There are so many attractions at Disneyland that if you’re there for only a day, you can’t possibly see them all.  You’re likely to hit all the “biggies” – It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and the Disneyland Mountain Range (Big Thunder, Splash, Space, and the Matterhorn), and that doesn’t count Disney California Adventure!  With limited time, you might miss out on a few gems like the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes.  If you want to take a journey unique in every way at the park, don’t miss this attraction!

Location: Frontierland near the Critter Country entrance at Disneyland
Type: Do-it-Yourself Attraction
Craig’s Favorite: An attraction that you get to actively participate in

This “do-it-yourself” attraction is a canoe ride around the Rivers of America, and when I say “do-it-yourself,” I mean it.  You actually paddle the canoe. You climb in after being given a paddle by the helpful cast members on the dock who also help you into and out of the boat.  The canoe is tied to the dock to prevent it from moving too far, but it does rock and sway.  There are no tracks, no motor, and no other means of propulsion.  It’s just you, your fellow rowers, and the two cast members powering this water vehicle.  If you don’t paddle, you don’t move.  But in case you think it’s all work and no fun, you’re absolutely wrong.  This attraction is tons of fun.  The cast members tell jokes (mostly bad puns, but that’s to be expected) and make the ride enjoyable.  Once we even passed another canoe that was going much slower than we were.  You can wave hello to the Mark Twain as you paddle on by, see some features from the water that are harder to see on one of the big boats, and enjoy a little peace and quiet from the hubbub of the crowds everywhere else. Plus you get to row a canoe!

Hours are limited for this attraction and that’s if it’s open!  It doesn’t usually open with the park, but opens about 11am and closes before the sun goes down.  If the weather is bad, that can also hamper operating hours.  The attraction is located in a weird, out of the way location and is almost hidden making this truly a “hidden treasure.”  The queue goes downstairs toward the dock and is not easily seen from the walkway so be on the lookout for the entrance sign.  Despite all of this, it is one of the most fun rides at the park and definitely worth your time and effort.  If you find yourself wanting to do something interesting and fun at Disneyland, make sure you go on Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes!