An old-fashioned steamboat, the Liberty Belle is authentic, from its calliope whistle and the gingerbread trim on its three decks to the boilers that produce the steam that drives the big rear paddle wheel. In fact, the boat misses authenticity on only one count: there's no mustachioed captain to guide it during the ride around the Rivers of America. That task is performed by an underwater rail. The 1 1/2-mi cruise is slow and not exactly thrilling, except, perhaps, to the kids getting "shot at" by their counterparts at Fort Sam Clemens on Tom Sawyer Island. But it's a relaxing break for all concerned, and children like exploring the boat.
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