(1955–PRESENT) BACKSTORY: The Rivers of America is an artificial river surrounding Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country. While aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia, Mark Twain Riverboat, or even a canoe, guests travel clockwise around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Looking to their right they can see the many areas of the island (the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes debuted May 19, 1971). To the left they see Disneyland itself and at times will see the DLRR train pass by. At the northern end of the island (inaccessible to guests) is the Burning Settler’s Cabin. It used to actually burn by spewing fire from its roof. Despite guest complaints, the park no longer ignites the roof of the cabin with propane each time a ship/boat passes by (WDW still has its cabin burning). In 1992 the south area was renovated to accommodate the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!. The $30 million dollar production is one of the most successful shows in Disneyland history, judging by guest popularity. To see photos of the Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer’s Island makeover, click here.
Photos presented in the order you’d see them from the decks of the Mark Twain/Columbia.
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Click for original attraction poster
Most photos available for purchase as enlargements; email your request. To view photos, allow popups in your web browser & click thumbnails below.
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Dock & Golden Horseshoe in background, Aug. 1964)
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Feb. 1969)
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Feb. 1969)
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