There are many things to be thankful for when it comes to the realm of Disney and positive stuff. Throughout November, we will be taking a look at a few of them. Today, seeing that it is Sunday, I thought I’d focus on one of my favorite things at Disneyland to experience on a Sunday afternoon or evening. The Mark Twain is an opening day attraction at Disneyland. This is a recreation of a 19th-century paddleboat. It goes on a 14-minute trip around the Rivers of America.

Stepping aboard the Mark Twain is like taking a step back in time. It is a time that is slower and less complicated. The views from aboard the riverboat are beautiful as it steams around Tom Sawyer Island. Couple this with the simple banjo music, and it is one of the most relaxing attractions to be found at Disneyland.

The Mark Twain offers a reprieve from what sometimes can be a fast-paced day at the Happiest Place on Earth as people run from attraction to attraction to parade to restaurant to wherever. The change of pace gives people a chance to take a deep breath and simply enjoy the simplicity of nature and a time gone by. It adds to the ebb and flow of a day at Disneyland that, just like a movie, can be an emotional and physical journey.

Throughout the day, there are sometimes some surprises to be found aboard the Mark Twain as well. Sometimes the Straw Hatters can be found playing some favorite Jazz tunes on the second deck. Other times, Princess Tiana can be seen aboard the riverboat. Occasionally, a cast member will invite guests to go up to the Pilot House for a trip around the Rivers of America! All of these things just add to the magic of a ride aboard the Mark Twain.

In the evening, sometimes the Mark Twain glows through the night as it traverses the Rivers of America. Other nights, it is full of characters as Mickey Mouse’s imagination overcomes evil. In both cases, the Mark Twain stands as a beacon of hope in the darkness, as it brings light. By the way, if the Mark Twain IS offering night cruises, always take them! It is even more serene!

In a world that is always crazy and on the go, the Mark Twain is a wonderful way to slow down… even if just for a few minutes. I am so thankful for this attraction at Disneyland. I’m also thankful for the atmosphere and scenes around it as it makes its daily cruises. They are beautiful and create an environment that continues to be refreshing, 70 years after Disneyland first opened to the public.