Rivers of the Far West: the lake of Frontierland

The Rivers of the Far West are home to two islands. The most striking is undoubtedly Big Thunder Mountain island, which houses the roller coaster of the same name. It recreates the rock formations of Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley to plunge you into an authentic Western setting, complete with the runaway mine trains racing across the mountain.

The second island is named Wilderness Island. With its lush vegetation, it preserves the mood of the wild lands once ruled by trappers and pioneers. These scenes of frontier life are best admired from the decks of the boats that sail these waters, where the landscape unfolds at a gentle, unhurried pace.
 

At the entrance to Frontierland, the Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing is where you board one of the park's two paddle steamers.

• The Molly Brown takes its name from Margaret Brown, a wealthy American known for her activism and philanthropy, notably committed to women's rights.
• The Mark Twain is named after the famous American writer, who created the character of Tom Sawyer.
  
   

Both vessels faithfully recreate the boats that traveled the Mississippi River in the nineteenth century. They carry you back to another era, one that will speak to the imagination of many visitors and recall the atmosphere of so many films set in the American West.

Along the way, you might also admire geysers reminiscent of those in California's Yosemite Park. You can spot a dinosaur skeleton and enjoy an unobstructed view of Phantom Manor, the Disney haunted house, whose silhouette adds a touch of mystery to the scene.