Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes

July 1956 – present

LOCATION

Critter Country – Walk along the water as you leave New Orleans Square, and you will see the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes on the right, after you pass the Harbour Galley Restaurant.

BACKGROUND

The canoes were originally part of Frontierland’s expanded “Indian Village”, which opened in 1956. Then called the “Indian War Canoes”, this ride had the same premise as it does now; guests take a guided canoe ride through the Rivers of America. When the Indian Village closed in 1971, the canoes were redesigned and reopened soon after as the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, now part of “Bear Country”. In 1989, this area became Critter Country, and the Explorer Canoes found a permanent home in this new land.

EXPERIENCE

Details:

• Single Rider Line – no
• Fast Pass – no
• Height Requirement – none
• Duration – typically between 20 and 30 minutes

Guests board into 20-person canoes and receive a brief lesson on how to paddle and safely navigate the canoes. Frontiersman guides point out different campsites and animals to paddling guests as they make the 2,400-foot journey around Tom Sawyer Island, offering closer views of settlements that can be seen from a distance on the Railroad. After making a complete circuit around the island, guests return to the dock, and continue on their exploration of Critter Country.

MY RATING: ★★★★☆

The Explorer Canoes offer a very unique vantage point of Disneyland. Riders get to see panoramic views of the Rivers of America, in a more private and interactive setting than on the larger boats. If you’re in Critter Country during the summer, make sure to stop and take a tour of Disneyland’s waters; you’ll be glad you did.

VISITING TIPS

The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes only operate during the summer, before sunset. Unfortunately, this means that canoe rides are only available when the park is in its busy season. Plan ahead: if you absolutely want to ride the canoes, head over to Critter Country as soon as possible. Otherwise, you should periodically check back to see if the line has let up. You will most likely have to wait in line no matter when you decide to ride the canoes, so pick a time between fast passes or if you need a break from the coasters and the time in line won’t feel as wasted.

TRIVIA

This is the only Disneyland attraction powered by guests.

The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes have been in three different lands without ever moving locations: Frontierland, Bear Country, and Critter Country.

Each year, cast members participate in canoe races on the Rivers of America.

The canoes pass by Splash Mountain’s track, so if a log makes the drop as you canoe by, you might get a little wet!