MAGICAL TOUR MAIN BANNER - 945
 
 
P resented here, for your enjoyment, is a magical and musical virtual Audio tour of the Happiest Place on Earth, both past and present. From this comprehensive collection of rare Audio recordings, the stay at home listener is granted their very own 'E' Ticket to adventures that recreate the ambiance and simulate the you-are-there sensation of an actual trip to the park. Just close your eyes and let your mind run free. It won't be hard to imagine you are really inside the Magic Kingdom for an exciting day at Disneyland, the place where dreams really do come true... 09 - MASCOT - 180

TRACK DIVIDER LINE

• FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL AVAILABLE TRACKS & NEW ADDITIONS:   CLICK HERE
• A COMPLETE CHAPTER DIRECTORY IS LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE •
SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE TO HEAR TRACKS IN CONTINUAL LONG-PLAY MODE
POSTER DIVIDER - 935
09 - TITLE CARD
Thumbnail Image
1 - Rivers of America Theme Music  03:43

 

This sweeping instrumental piece was often featured in various television segments produced throughout the 50's and 60's whenever showcasing the steamer Mark Twain, or Disneyland's Rivers of America. It was first featured in 1957 on Walt Disney's weekly television series during an episode entitled "Disneyland the Park and Pecos Bill."
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- Disneyland in TV Land - The Rivers of America -

 

Disney's weekly Disneyland TV series, would occasionally feature segments devoted to his park. This always included the various watercraft of the Rivers of America which were a predominate aspect of these many TV episodes. The construction of The Mark Twain Steamboat was presented during a pre-opening day report, and christened by actress Irene Dunn during Disneyland's televised live grand opening on July 17th 1955.
 
Thumbnail Image
2 - Disneyland Pre-Opening Report - The Mark Twain Steamboat  08:26
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
3 - Dateline Disneyland - Mark Twain Dedication Ceremony  03:55
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
4 - Disneyland USA - The Rivers of America  03:53
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
5 - Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel - The Mark Twain Steamboat  01:32
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
6 - Disneyland the Park - The Rivers of America  01:52
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
7 - An Adventure in the Magic Kingdom - Rivers of America  07:25
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
8 - Disneyland Showtime - There's a Kind of Walk You Walk  02:36

 

A 1970 episode of the Wonderful World of Disney entitled, "Disneyland Showtime," starring Kurt Russel, the Osmond Brothers and actress E.J. Peaker, brought viewers on a musical tour of the Magic Kingdom. During a Mark Twain cruise around the Rivers of America, Ms. Peaker belted out the Broadway tune "There's a Kind of Walk You Walk."
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
9 - Disneyland Records - A Trip Aboard the Mark Twain  02:59

 

In 1956 Disneyland Records released an album transporting listeners to The Happiest Place on Earth though a lush musical soundscape. Shortly thereafter, it was reissued as a children's variation, with additional vocals newly added by Jiminy Cricket, as voiced by the legendary Cliff Edwards. Here he takes on a trip around the Rivers of America.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
10 - Steamboat Bill - The Mellomen Quartet  02:03

 

The Mellomen Quartet recorded their rendition of Steamboat Bill in 1948. This popular ballad, originally written in 1911, was the inspiration for the 1928 Buster Keaton silent comedy, "Steamboat Bill Jr.," which in turn inspired the 1928 Mickey Mouse cartoon, "Steamboat Willie," which in turn, was an inspiration behind Disneyland's Mark Twain.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
11 - Here Comes The Old Mark Twain  01:18

 

A 1962 episode of The Wonderful World of Color entitled, "Disneyland After Dark," took television audiences on an evening cruise around the Rivers of America with guest stars Kid Ory, Louis Armstrong and The Young Men from New Orleans. Opening the segment was an original song written in glorification of the proud steamer The Mark Twain.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- The Mark Twain Steamboat -

 

The majestic vessel, the Mark Twain Steamboat, has been a Disneyland icon since 1955. The stately queen of the Rivers of America brings passengers on a voyage around Tom Sawyer Island, passing though a wild western wilderness surrounded by a Calvary fort, backwoods settlements and a Native American village. Heard here are seven variations of the onboard soundtrack, spanning from 1969 to the present day.
 
Thumbnail Image
12 - Mark Twain Leadsman - Depth Mark Calls  00:52
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
13 - The Mark Twain Steamboat - 1969 Excursion  10:16
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
14 - The Mark Twain Steamboat - 1979 Excursion  09:28
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
15 - The Mark Twain Steamboat - 1987 Excursion  11:10
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
16 - The Mark Twain Steamboat - 1992 Excursion  12:50
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
17 - The Mark Twain Riverboat - 2007 Excursion  15:27
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
18 - The Mark Twain Riverboat - 2010 Excursion  17:28
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
19 - The Mark Twain Riverboat - 2017 Excursion  16:58
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
20 - Mark Twain Steamboat - Show Narration  05:31
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
21 - Sounds of the River  04:09

 

As one takes a cruise around The Rivers of America, the sounds of the wild frontier are heard around every bend. There are the sounds of birds and other wildlife, the sounds of the Native American people, the sounds of a bugle call from a nearby cavalry fort, and the sounds of whistles and steam power from the stately watercraft that ply the river.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
22 - A Day at Disneyland - Rivers of America  01:53

 

In 1980 Walt Disney Home Entertainment released a 30 minute video souvenir of The Happiest Place on Earth. This was sold at retail locations throughout Disneyland and available for home rental at video stores nationwide. It included a look at the Rivers of America, sailing aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia and Mark Twain Steamboat.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
23 - Disneyland Is Your Land - Rivers of America Medley  03:05

 

For Disneyland's 25th anniversary celebration, a live stage show called "Disneyland is Your Land" was presented as a musical revue, taking audiences on a whirlwind tour of the Happiest Place on Earth and its themed lands. During the production, this musical montage of traditional river songs represented Frontierland's Rivers of America.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
24 - Songs to Cruise the Rivers of America By  1:44:32

 

Let us travel back to a romantic era when whole towns and villages grew out of river ports. The Mississippi, the Columbia, the Ohio, the Missouri and the Rio Grand, these rivers and others have provided Americans with a wealth of folklore, myth and legend, not to mention the enormity of music that has been inspired by these great waterways.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
25 - Mark Twain Steamboat Reopening Ceremony 2017  03:57

 

On January 11th 2016, the Rivers of America temporarily closed for the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. When the river attractions returned on July 29th 2017, the grand reopening ceremony of the Mark Twain saw her decks adorned with buntings, banners and balloons. Speeches were given, and a live Dixieland band performed.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
26 - Rivers of America - Disneyland R.R. Reopening Ceremony 2017  04:19

 

After an 18 month long rerouting of the Rivers of America, the Disneyland Railroad reopened on July 29th 2017. For the festivities, head of Disney animation, John Lasseter, took the inaugural train trip across a new river trestle followed by cars filled with Disney characters. As they passed over the gorge, rows of fireworks capped off the celebration.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
27 - Rivers of America - Columbia River Gorge  03:17

 

To accommodate the space needed for Star Wars Galaxy's edge, the Rivers of America had to be rerouted and slightly shortened. After an 18 month long refurbishment the new Columbia Gorge section of the river premiered. Now the Disneyland Railroad crosses over a trestle surrounded by rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls and comical critters.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
28 - Walt Disney World - The Liberty Belle Riverboat  11:02

 

Walt Disney World has a Rivers of America all its own, and one can sail these waterways aboard the Liberty Belle Riverboat. This single stacked steamer began daily operations in 1973, and at one time was one of two ships in the Florida fleet. It was originally named the Richard F. Irvine, in honor of the former head of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
29 - Walt Disney World - Beacon Joe  02:24

 

Beacon Joe is a familiar character to those who have traveled though the Blue Bayou in Disneyland. His Walt Disney World cousin can be found along the water's edge of the Rivers of America. There he sits on his front porch rocker, smoking on a corncob pipe, and keeping track of any notable course changes to add new markers along the river.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
30 - Disneyland Paris - The Molly Brown Riverboat  19:01

 

In Disneyland Paris the tributary flowing through Frontierland is known as The Rivers of the Far West. Not one, but two steam-powered vessels ply these waterways. The Mark Twain is an exact replica of the Disneyland original. The Molly Brown is unique to France, as the only sidewheeler amongst the current fleet of Disney park steamships.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
31 - Frontierland Dock - Cruising Down the River  06:09

 

The Frontierland dock is where the Mark Twain comes into port after her many journeys around the Rivers of America. This is also the very spot where the Disneyland Band first performed the song "Cruising Down the River" during the riverboat's 1955 dedication. This song is still performed live at the steamboat landing and aboard the Mark Twain.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
32 - Frontierland Dock - Wurlitzer LX Orchestrion  06:53

 

As Disneyland was being built, Walt Disney purchased several antique music machines at auction. One of these was a Wurlitzer LX Orchestrion which was once prominently displayed at the Frontierland dock. It would play live music for decades before it was retired due to weather damage. Today it can be seen inside the Golden Horseshoe.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
33 - Mark Twain Disneyland Band Concert  05:00

 

The Disneyland Band has been performing live at the Frontierland Dock and on the bow of the Mark Twain since Disneyland's opening day in 1955. The tradition continues to this day, often marching over from Main Street USA to put on an impromptu concert aboard the the famous steamship as she journeys around the Rivers of America.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
34 - Mark Twain Ragtime Pianist  12:56

 

When the Main Street pianist was displaced in 2012 during a refurbishment of the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner, its upright piano was temporarily relocated to the main deck of the Mark Twain Steamboat, offering live entertainment as she circled round the river. This proved so popular that ragtime concerts have continued during peak seasons.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- Mark Twain Salon Deck Stage -

 

The second level of the Mark Twain is known as the Saloon Deck. Here, beverages were once served from a small bar, including non-alcoholic mint juleps. Towards the stern is a small bandstand that has showcased an amazing roster of Jazz performers throughout the decades. Even the likes of Louis Armstrong and Kid Ory would occasionally sit in with the park's talented in house ensemble known as the Young Men from New Orleans.
 
Thumbnail Image
35 - Disneyland After Dark - Louis Armstrong and Friends  14:09
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
36 - Kid Ory & The Young Men from New Orleans  36:05
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
37 - The Banjo Kings: New Dixie Rebellion Band  54:42
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
38 - Side Street Strutters  34:56
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
39 - The Original Dixieland Jazz Minors  59:55
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
40 - Mark Twain Banjo Band  04:30
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
41 - Mark Twain Landing - Dixieland Medley  17:40

 

As the Mark Twain arrives and departs from the Frontierland river dock, the sound of New Orleans style jazz sets the tone. For decades, two classic recordings by the famous Firehouse 5 Plus 2, "Come Back Sweet Papa," and "Milenberg Joys," were used for the ship's sendoffs and landings. Today, other Dixieland recordings continue that tradition.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
42 - The Mark Twain Steamboat - Backwoods Banjo Medley  03:31

 

Music has always been a pivotal atmospheric element of the Mark Twain sightseeing experience. For many decades, while traveling though the backwoods territory, these claw hammer banjo arrangements of the classic American folk songs, "Cripple Creek" and "Goober Peas," set the appropriate tone, recalling the rustic days of the pioneers.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
43 - The Mark Twain Riverboat - Homespun Songs of Vicksburg  07:59

 

The Mark Twain received a touch of authenticity when musical selections from the album "Homespun Songs of Vicksburg," by accomplished string instrumentalist Bobby Horton, were incorporated into the onboard soundtrack. Bobby Horton's authentic period music was also featured in the award-winning Ken Burns Civil War documentary series.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
44 - The Mark Twain Riverboat - Musical Soundtrack  13:20

 

Disneyland's proud steamship, known today as the Mark Twain "Riverboat" is one of the few opening day attractions still being enjoyed by guests to this day. In recent years, this water-bound excursion has become a truly musical journey, as guests hear a selection of music both from classic Walt Disney films and from America's folkloric past.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
45 - Tiana's Showboat Jubilee  19:28

 

The 2009 theatrical release of the animated feature, "The Princess and the Frog," would inspire a live show featuring the songs and memorable characters from the film. The production was staged aboard the Mark Twain Steamboat, and then followed the cast along the shoreline of the river as they marched their way into New Orleans Square.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
46 - Rivers of America - Royal Street Bachelors Background Music  00:00

 

Upon the premiere of Fantasmic in 1992, guests would soon begin staking out a prime spot for each night's performance, several hours before showtime. Appropriate area music was soon added to the waterfront for the enjoyment of these patient guests, which originally included songs performed by Disneyland's own Royal Street Bachelors.
---------- COMING SOON ----------
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
47 - Rivers of America Waterfront - Area Background Music  55:23

 

As guests wander along the shores of the Rivers of America, passing from Frontierland into New Orleans Square, the distinguishable sound of Dixieland Jazz can be heard all along the water's edge. This perfectly compliments the bustling activity of the river, as water vessels glide by and guests explore Tom Sawyer Island just across the way.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
48 - Dateline Disneyland - New Orleans Street  02:32

 

Before New Orleans Square opened in 1966, there was a little block of buildings once known as New Orleans Street, just around the bend from the Golden Horseshoe. This area remains in the park to this day as part of Frontierland. It was here on opening day that the Firehouse 5 Plus 2 put on a Dixieland jam session for the live TV broadcast.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
49 - Don Defore's Silver Banjo Barbecue  02:52

 

Television personality Don Defore, who played the next door neighbor Thorny on the Ozzie and Harriet Show, owned and operated a barbecue restaurant in Disneyland's New Orleans Street for several years. The unofficial theme song for the restaurant was Stephen Foster's "Ring Ring De Banjo," and the lyrics were printed on every menu.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
50 - Aunt Jemima Pancake House  01:00

 

Located where the River Belle Terrace restaurant serves up its famous Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes today, there was once another popular breakfast eatery known as the Aunt Jemima Pancake House. Serving as the celebrity hostess was the real Aunt Jemima herself, who became a permanent ambassador and greeted patrons on a regular basis.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- New Orleans Street - Dixieland Bandstand -

 

Along the water's edge, across the way from Disneyland's original New Orleans Street, there once stood a wrought iron laced bandstand serving as the venue for live Dixieland entertainment. The in-house band, known as The Strawhatters, played here five days a week. Other guest bands would often perform here, including the Dukes of Dixieland, George Bruns' Wonderland Jazz Band and the famous Firehouse Five Plus Two.
 
Thumbnail Image
51 - The Firehouse Five Plus Two  1:00:28
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
52 - The Wonderland Jazz Band  24:52
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
53 - The Strawhatters  42:28
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
54 - The Dukes of Dixieland  56:53
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
55 - River Belle Terrace - Sponsored by Oscar Meyer  00:50

 

When The Aunt Jemima Pancake house first became the River Belle Terrace, it was sponsored by Oscar Meyer. Not only did the new restaurant get a new sponsor, but also a new mascot, in the form of the jovial little person "Little Oscar," played by the company's famous spokesman George Molchan, who met with guests and posed for photos.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
56 - River Belle Terrace - A Day at Disneyland  00:38

 

When Quaker Oats ended their sponsorship of the Aunt Jemima Pancake House in 1970, it was temporarily renamed the Magnolia Tree Terrace before permanently becoming the River Belle Terrace in 1971. Although this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is most known for its early morning menu, including Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
57 - The Plantation House  12:39

 

One of Disneyland's long gone landmarks was once located along the river bank in what is now New Orleans Square. This antebellum structure, known as the Plantation House, was a very popular eatery that served fried chicken and other southern dishes. Its patio dining area offered breathtaking views of the passing water traffic along the river.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- Magnolia Bowl Bandstand -

 

Magnolia Park was located in a shady area between Frontierland and Adventureland between 1956-1962. The diverse roster of daily entertainment presented here revolved around civic organizations, visiting guest stars and special seasonal events. Before it was located here, this ever-migrating bandstand was first constructed in Town Square, before it was hastily moved to the central hub, just before the park's grand opening.
 
Thumbnail Image
58 - The Magnolia Bowl  23:43
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
59 - Mouseketeer Meet and Greet  11:26
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
60 - Ken-L-Ration Dog Show  01:04
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
61 - International Festival  15:26
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
62 - Kodak Picture Spot  02:24

 

The Eastman Kodak Company was a long time sponsor of Disneyland. Not only did they sell film and rent cameras to Disneyland visitors, but they encouraged picture taking with several designated "Kodak Picture Spots" located throughout the park. One of the most picturesque of them all was located on the western side of the Rivers of America.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
63 - The Sounds of America - An Island, a Treehouse and a Cave  09:52

 

"The Sounds of America" was a special episode of "The Bell Telephone Hour" filmed on location at Disneyland, which first aired on NBC in 1961. An entire segment of the show was devoted to Tom Sawyer Island. An adventurous young boy explored the island to the accompaniment of an original song performed by the Ralph Brewster Singers.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
64 - Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island  02:15

 

Since 1956, rustic log rafts have carried passengers across the Rivers of America to the boyhood playground straight from the pages of Mark Twain's famous novel. The original island was filled with suspension bridges to cross, tree houses to climb, trails to survey, rocks to scale, caves to explore and an authentic replica of a frontier log fort.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
65 - Harper's Mill  13:08

 

The old watermill on the southern tip of Tom Sawyer Island was built as a functioning grist mill, much like those located along lakes and riverbeds across North America throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. In the early years, guests could watch as a specialized cast member demonstrated how to make cornmeal the old-fashioned way.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
66 - Catfish Cove  02:06

 

Tom Sawyer Island once offered a very unusual extra attraction. For a small fee you could rent a fishing pole, complete with live bait, and try your hand at a little freshwater fishing. The fish were real, and you could keep whatever you caught. After a few too many waste bins and rental lockers were discovered with rotting fish, the practice was ended.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
67 - Injun Joe's Cave  01:50

 

Injun Joe's cave was based on a climactic moment from the original Tom Sawyer novel in which the main antagonist falls to his death within a mysterious dark cave. Deep inside the Disneyland cave, explorers encountered a bottomless pit as they heard the ghostly echoes of howling winds, the crack of rolling thunder and bloodcurdling screams.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
68 - Fort Wilderness - Area Background Music  27:46

 

A medley of nineteenth century American folk songs served as the musical backdrop for this detailed replica of an authentic frontier fort of hewn logs prominently featured on Tom Sawyer Island. The original structure was dismantled in 2003 due to nearly five decades of weather damage, but remains a fond memory to many long time visitors.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
69 - Fort Wilderness - Regimental Headquarters  01:23

 

Peering through the windows of Fort Wilderness, guests could view a wax model figure of Davy Crockett, his partner George Russell and General Andrew Jackson displayed within a replica of a US Calvary unit's regimental headquarters. From lookout towers, kids of all ages enjoyed firing mounted toy rifles with synchronized sound effects.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
70 - The Adventures of Tom and Huck - Movie Soundtracks  1:10:17

 

Frontierland's famed island would not be the last time Disney took inspiration from the classic Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn stories by the great American novelist Mark Twain. They were the source material for two live-action adventures produced by Disney in the mid '90's, "The Adventures of Huck Finn" in 1993, and "Tom and Huck" in 1995.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
71 - Burning Settler's Cabin  01:59

 

For well over four decades, a small settler's cabin located at the northern tip of Tom Sawyer Island was perpetually aflame. Over time the scenario behind this emblazoned log home had to be altered for political correctness, changing from an attack by Indians, to a careless moonshiner, and finally to just old mother nature reeking her havoc.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
72 - Mike Fink Theme - King of the River  02:11

 

Upon the massive success of the three part TV series based on the life and times of Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, the public demanded to see more Davy, so a two part prequel shortly followed, featuring Davy's nemesis Mike Fink, King of the River. This inspired the Disneyland Keelboat attraction which launched in December of 1956.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
73 - Mike Fink's Cabin  01:58

 

In the backwoods territory, along the Rivers of America, what was once the burning settler's cabin later became known as Mike Fink's cabin after the flames were doused in compliance with new environmental regulations. When boats passed by, passengers would overhear Mike Fink himself, singing a tune from the Davy Crockett soundtrack.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
74 - The Mike Fink Keelboats  08:56

 

The Mike Fink Keelboats, the Gullywhumper and the Bertha Mae, were both originally featured in the Davy Crockett series from Walt Disney's weekly television program. The actual boats used in the TV production were refitted to accommodate passengers and became an alternate way to see the Frontierland river. A comical guide added to the fun.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
75 - The Mike Fink Keelboats - Musical Score  09:31

 

The uplifting banjo tunes heard aboard the Mike Fink Keelboats were recordings by a musical group known as the Banjo Kings. This Dixieland revival band had a string of moderately successful albums throughout the 1950's. Their keelboat set included, "Oh Them Golden Slippers," Chicken Pickin' Reel," "Down South" and "That Banjo Rag."
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
76 - The Banjo Kings  39:52

 

The Banjo Kings were highly tuneful musicians that were among the many jazz bands that found fame during the Dixieland jazz revival of the 1950's. Four of their upbeat, recordings, replicating the musical stylings popular during America's pioneer days, would eventually be used as the soundtrack for the Mike Fink Keelboats.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
77 - Welcome to Indian Territory  01:27

 

For over six decades a friendly Indian chieftain, astride his horse, has waved a warm welcome to passing ships along the Frontierland river as they enter Indian territory. Further down the river is a friendly native village and a sacred Indian burial ground. These and other exhibits along the shoreline celebrate our nation's great legacy.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
78 - Native American Village Introduction  01:03

 

The Indian Village was recurringly featured in the many documentary style Disneyland travelogues produced by the Disney Studio throughout the 50's and 60's. Extensive B-roll footage was first filmed for the theatrically released 1956 featurette Disneyland USA, which would be recycled again and again for various TV and theatrical productions.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
79 - Native American Village - Ceremonial Dance Circle  13:47

 

Adding a real sense of history to Frontierland, many local tribes performed authentic Native American ceremonial dances for Disneyland guests in a live performance held several times daily. Within the village were also many examples of Native arts and crafts, authentic tepees and totem poles, and the landing for guest powered war canoes.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
80 - Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes  03:34

 

The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes has the unusual distinction of being the only "guest powered" attraction in Disneyland, and also provide a more intimate look at the scenery along the river. Once known as the Indian War Canoes, the landing was located in the former Indian Village, and is one of the only surviving remnants of the original area.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
81 - Friendly Native American Village  05:18

 

Aside from comparatively sparse landscaping, the backwoods territory of the Rivers of America was almost completely baron when Disneyland first opened in 1955. Over time the vegetation grew, and several scenes depicting life as it once was on the old frontier were added along the river's edge, including a friendly Native-American village.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
82 - Native American Shaman - The Story of the Flute  02:56

 

In later years, the Indian village diorama underwent a major refurbishment. The main addition was a sophisticated new third generation Audio-Animatronic, that had once been used for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. This chieftain storyteller speaks in the native language of his tribe, sharing the story of how the flute came to his people.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
83 - Fowler's Harbor - Area Background Music  33:49

 

Towards the northern end of the river is a tiny inlet named in honor of one Joe Fowler, a retired navy admiral who was the chief construction supervisor of Disneyland for many years. The Columbia often sets anchor in the harbor, and it also functions as a working dry dock for both of Disneyland's big water vessels during periodic refurbishments.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
84 - Frontierland Dock - Columbia Landing  17:14

 

The towering Sailing Ship Columbia is an authentic replica of the first American vessel to circumnavigate the globe. When construction was completed in 1958, it was the first three-masted windjammer built in the United States in over one hundred years. Guests climb aboard the Columbia from a rolling gangplank located at the Frontierland dock.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
85 - O Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean  03:11

 

This patriotic American anthem from the early 19th century, was written in homage to the original Columbia, the first American vessel to circle the globe. The same year the Sailing Ship Columbia debuted in Disneyland, this stirring version was recorded by the Disneyland Chorus for the Brussels World's Fair presentation of America the Beautiful.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
86 - Songs of the Sea: The Norman Luboff Choir  39:52

 

The 1950's saw a trend in chart-topping records featuring large choral groups singing popular musical arrangements, including the Norman Luboff Choir. This 1956 album, featuring traditional nautical folk songs and sea shanties, would later be utilized as fitting background music while onboard Disneyland's Sailing Ship Columbia.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
87 - Sailor Songs - Thurl Ravenscroft  09:54

 

Performing traditional songs of sea is a voice that any fan of classic Disney will surely recognize, the legendary Thurl Ravenscroft. These songs were originally included in the 1962 Disneyland Record "Little Toot and other Sailor Songs with Chip n' Dale" and later became the 'B' side to the official "Pirates of the Caribbean" album, released in 1967.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
88 - Sailing Ship Columbia - The Wind in the Rigging  10:34

 

Several songs from the album, "The Wind in the Rigging," provide background music for the Pirate's Cove area in Disneyland Paris. One song, "Away Rio," has even made its way back to Disneyland USA, and is currently heard while onboard the Columbia. Other songs have been used for various special events. Included here the album in its entirety.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
89 - Sailing Ship Columbia Grand Opening  08:32

 

The Sailing Ship Columbia officially set sail on June 14th 1958. The Mouseketeers made a special guest appearance at the christening ceremony, dressed as the ship shape crew. Walt's wife, Lillian Disney, was given the honor of breaking a bottle on the ships bow, and was then presented with a ship's bible by the acting skipper, Admiral Joe Fowler.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- The Sailing Ship Columbia -

 

Aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia, passengers set sail for a romantic journey around the picturesque Rivers of America. During the voyage, a salty old sea dog provides historical narrative, while pointing out various scenes along the way, hearkening back to the days of "wooden ships and iron men." The original sea captain providing this narration was Fulton Burley, one of the stars of the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
 
Thumbnail Image
90 - Sailing Ship Columbia  17:45
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
91 - Sailing Ship Columbia 2010  19:04
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
92 - Sailing Ship Columbia Show Narration - Fulton Burley  02:55
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
93 - Sailing Ship Columbia - Below Decks Museum  01:16

 

While on board the Columbia, guests may also explore the below decks area of the ship. This special exhibit was added to the attraction in 1964. On display are the ship's galley and living quarters, plus an array of replicated artifacts including artillery, cargo holds, 18th century tools, a display of nautical knots and the captain and first mate's cabins.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
94 - Rafts to Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island  02:12

 

In 2007, the classic Rivers of America attraction, Tom Sawyer Island, received major new enhancements inspired by the recent success of the, "Pirates of the Caribbean," film franchise. Still an island accessible by rafts that carry guests across the river, now it had many new pirate themed elements incorporated throughout the outdoor playground.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
95 - Lafitte's Tavern - Area Background Music  37:40

 

The wood planked structure positioned at the southern tip of Tom Sawyer's Island was re-themed and renamed Lafitte's Tavern when it was invaded by the pirates in 2007. In those initial days, the distinctive sounds of a village pub, ships at sea, pirate battles and lively sea shanties could be heard resonating from within this rustic structure.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
96 - Jack Sparrow's Swashbuckling Adventure  03:57

 

When the new pirate theme first took over what was once the quiet tranquility of Tom Sawyer Island, a live stunt show was presented as a limited time promotion for the new attraction. The plot line revolved around the popular character Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and culminated in a swashbuckling sword fight.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
97 - Pirate's Lair Mill - W. Turner Blacksmith  01:05

 

Harper's Mill has endured many changes since it was first featured on Tom Sawyer's Island in 1956. The entire mill was relocated in 1992 to make room for a new outdoor stage, and today it has been renamed for one of the main characters in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and features props from the film's memorable blacksmith scene.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
98 - Dead Man's Grotto  04:38

 

The former grounds of Injun Joe's Cave underwent a refurbishment in 2007, and is now a haunted grotto inhabited by ghostly seafaring spirits. Through a succession of scenes, guests encounter these unearthly apparitions as they metamorphosize just long enough to scare away any greedy treasure seekers who dare to explore these dark caverns.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
99 - Pirate's Lair Shipwreck - Pirate's Den  03:00

 

Ominously washed ashore along the banks of Tom Sawyer Island is a shipwrecked pirate galleon covered in decayed timber and gooseneck barnacles. Within the wreckage, brave guests are beckoned to explore a mysterious dark passageway filled with glowing lanterns and the sounds of ghostly echoes, crashing rip tides and howling winds.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
100 - Davy Jones Organ  02:37

 

Within the cursed catacombs of a decaying shipwrecked schooner, guests hear ominous music, frightful sounds, and the bloodcurdling echoes of Davy Jones himself, beckoning brave adventurers to join his ghostly band of fallen buccaneers.Eagle-eyed observers may also attempt to cipher a strange cryptic code found along the wreckage walls.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
101 - The Bootstrappers - Pirate's Lair Band  44:22

 

When Pirate's Lair premiered in 2007, a talented group of live musicians were first introduced as a tie into the island's exciting new spirit of adventure. This seaworthy band of balladeers, known as the Bootstrappers, performed rollicking renditions of Irish jigs, traditional sea shanties, pub songs and pirate anthems, all with hearty enthusiasm.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
102 - Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Adventures - Soundtrack  43:38

 

Disneyland was the initial inspiration behind the hugely successful, "Pirates of the Caribbean," film franchise, and in turn, these films had a major impact on the park where it all began. The Rivers of America has often served as the red carpet venue for each star studded film premiere, with a large outdoor screen positioned on Tom Sawyer Island.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
103 - Disney's Songs of Swashbuckling Adventure & Pirate Lore  56:17

 

"Treasure Island," "Peter Pan," "Swiss Family Robinson," "Blackbeard's Ghost," the Walt Disney studio has had a long infatuation with the lore of pirate adventure, far predating the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. Here is a musical tribute to those classic Walt Disney productions celebrating the fabled life of the buccaneer.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- Delta River Stage -

 

As far back as the 1960's, special events and nighttime concerts were presented on the southern landing of Tom Sawyer Island. The first of these river shows were the annual Dixieland in Disneyland music festivals, presented on the temporary Delta River Stage. The Rollin' River Revue from the early 1980's opened with a lavish production number with the Kids of the Kingdom, and featured a roster of famous musical guest stars.
 
Thumbnail Image
104 - Dixieland in Disneyland Introduction  02:49
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
105 - Dixieland in Disneyland - Louie Armstrong  58:55
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
106 - Dixieland in Disneyland - Special Guest Stars  1:20:12
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
107 - Rollin' River Revue  16:44
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
108 - Rollin' River Revue - Instrumental Score  18:33
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
109 - Rollin' River Revue - Featured Performers  1:05:59
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
- Fantasmic! -

 

Every night during peak seasons, the Rivers of America is transformed into an amazing outdoor venue for a spectacular nighttime pageant. The incredible world of Mickey's imagination comes to life through laser lighting, cascading waters, projection mapping and breathtaking pyrotechnical effects. For the grand finale, the Mark Twain carries dozens of Disney characters past the many thousands of spectators along the river.
 
Thumbnail Image
110 - Fantasmic! TV Announcements  00:32
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
111 - Fantasmic! - Disneyland Band Medley  07:22
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
112 - Rivers of America - Fantasmic! Announcements  03:58
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
113 - Jambalaya Jazz Band  20:34
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
114 - Fantasmic!  23:26
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
115 - Fantasmic! - Exit Music  02:59
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
116 - Fantasmic! 2017  26:25
Decorative Image
 
Thumbnail Image
117 - Fantasmic! 2017 - Imagine Exit Music  03:43
Decorative Image
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
118 - Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party - Riverfront Music  37:42

 

During Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party, The Rivers of America are covered with an eerie layer of ghostly fog, and the Frontierland landing is transformed into a special photo taking location called Pirate Wharf. Here guests can say cheese with favorite Disney pirates including Captain Hook and the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow.
Track Divider Line
Thumbnail Image
119 - Tom Sawyer Island - Nighttime Ambiance  02:23

 

After the evening's last performance of Fantasmic, and once the large gathering of crowds has dispersed, the banks along the Rivers of America can be one of the most peaceful, beautiful and romantic spots in all of Disneyland. Here the quiet sounds of nature resonate to form an enchanting symphony of crickets, frogs, owls and coyotes.
Track Divider Line
CHAPTER NINE CONTINUAL PLAY
 
09 - CONTPLAY

 

09 - BOTTOM SCROLL
09 - WELCOME TO THE HUBHUB DIVIDER LINE
 
 
 
 

 

TRAIN DIVIDER - 945
09 - ACCOLADES
Special thanks to CThaddeus for contributing the soundtrack for "2010 Mark Twain Riverboat Excursion"
and for contributing recorded material for the "Mike Fink's Cabin" and "Dead Man's Grotto" tracks.
Special thanks to RocketRodsXPR for his many invaluable contributions to this page and to this site.
Special thanks to the "MAGICAL SOUNDTRACKS" YouTube channel for providing audio for Fantasmic! 2017

                    Special thanks to Bryan Carlson, New Orleans Square/Critter Country Cast Member 1987-1990                     for providing the research and spiel materials for track 42, The Mike Fink Keelboats.