Mike Fink Keel Boats
Magic Kingdom · Liberty Square
Overview
The Mike Fink Keel Boats were a pair of frontier-themed vessels, the Bertha Mae and the Gullywhumper, that carried guests on a narrated cruise around the Rivers of America, passing many of the same scenic tableaux as the neighboring riverboat but from a lower, more intimate vantage point.
ParksLog Verdict
The Mike Fink Keel Boats were never a headline attraction, but they're a beloved footnote for anyone who prioritized Magic Kingdom's quieter corners — a low-key, character-named cruise that quietly disappeared in 2001 without much fanfare. Their absence is one of several small losses that changed the rhythm of a Rivers of America visit.
About this experience
Frontier-themed keelboat vessels navigating the Rivers of America alongside the Liberty Belle Riverboat, offering guests a character-narrated river tour of the Frontierland and Liberty Square waterways.
Best For
- Rivers of America historians
- Guests who remember the boats' character-named vessels
- Fans of Magic Kingdom's original 1971 attraction lineup
Tips
- The Liberty Belle Riverboat sailed the same Rivers of America waterway for decades afterward
- The two boats were individually named Bertha Mae and the Gullywhumper, a detail longtime fans still reference
- Its closure was one of several early-2000s Magic Kingdom attraction cuts tied to operating costs
Details
History
The keelboats opened with the park in 1971 and closed in 2001, a casualty of structural wear on the vessels and their operating costs relative to ridership.
Fun Facts
- The two keelboats were individually named the Bertha Mae and the Gullywhumper, after riverboat folklore associated with the real Mike Fink
- They were among the smallest passenger vessels in Magic Kingdom's history, offering a lower, more intimate view of the Rivers of America than the riverboat
- Their 2001 closure was attributed to structural and cost concerns rather than any single dramatic incident
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Mike Fink Keel Boats take?
- The experience runs about 10 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Mike Fink Keel Boats good for young children?
- Yes — Mike Fink Keel Boats is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- How intense is Mike Fink Keel Boats?
- ParksLog rates this as very gentle — minimal motion, no significant speed or drops. Suitable for nearly all guests. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- When did Mike Fink Keel Boats open?
- Mike Fink Keel Boats opened at Magic Kingdom in 1971.
- Is Mike Fink Keel Boats still operating?
- ParksLog marks this attraction as retired or no longer operating. Check Magic Kingdom's official site for the current lineup.