Yes, there were boats that traveled around the river, and on-board there was a person showing small animals like lizards, snakes, tarantulas, etc. You also cruised past an animatronic dragon, I assume from the planned Beastly Kingdom. You could see the dragon's cave from the bridge going to the Camp Minnie Mickey area. I think the dragon has been removed, but it may be there, a deteriorating relic.
Originally, the boats were to have two boarding areas. When we road it, it was only boarding from the dock on the right as you are walking to Dinoland. The dock is now used as a character meet n greet.