Sailing Ship Columbia: An Overview

Sailing Ship Columbia is one of the gentler attractions available at Disneyland. This enchanting ride takes visitors on a scenic journey along the Rivers of America and around Tom Sawyer’s Island, a path also traveled by the Mark Twain Riverboat and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. However, guests are encouraged to select only one of these attractions to avoid redundancy in the views.

Furthermore, throughout the voyage, passengers can explore the ship, which is equipped with ten cannons and two deck-mounted swivel guns—essential for warding off those imaginary pirate attacks. Below deck, there is a maritime museum providing insight into the daily lives of the ship’s crew, an aspect that distinguishes the Columbia from its counterpart, the Mark Twain Riverboat.

Ride Details

Our insights from 107 readers reveal that 76% consider this ride either a ‘must-do’ or worth experiencing if time allows, thereby positioning it among the less favored attractions at Disneyland.

• Location: Columbia Sailing Ship is situated in Frontierland, but it primarily navigates the Rivers of America from a dock near New Orleans Square.
• Rating: ★
• Restrictions: No height restrictions. Children aged seven and under must be accompanied by a supervising adult aged 14 or older.
• Ride Time: 12 minutes
• Recommended For: Everyone, although energetic kids may find the pace a bit slow.
• Fun Factor: Low
• Wait Factor: Low
• Fear Factor: Low
• Herky-Jerky Factor: Low
• Nausea Factor: Low
• Seating: Guests can freely move around during the ride.
• Accessibility: Accessing this historically authentic ship requires navigating stairs.

How to Have More Fun on Sailing Ship Columbia

• Visitors are encouraged to go below deck to explore the nautical museum.
• During the journey, expect two cannon firings that may startle the most daring pirate aboard if caught off guard.
• Be aware that the ship doesn’t operate daily. Typically, it runs infrequently, starting late and closing at dusk.
• While Columbia is suitable for kids, some may find the experience a tad dull.

Fun Facts About Sailing Ship Columbia

This majestic ship measures 84 feet in height and 110 feet in length. Notably, it serves as Captain Hook’s pirate ship during the Fantasmic! show.

The Columbia is a full-scale replica of the first American vessel to circumnavigate the globe. When launched in 1958, it marked the first construction of a three-masted windjammer in the U.S. in over a century.

Furthermore, take a moment to observe the American flag flying on the stern; it features the same design as that used by the original Columbia in 1787.

Interestingly, Disneyland is the sole Disney theme park to feature the Sailing Ship Columbia.