One of the most under rated rides are the rafts used to ferry guests between New Orleans Square and Tom Sawyers Island. Most people just see them as a way to get across the river. I feel they add a certain story element and beginning for the guests. The story is that you are truly Huckleberry Finn and Jim riding down the mighty Mississippi on a makeshift and you end up at one of the many islands that are in the river. And this island is big enough that it has caves and possibly buried treasure. Your friend Tom Sawyer and his friend Becky Thatcher may even be on the island hiding out in the Tree Fort.
This image has a great busy feel to it with the Indian Canoe guide out front prepping the canoes, the raft in the middle filled with a 1950s family and the stately Mark Twain in the back. Even though the park is probably 5 years old at the time, the growth of trees and plants is nice to give the feel of wilderness.
Wonderful shot! Do the Rafts have names on them? As far as I know there have always been two rafts, and in the past I have seen them referred to as the "Huck Finn rafts" on postcards, and the Tom Sawyer Isand Rafts in other media.
ReplyDeletewhat slays me is the head count on the raft, what is there 10 people? the last time i was there it was loaded almost to the point of capsizing.
ReplyDeleteit looks like it could be my family
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