bay and DCA’s Blue Sky Cellar are being used for Imagination Campus — an educational travel workshop that teaches students about the arts and sciences used in Disney theme parks.

The Magic Eye Theater in Tomorrowland remains dark with no upcoming show in the works. The Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land briefly returned for a summertime run of “ Rogers: The Musical ” before closing again with nothing planned for the 2,000-seat Broadway caliber venue.

The Fantasyland Theatre will soon shutter when “ Tale of the Lion King ” ends its run on Jan. 7.

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Mark Twain Riverboat

• Water Rides

Steam into the Past

Board an old-fashioned steam-powered vessel for a half-mile journey into the heart of the American frontier. 

During the charming, 14-minute trip around Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island , spot delightful sights along the river’s edge, including: 

• The north bank of the Columbia Gorge, complete with a beautiful waterfront and 5 sparkling waterfalls 
• A rustic frontier cabin 
• An idyllic Native American village 
• A busy beaver at work chewing on the train trestle 
• Mountain lions relaxing in the sun 
• The Disneyland Railroad steaming into the wilderness 

Along the way, hear lively narration about a time gone by.

Along the Mississippi

The Mark Twain is an authentic reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi River. A working steam engine converts the water from the Rivers of America into steam that in turn powers the large paddle that propels the boat. 

Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 28-foot tall, 105-foot-long riverboat is comprised of 4 pristine decks: 

• Pilothouse , also known as the top deck, features the wheelhouse and Captain’s Quarters 
• Promenade Deck includes a salon and a collection of vintage photos and maps 
• Texas (or Sun) Deck is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors as you float down the river 
• Main Deck includes the boiler and pistons that run the paddlewheel 

Limited seating is available.

A Tribute to America’s Writer

Walt Disney named the Mark Twain after the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The famed author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn —and Walt’s personal hero—Clemens was also a riverboat pilot as a young man. 

That experience inspired his pen name: “mark twain” is a boating term that means a vessel is at a safe depth.

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Frontierland, plan your day with disney genie service, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for mark twain riverboat.

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Family-Friendly Tours Full Of Adventure, Storytelling, And Fun

History, literature, and travel enthusiasts unite for a unique sightseeing and dining experience aboard riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River from beloved author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Witness firsthand what inspired the writer to create iconic characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. At Mark Twain Riverboat Co., you get to experience the Mighty Mississippi River in a truly memorable way, a Mississippi river boat cruise complete with storytelling, scenic views, and fine dining.

We provide a unique experience perfect for individuals, families, and groups. The cruise takes place on the Mississippi River from Mark Twain's boyhood home town of Hannibal, MO.

Mark Twain shared his unique perspective of life on the Mississippi River throughout his writings and characters. Get a glimpse of the Mississippi River as Mark Twain might have seen it.

The Mark Twain has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for more than 30 years. As a family-owned business since 1997, we strive to offer you a unique riverboat experience on the Mighty Mississippi, whether you’re a Hannibal resident or visitor. Choose between our two daily cruise offerings: our Sightseeing Cruise and our evening Dinner Cruise which includes live entertainment and a two entree buffet-style dinner.

Whether you are looking for a sightseeing adventure on the Mississippi River, taking in the sights, or dining on the river at sunset, Mark Twain Riverboat has something for everyone.

Set Sail on Our Riverboat Cruises

Sightseeing Tour

This one-hour sightseeing cruise travels along the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to soak up the scenery at a relaxing, rhythmic pace. Listen as the captain guides your cruise with historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the Mississippi River.

A cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat is great for family events. Whether you are a visitor or resident of Hannibal, you can make wonderful memories aboard our unique riverboat experience! Looking forward to having you onboard!

Departure time: Varies - check calendar Yearly availability: April 1 - Nov. 4 Weekly availability: Daily

Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on this cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. Indulge in a delicious buffet and share a wonderful dinner with your family or friends, then enjoy live music from the dance floor or the deck.

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on our Dinner Cruises. It may be The Rivermen playing modern jazz (Saturday night from Memorial Day thru September), or you might get to enjoy the music of Tim Hart (Mondays & Tuesdays), or Adam Ledbetter and David Damm (Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in.

Departure time: 6:30 p.m. Yearly availability: May 3 - Oct 28 Weekly availability: Varies - check calendar

Why choose us?

A Glimpse At Missouri Through The Lens Of A Famous Author On The Mississippi River

A Mississippi River cruise aboard Mark Twain Riverboat Co. allows you to enjoy a short excursion from Hannibal during the more pleasant weather months of the year. Just 100 miles away from St. Louis, our Mississippi River boat cruise is the only cruise that departs from Mark Twain's boyhood home.

River cruising gives you the time and space to fully immerse yourself in Mark Twain's story and the Mississippi River, getting to know the inspiration behind his books. We handle every detail for you from departure to dinner on our Mississippi river cruises, making it possible for you to fully relax and enjoy our modern riverboat.

Cruising down the river is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature after a busy week. Hannibal, Missouri is home to some of the most scenic riverfront views in the Midwest!

Informative

Our cruise guides are experts in their field and love to share their knowledge about this beautiful city. They'll educate you all about the history of the area and its inhabitants, so you can really get an insider's look at this fascinating area.

Family-friendly

Our cruises are great for families with children of all ages, so bring your whole crew along with you! We have plenty of activities that will keep you occupied during the day and night.

Hannibal, Missouri

Despite its small size, Hannibal, MO is full of history and immersive learning experiences. It is there that you can visit Mark Twain's boyhood home and museum, take a Mississippi River cruise, or even attend a festival in his honor. That's not all there is to do in the area, though. You can explore caves and even take a ghost tour. Although, we are sure our cruise will be one of your favorite experiences yet.

Upper Mississippi River cruises are a great way for people of all ages to take a break from the normal day-to-day. Instead you'll enjoy an afternoon taking in the beautiful scenery or an evening of entertainment and dining. Our cruises are perfect for anyone who wants adventure but doesn't want the length of trip that most American cruise lines offer. A short trip aboard our Mississippi River cruises is just the evening out you need to feel refreshed, educated, and creative.

Frequently asked questions

Can we modify existing itineraries.

To some extent – yes. Sometimes we will have to because the weather isn’t always ideal and we want to stay in shallow, calm waters to keep the trip enjoyable.

What is the duration of the cruises?

Our cruises last approximately one to two hours

Are food and drinks available on board?

Yes, we offer a variety of food and drinks, including a snack bar and a full-service bar.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No, smoking is not allowed onboard.

Is the Mark Twain Riverboat wheelchair accessible?

We are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck. However, there is no lift to the upper deck and wheelchairs do not fit in the bathrooms.

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Moscow Muled

Why do moscow mules come in copper mugs.

Oct 18, 2019

Have you ever wondered why the Moscow Mule cocktail is served in a copper mug? In this post, we answer that question in detail. As it turns out, the answer is partly based on historical events and partly based on the extra "kick" that copper brings to this classic cocktail. Let's dive in!

Introduction

A remarkable cocktail is something you notice from across the room, easily identified by the signature drinking vessel it's served in. Few are more distinct than the burnished copper mug of a Moscow Mule. 

Great cocktails aren't just alcohol and mixers––they should be something more, a full sensory experience from beginning to end. It starts as you observe the precise convergence of ingredients in a golden ratio that blossoms into flavors and aromas of citrus and spicy ginger. It is then delivered into an ice-filled copper mug and garnished with fresh mint and a slice of lime.  Finally, it is presented before you, shiny and cold, compelling you to taste.

The copper mule mug not only tells the story of the drink it contains, but also is essentially functional to the full experience. You might already know that the cone-shaped bowl of a long-stemmed Martini glass was designed so that olives would stand perfectly upright, and the elegantly curvaceous welled Margarita glass was designed to add ample salt, sugar and garnishes.

But why are Moscow Mules served in copper mugs?

Inquiring minds want to know, so this article will sum up the science and history of why traditional Moscow Mules come in copper mugs, and other legit benefits of serving cocktails in pure copper mugs. This includes:

A Brief History of the Moscow Mule

The science of using copper mugs.

• How Copper Mugs Amplify the Taste & Aroma of your Moscow Mule
• The Enhanced Experience of Drinking from a Pure Copper Mug

The origin of this timeless cocktail is the tale of the American Dream. One fateful day in 1941 , three struggling entrepreneurs had a serendipitous meeting at the Cock 'N Bull bar on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood: A bar owner passionate about his unpopular home-brewed ginger beer, a businessman who took a big chance and purchased Smirnoff vodka, and a Russian immigrant with a cache of copper mugs she couldn't seem to sell. That day, the unlikely trio wisely decided to join forces in a bold venture that would not only save their individual businesses, but also create an iconic American cocktail.

Essentially, the Moscow Mule is the most successful marketing campaign in cocktail history. At a time when most Americans had never even heard of vodka, this cocktail introduced them to the traditional Russian alcohol, and established Smirnoff as a necessity in both bars and homes alike.

Thanks to celebrity endorsement, the Moscow Mule soon took the Hollywood cocktail scene by storm, and quickly became the most beloved mixed drink of the 1950's.

It's popularity understandably waned during the Cold War, and it was briefly re-branded as the Smirnoff Mule to distance itself from communism. However, the recent cocktail renaissance of the 21st century has seen the Moscow Mule come kicking back, as evidenced by lists like Esquire's Top 10 Cocktails of 2019 , and Business Insider's 8th Best-selling Cocktail in the World, 2018 .

But the answer to why Moscow Mules are served in copper mugs goes much further than a conveniently clever alliance between co-founders desperate for a big break. The story of the Moscow Mule is both the struggle of the immigrant searching for success, and the flashy lifestyle of the rich and famous.

It boasts a simple recipe , yet a complex flavor profile, encapsulated in a shiny copper mug. And as delicious and refreshing as the Moscow Mule may be, it's the copper mug that makes the cocktail so extraordinary.  Like the drink itself, the pure copper mule mug is a balance of form and functionality.

The most scientific benefit of the copper mug is its ability to regulate temperature. When a drink is served in a copper mug, it gets cold fast––and stays that way.

Copper is a renowned thermal conductor that will keep your beverage frosty in any weather, and is one of the reasons the traditional Moscow Mule has become synonymous with summer. Add a little ice, and the copper chills drinks instantly, and sustains a refreshingly icy rim with every sip.

Because copper is such an excellent conductor, it can keep your cold beverages colder for longer. The downfall of many ill-fated cocktails on a hot summer day is melting ice. Copper mugs stay brisk, and don't disrupt the recipe's ratio, so the simple yet distinct flavors of the Moscow Mule remain strong till the last drop.

Another important feature of the solid copper Moscow Mule mug is the handle. Much like the stem of a wine glass, the copper mug handle keeps the nearly 100 degree body temperature of your hand from impacting the status of your deliciously frosty cocktail.

How Copper Mugs Amplify the Taste and Aroma of Your Moscow Mule

If you want to know what a Moscow Mule tastes like, purists would insist the only way to experience it is in a 100% copper mug. Aside from being a great American tradition, copper mugs offer some unique enhancements to both the flavor and aroma of the Moscow Mule (or almost any finely-crafted cocktail).

Although subjective, most discerning drinkers would agree that copper mugs imbue cocktails with a superior taste. Experts explain that the copper oxidizes the vodka upon contact, thus enhancing the flavor profile and potency of the aromatics.

The intense cold of the copper also creates more stability in the bubbles of the ginger beer carbonation, and balances the tangy citrus of the lime with the earthy spice of the ginger.

For the skeptics out there, the theory of superior taste is easily verifiable. Simply make or order two Moscow Mules––one served in a plastic cup, and one served in a copper mug. Take a moment to inhale deeply, enjoy a big sip, and let your senses be the judge.

The epiphany should take a matter of moments, and you soon realize why a Moscow Mule is best served in a copper mug, and why any other cup or glass is vastly inferior. The difference can be so vivid, you might even consider drinking all your favorite beverages from copper mugs, even hot tea and coffee!

The Enhanced Experience of Drinking From a Pure Copper Mug

Throwing back shots with reckless disregard is a great way to get hammered, but a terrible way to enjoy something delicious. People order cocktails for the full package––observing its creation, revelling in its presentation, and slowly savoring its captivating story and unique taste.

Not only is a cocktail a well-balanced combination of spirits and mixers, it's also about the aesthetic and function of the vessel it's served in. A cocktail should be an object of inspired beauty, presented thoughtfully in a suitable glass or mug and garnished appropriately. It should take time, because it's made by hand.

Although the copper mug has become the symbol of Moscow Mules, it can also pair exquisitely with many other cocktails. Many people seem drawn to the shine and nostalgia of the metal, and Mixologists seem impressed by the scientific properties of the copper mug. Other drinks prominently featured in copper mugs include Dark 'n Stormy, Mescal, Gin & Tonic, and Cuba Libre.

No matter how frosted a beer glass gets, nothing can keep a mixed drink colder than a copper mug. The sensation when one's lips touch the ice-cold rim with every sip is part of the unique experience.

The flavors are heightened, the aromas amplified, and the balance of vodka, lime juice and ginger beer is never watered-down by melting ice. Provided your Moscow Mule is served in a pure copper mug, the last sip should be just as robust and enjoyable as the first.

The benefits of drinking from copper mugs aren't a newfound discovery. In fact, copper has been the preferred metal for drinking vessels for thousands of years.

Gurus in India have been using copper mugs for hundreds of years, and copper goblets called Escra have been found in ancient Irish ruins. Even American settles in 1645 drank exclusively from a massive tankard made of pure copper, known today as the Virginia Tankard .

The Moscow Mule is a classic drink served in a magnificent copper mug because it tells a compelling story, and enhances your consumption experience. It is an unforgettable drink because it's served in a mug that is both more beautiful than and functionally superior to glass.

Three Reasons Moscow Mules Come in Copper Mugs

The reason your Moscow Mule is served in a copper mug is not a fluke. It is not because it's the latest trendy hipster craze. It's not just a marketing ploy (although it definitely started out as one), nor is it a conspiracy by the lobbyists for Big Copper.

Moscow Mules come in copper mugs for three reasons: taste, temperature, and presentation.

The unique experience of drinking a Moscow Mule is a balanced combination of these three elements. It's also the reason this drink is not only the most recognizable, but also consistently one of the most popular drinks in global cocktail culture history.

Taste: The natural properties of the copper oxidize the alcohol, resulting in powerful aromatics and superior flavors. The bubbles of the ginger beer stay fizzy, and perfectly counter the acidity of the fresh lime juice. It's spicy yet refreshing. Simply put, it's delicious!

Temperature: Copper is an ideal thermal conductor, instantly chilling your beverage upon creation, and maintaining a consistently arctic temperature. This prevents the ice from quickly melting and dulling the cocktail ratio, while keeping the rim refreshingly frosty with every sip. The handle also keeps your hot little fingers from fluctuating the temperature with every touch.

Presentation: A glinting copper mug looks authentic and catches the eye. It is vintage, yet modern, and tells a story of creativity, charm and resilience. It is instantly recognizable, and makes for a fine looking beverage. Yes please!

The Bottom Line

The copper mug is iconic, a great American tradition of nearly 80 years, and is the only proper way to drink a Moscow Mule. Cheers!

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  How to Clean and Care for Copper Mugs: The Definitive Guide and  Why You Should Only Use Moscow Mule Copper Mugs With Stainless Steel Lining

Relevant Products

Moscow Mule Copper Mug

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