One can easily slip into the jargon of “ride,” but at Disneyland there is a "story behind the story" of every attraction, every attraction is a living experience for the guest. Disneyland ride-through attractions or adventures have officially been defined as an “individual show, ride, or exhibit designed to produce an entertaining Guest experience. Disney attractions stir the imagination, enliven the senses, and provide the participants with positive, innovative entertainment, which is the essence of the DISNEYLAND Show.” It is important to review the story of the attraction, tell the story, explain it, and create interest. This is the story of the Indian War Canoes.

Now, it was a year after the Indian Village originally opened in Adventureland, and the attraction had grown beyond a show to include an entire section of Frontierland along the shores of the Rivers of America! Originally, guests explored the river via the Mark Twain, or one of the Mike Fink Keel Boats. But now, the Indian War Canoes attraction soon proved the truth of Walt Disney’s promise of an ever-expanding Disneyland!

Now, it was a year after the Indian Village originally opened in Adventureland, and the attraction had grown beyond a show to include an entire section of Frontierland along the shores of the Rivers of America! Originally, guests explored the river via the Mark Twain, or one of the Mike Fink Keel Boats. But now, the Indian War Canoes attraction soon proved the truth of Walt Disney’s promise of an ever-expanding Disneyland!

The first fleet of six canoes were constructed by the Oldtown Old Canoe Company in Old Town, Maine. Each was crafted of varnished wood covered in canvas and some 30 feet long with bench seats capable of accommodating one “bowman,” one “sternman,” and a 16 guest capacity. According to Disneyland LINE Magazine (published June 11, 1993) : “The first canoes were shipped by train to Disneyland where risings on each end were added for a more authentic look. The canoes were covered with a canvas-like material to give the appearance of birch, which was used by Native American tribes in the Northeastern section of the United States.”

In May of 1956, canoe operations were tested with Joe Fowler (USN, retired; Park Management and Operations ; Construction and Maintenance) and Jack Reilly paddling, Dick Irvine, Bill Cottrell, Vic Green, and George Whitney (Park Management and Operations), Walt Disney, Bill Evans (third in row, in the hat), and Ray Miller around the Rivers of America. Bill Cottrell (who was present in the Canoe) later noted that “Walt had an ability to put himself in the shoes of the common man.”

On opening day of July 4, 1956, guests would “experience an exciting adventure along the churning rapids of forest waterways,” paddling and stroking their way around those very Rivers of America (just like the early inhabitants and pioneers), all before dusk of course. The new thirty-five foot Indian War Canoes departed from the Indian Village (along the south bank of the Rivers of America), passing two other Indian villages along the waterfront. Your Indian Guide would help you paddle like a pioneer down the back waterways of Frontierland’s River, observing waterfalls and other formations, and wildlife. Where the paths of the Mark Twain steamboat and the sailing vessel Columbia would take them around the white water rapids, the long-established route of the Indian War Canoes would often set course through, and face them.

Disneyland's authentic Indian Village was patterned after those of the northwest plains First Peoples. This village was the embarcation point for the war canoes.

Early Disneyland maps (printed inside The Official Guide to Disneyland, 1956) label the Indian War Canoe Ride, announcing the new attraction at the end of Wilderness Trail, along the western shore of the Rivers of America! The Indian War Canoes were accounted among the many exciting attractions debuting during 1956, that increased ride capacity, and (owning to this) one day in August saw a peak total of “197,547 individual rides” enjoyed by Guests (according to a letter from Walt to Ward Kimball, dated January 23, 1957).

During 1958, an appraisal of the ride structure valued it at $2,200 while the equipment was valued at $14,800.

When the Indian Village was relocated to a larger area in Frontierland, a new attraction was added - The Indian War Canoes! By this time (in 1957), we could see some new developments taking place just across the river. But even before the island was able to be traversed, Disneyland guests could examine the new area from afar, by navigating the Rivers of America via steamboat or (for a different vantage) the Indian War Canoes! These canoes are returning to the dock, and their passengers likely have a better view of those coming attractions.

Indian Village Cast Members (some of them, performers), were also trained in Ride Operations for the Indian War Canoes attraction, which departed from the Indian Village! As with all other Indian Village attractions, concessions and merchandise locations in the Area, the Indian War Canoes were staffed only by Native Peoples (like Philip White Eagle, Pete Homer;c.1962, Fred, and Timothy), through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Principally, male Indian Village Disneylanders were selected for the operating positions established by the attraction's Working Lead, but some female Indian Village employees were also known to work within rotation on the Indian War Canoe dock. Usually the women were assigned to take admission tickets, and assist Guests in and out of the canoes! “Ray Van de Warker, Office Support Services Department Manager, was nicknamed ‘Catfish Jones - King of the River’ in his early days on the Rivers of America. He [operated the Keel Boats, and] was also known as ‘The Great White Fur Trader’ - the only Caucasian Cast Member in the Indian Village”, (according to Disneyland LINE, Vol.25, No.28, published July 16th, 1993)

The attraction was popular among guests of all ages - offering the opportunity to experience exploring the Rivers of America, just like the “first American” peoples once did! On one day in the month of August, 1958, Disneyland's visitors took a total of 5,600 boat trips on the Park's nine (9) water rides (including the Indian War Canoes).

In the early days, the vegetation scattered across Tom Sawyer Island was new and sparse. In fact, it was so low, that guests paddling aboard Indian War Canoes (along the West side of the island), could see many of the attractions on the East Side of the island (like Suspension Bridge). Your Indian Village Guide would highlight some of these new and mysterious contraptions.

Unlike the Columbia or the Mark Twain, the Indian War Canoes had the ability to maneuver close to the shores of Tom Sawyer Island.

By 1959, Joe Fowler was Vice President of Disneyland Operations Committee and Doc Lemmon of Disneyland Operations was overseeing Operators of Rides & Amusements (like the Indian War Canoes), Livestock, Parking Lot, and Ticket Sellers.

The Indian War Canoes adventure was closed weekdays during the winter season of 1962, operating on weekends.

Disneyland’s Indian Village offered one of the few Disneyland ride experiences that wasn’t tethered to a track. The Indian Village Rafts (belonging to that infamous character from the Tom Sawyer novel - Injun Joe), and the Indian War Canoes! In this early photograph, we can see the original Indian War Canoe Docks, where the boats were stored in a parallel (60 degree) position while loading or not in use.

While the Indian War Canoe Guides would keep a safe distance from Big Thunder Falls, their “established canoe routes” would take them close by the Twin Sisters Falls (just around the river bend).

The river can be a busy place for the Columbia, Mark Twain, several rafts, two Keel Boats, and some half-dozen canoes in the water all at the same time. The Attraction Hosts must make sure to yield the right-of-way to the Mark Twain and Keel Boats (because they are on a guidance system and have less maneuverability). The Keel Boats and rafts must yield the “right-of-way” to the canoes, as they have unseen engines and the canoes do not. Canoes will often yield the right-of-way to rafts and Keel Boats which are docking.

During the 1962-1963 winter season, the Indian War Canoes operated only on weekends.

In 1965, the cast of admission for rowing your own canoe “under the guidance of a real Indian guide” (According to INA Guides), was exactly one “D” coupon, or 60¢.

Jon Burke and Tim White Eagle paddled canoes during the 1960s.

There were often lines for two Indian Village attractions - Fire Dance Circle, and the Indian War Canoes! During the 1960s, an expansion of the Indian Village brought new Pacific Northwest attractions. Fire Dance Circle was moved to the back of the Indian Village and a new Indian War Canoe Dock was constructed. The boats were now docked one in front of the other, and not in parallel rows like before. This new dock design allowed guests to easily and safely board boats.

By December of 1965, canoes were manned by Cast Members like Jon Burke and Tim White Eagle. Ray Van De Warker recalled: “I met Walt on many occasions. One time he walked up behind me in the Indian Village and tapped me on the shoulder. He had his grandchildren with him. He said, Would it be possible for me to take a ride? I paddled him arounc the River and he got soaking wet, but he really enjoyed it.”

An Indian Guide routes his War Canoe close by Tom’s Landing (located on the Tom Sawyer Island’s Southern shore, just East of the Old Mill).

Even with the addition of Pacific Northwest attractions, the Indian War Canoes’ docks maintained their position, centrally located in the center of the Indian Village.

While the Keel Boats were not always operational (and docked near the Indian Village), the Indian War Canoes would still embark on excursions down the Rivers of America!

Departing the Indian Village, we head further into Indian Territory with our Indian War Canoe Guide.

Changes were in the wind during the early 1970s that would mean the end of an era for the Indian Village. By the time the region was renamed Bear Country, the Davy Crockett craze wasn’t over. So, it was only natural that the attraction was rebranded as the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes (on May 19th, 1971)! The attraction was open each morning, one hour after the Park opening, and closed at dusk.

A few months later (in October of 1971), the Indian Village would close, but one of its last vestiges - the canoes -would continue to carry guests down the Rivers of America! The new land - Bear Country would include a redesigned and relocated loading area for the canoe ride.

By 1984, the (6) 300 pound Canoes (comprised of both old and new fiberglass canoes) had a length of 34’ 6”, 4’7 1/2” beam, and a capacity of 18-20 passengers in each canoe. When full, the old canoes weighed 950 lbs. while the new canoes weighed 1,100 lbs. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes were staffed by 12 Cast Members during the winter months, and up to 24 Cast Members during the peak summer months. Each canoe is staffed by two Attractions Hosts, one in the back of the canoe (in charge of steering), and one in the front of the canoe (in charge of the safety of the passengers).

Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes temporarily went away for a seasonal period of refurbishment, but “returned” on July 29, 2017. The adventure continues to operate during periods of peak operation. Today, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes are one of the only tributes left to the "king of the wild frontier" in Disneyland.

By 1973, the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes’ admission was still one “D” coupon (no cash value).

May 19th, 1971, the Indian War Canoes are renamed Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.

Davy Crockett Explorer Canoe maneuvers its way near the waterfront of Frontierland.

One of Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes sits docked near a Keel Boat.

“The First Canoe Fleet”

The first fleet of six canoes were constructed by the Oldtown Old Canoe Company in Old Town, Maine. Each was crafted of varnished wood covered in canvas and some 30 feet long with bench seats capable of accommodating one “bowman,” one “sternman,” and a 16 guest capacity. According to Disneyland LINE Magazine (published June 11, 1993) : “The first canoes were shipped by train to Disneyland where risings on each end were added for a more authentic look. The canoes were covered with a canvas-like material to give the appearance of birch, which was used by Native American tribes in the Northeastern section of the United States.”

“The Second Canoe Fleet”

The second fleet of canoes were manufactured by Arrow Development of “birch bark” wood construction, then covered in Fiberglas and painted to look like a War Canoe. These were 35 feet long (or, according to the c.1959, “Disneyland Particulars,” each of the six measured 36 feet, 6 inches), with a height of 10 feet, 6 inches above water, with a beam of 9 feet and 8 inches. Some of the original Oldtown canoes (which were rebuilt by Disneyland) were still in use by 1959, described in “Disneyland Particulars” as measuring a length 34 ft. 6 inches with a beam of 4 ft. 7.5 inches. The newer Arrow Development canoes had a capacity of 20 (18 Guests and 2 Guides) and were still in operation by 1968, according to the “Disneyland Dictionary,” compiled by WED Enterprises, Inc. and WED Public Relations Department, c. 1968.

“The Third Canoe Fleet”

Eight 35-foot long canoes had full birchbark-styled Fiberglas bodies, with paint molded right into the material. By 1972, there were six such “explorer canoes” (each seating 18 guests and two wilderness guides) which departed from the Golden Bear Lodge Restaurant. It has been recorded that these travelled “at a speed of 2.6 miles per hour… 20 expeditions per hour… a maximum of 369 explorers per hour.”

“The Fourth Canoe Fleet”

By the late 1990s, there were 10 new canoes were made of Kevlar, and thus, were 500 pounds lighter. These canoes were also “unsinkable,” with portable pumps and flotation devices installed. The new Canoes were also three feet longer (at 38 feet), having the capability to carry an even larger guest capacity of 20 guests, instead of 18. Nine of the canoes were kept on stage, with one out-of-service at the Staff Shop for a year-round cycling.

“Much is said about "togetherness"…. but it's very important” at Disneyland! Every person in the Cast is important and tries to help each other. According to “Your Role in the Disneyland Show,” there were (and are) no “barriers between ‘officers and men.’”

During 1963, the Disneyland Canoe Races began as a healthy team-building challenge between workmates! Cast Members would form teams of paddlers which competed with each other for top honors... the challenge being to row the ⅝ mile stretch around Tom Sawyer's Island the fastest. According to the employee book “Your Role in the Disneyland Show” (published 1971), “the canoe races…which are voluntary…reflect a high degree of self-discipline. We prefer to discipline ourselves.”

Bob Penfield relates to Disneyland LINE Magazine (“30 Years in a Row”, published August 27, 1993 ; Vol. 25 No. 34) about that race : “I was working on the Jungle Cruise that year, and we formed a team called the Jungle Bunnies. Well, we challenged a canoe team from the Indian Village. Those Indians beat us every time, but we sure had fun. The very next summer the official Disneyland Canoe Races were begun. I think they did it to keep us out of trouble.”

From that simple challenge, was born a time-tested (and typically ten-Cast Member [and ten oar] per canoe) Disneyland tradition, that has continued to encourage team-building performance down to this day!

According to Disneyland Backstage: “The second annual Canoe Race was held the latter part of June and the first of July. There was quite a bit of interest this year, in fact there may have been too much. A couple of canoes were damaged and the third annual canoe race may be a long time in coming. I sure hope not as it seems a shame everybody should be scalped for what a few stray renegades did But overall it was very successful with a couple of teams being com. posed of girls. It got to be a common sight to see the Fantasyland, Adven-tureland, Monorail and Tour Guide crews going around the Rivers of America at 7:00 a.m. The winner of the race was determined by elapsed time. They had to start from a dead stop and were not allowed to go thru the rapids Again it was proven that it's not so much how fast you paddle as it is how you make the turns and the amount of teamwork included.

The Tour Guides won the Women's Division and a congratulation is in order for CECILY RIGDON'S covey. As for the Men's Division theirs was a very hard fought battle for two days before the Champion was de-cided. Again it was the Adventure. land team composed primarily of Jungle Cruise operators. This was the second year in a row for them and their name will again be inscribed on the trophy in the Cafeteria. While they were doing it they set a new record as they did the circuit in 3 minutes and 59 seconds. RAY VAN DE WARKER who says the Jungle Cruise is known as the Home of the Champions was there to congratulate CHUCK JURVA, WAYNE KROK, JIM EASTMAN, RICK JONES, KEN CHILDERS, TOM ORMSBY, JACK LEWIN, LARRY HIGBY, KURT DEGEL-MAN, and GREG MILLER for their effort.”

Since that first competition, a lot has changed. The wooden canoes have been replaced by Fiberglas and Kevlar, and the original 10 teams have grown to 77. A Mens Division, Womens Division (see the “World of Smiles” Excerpt above), and Coed Division have been added to the competition! “If you’re not into rowing but still want to be a part of the tradition, Cast Members could help staff the event as a Canoe Official…Sign up at Cast Activities in the Disneyland University or call the tie line for more information.”

The 17th Annual Canoe Race of 1980 had Men’s, Women’s, and “Mixed” (Coed) Teams.

One of the fun activities included naming the teams! Did you ever hear of the ”Rowman Empire” or “Blazing Paddles”? Were you one of the “Hotel’s Life Guards”, the “Mississippi Queens”, or the “Superstrokers”? If you were around in 1995, then perhaps you recall the all-women “Two Bit Oars” or the co-ed “Rescue ‘n’ Rhythm”? Maybe you remember the sight of “Guys in Ties” (yes, a canoe team wearing ties) - one of 77 area teams to pass under the finish line banner in 1997?

“The Engineering Department in 1970 were mainly guys in our 20s, some were early 30’s (Graduate Industrial Engineers). We had no females. I was 26 years old, kind of in the middle of the pack. I went to work for Disneyland after I completed my Army Draft obligation of 2 years in 1969. Young and eager for adventure, Disneyland fulfilled all of that young exuberance.

It was the summer of 1970 that we started to organize and field a team. We had some team members that had competed the previous year. They were our core members, all two of them. The rest were rookies.

I should note in the 70’s Disney employees were mostly part time working in between school semesters-college jocks. In the Engineering Department, only the Director, Manager, & Secretary were full time. Most of us were students.

The Indian War Canoe Races were (at the time) a Disneyland Intramural competition between the different lands. No outsider spectators. This was strictly ‘in the park participation’. We were given time slots to practice (from 7:00am to 9:00am). In those days the Park did not open until 10:00am. After practice we all retired to Aunt Jemima’s Pancake [House] for free breakfast. It was marvelous camaraderie.

Our team elected the name ‘La Canoe Key Strokers’ (sorry we were not politically correct then). Our first practice run around Tom Sawyer Island was reminiscent of the Key Stone Cops! Arm strength when paddling on the left lasts 60 seconds (at best maybe 90 seconds). Then you need to switch to the right. We all agree that the verbal signal to change sides was ‘SWITCH’. When the Team Captain called ‘SWITCH’, paddles flew all over the place and into the water. It was comical, needless to say we came to a hilarious stop!”

Each team started and finished at the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoe docks. Each canoe started about 1-minute intervals rowing the entire course around Tom Sawyer Island. The teams were timed individually.

“Canoe Races of the World” awards were given to participants. Perhaps you still have yours, framed or preserved in a scrapbook somewhere.

“What? The canoes are closed? So it would seem, yet while our summer guests caught a few more hours of shut-eye, fun-loving Disneyland warriors paddled off into the early morning sun (and occasionally into the rivers!)”, according to Backstage (published the summer of 1977). Meanwhile, C.R.O.W. would have a legacy at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, and despite the closure of Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes in 2004, the “Annual Canoe races of the World” would celebrate its 35-year anniversary in 2008. The cast Member races were comprised of more than 80 Teams of 8-10 cast Members. By that time, the races were also hosted at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland.

Occasionally limited edition merchandise was offered to Disneyland Cast Members. During the 25th anniversary, a commemorative medallion by Lewis Buckle was issued in an edition of 100.

By the 1980s, Caviness Woodworking Co.., Inc. "Feather Brand" paddles (of Calhoun City, Miss.) were utilized by Disneyland and some of these were occasionally gifted to cast Members who volunteered for Officials.

The name Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes continues to be a seasonal attraction, operating from dawn until dusk. Still, we recognize this attraction as one of the last remaining vestiges of Disneyland’s Indian Village! The unique experience and the view from these canoes is highly recommended, and not to be missed. As we paddle away, we can still hear the resonating beats of the Fire Dance Circle drum and paddles splashing in the water, as they ripple across each wave of the Rivers of America.

Indian War Canoes have a Legacy with Disney Parks. Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom Resort Hotels offered War Canoe Excursions (at $1.00 per person) among their recreational watercraft. Fort Wilderness offered canoes (at $1.00 per hour per person; $5.00 per day), Canoe Breakfast Rides (at $2.00); Canoe Night Nature Excursion (at $1.00 per person).