Swan boats

Originally Posted By Donny

Swan Boats were an attraction at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. It was in operation seasonally between May 20, 1974 till August 1983. It originally took a D ticket.

The Swan Boats opened in 1974 and quickly became a popular attraction at Walt Disney World. The boats took guests on a ride around the hub of the Magic Kingdom and the Swiss Family Treehouse.
I think it would be great for WDW to bring it back.

 

Originally Posted By DDMAN26

For some reason I don't remember these.

 

Originally Posted By matthewdort

This always seems to be the least remembered WDW attraction. You can read all about it here: <a href="http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/psb.htm" target="_blank">http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/psb.htm</a>

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

I'd love to see these back. Simple ride, but great kinetics and addition to the theme.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

They have Swan Boats downtown at Lake Eola. They always remind me of the ones at MK. Still, to me, Swan Boats are a Orlando thing.

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_m7OAnZzX8WM/TT22qzZyWEI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/6qiZwSYU2FY/s1600/romantic-boat-ride-in-orlando-lake-eola-park.jpg" target="_blank">http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_m7OA...park.jpg</a>

 

Originally Posted By Lee hisownself

Long gone and not coming back.
Capacity nightmare.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

I don't think they'd be that now, Lee... It would garner some crowds, but I think most would skip over it.

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

I would love if they brought them back. It was a unique WDW attraction.

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

I thought they were boring. Very long line with not much of a payoff.

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

Maybe if they added a loop?

 

Originally Posted By TDLFAN

>>>Long gone and not coming back.
Capacity nightmare.<<<
Capacity wise, they were similar in size to the JC boats, but the attraction closed at WDW during the time when I was a CM.. and the reasons behind it were more due to high maintenance cost.
Many would say this was a boring ride but it was there to please the senior demographics and familes with small children. One of my most memorable moments was the day one of the boats deviated from the track and went adrift while the panicky female CM tried her best to navigate the boat back to the dock. Oh well.. those were the fun days at the MK.

 

Originally Posted By TP2000

This type of thing could never work in 2011 Disney World. The boats would have to be redesigned to accomodate giant ECV's, there are no TV screens or laser guns involved, and there's nothing to look at but the grassy banks of a theme park drainage canal.

At least the Storybookland Canal Boats in Disneyland has a dozen different miniature vignettes tied to Disney movies and a cooing hostess talking about the various characters in the back of the boat. Plus, since it's been in continuous operation since 1955, the facility is grandfathered and you don't have to bother with ECV loading and modern accesibility rules.

But bringing back the Swan Boats after a 30 year absence? It would thrill about four dozen Disney superfans, and would have the 50,000 other daily visitors to the Magic Kingdom Park scratching their head over why they just wasted their time on it. Sad, but true.

 

Originally Posted By Witches of Morva

ORDDU: If I'm not mistaken, the current swan boats being used at Lake Eola in Orlando are the same boats that used to be used at the Magic Kingdom. I seem to recall that Disney either sold them or just gave them to the City of Orlando. At least that's what my sisters and I have been told.

 

Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom

Boston has swam boats....I remember them and I liked them. They were very fitting for the area.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

"ORDDU: If I'm not mistaken, the current swan boats being used at Lake Eola in Orlando are the same boats that used to be used at the Magic Kingdom. I seem to recall that Disney either sold them or just gave them to the City of Orlando. At least that's what my sisters and I have been told."

I have also heard that. The next time I have to interview the parks manager, I will ask. I do know that WDW sponsors the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola.

 

Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt

"This type of thing could never work in 2011 Disney World. The boats would have to be redesigned to accomodate giant ECV's, there are no TV screens or laser guns involved, and there's nothing to look at but the grassy banks of a theme park drainage canal."

Hilarious, but true.

 

Originally Posted By Scutr

I see no reason why they couldn't be updated for 21st Century WDW'ers. Perhaps as Pirate Swans.(named Elizabeth!) The guests could fire their laser-cannons at wandering pixies, chasing them back to Fantasyland where they belong. Throw a rope around the swan's long necks and the ECV's could be used to TOW them from the banks, thus making them not only eco-friendly, but also a complete family adventure.
Now all it needs is a meet & greet at the loading dock...

 

Originally Posted By PotNoodle

^^^ What an interesting pastiche of generes, but no different than what is going on elsewhere in the parks!

That would probably be an upcharge experience--with a gift shop egress.

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

>>...the current swan boats being used at Lake Eola in Orlando are the same boats that used to be used at the Magic Kingdom. I seem to recall that Disney either sold them or just gave them to the City of Orlando.<<
Somebody didn't read the link...!

EXCERPT:
>>One fun rumor surrounding the ride is that the "swan boats" on Orlando's Lake Eola are the Disney Swan Boats restored. Anyone paying attention could tell you that's nonsense for many reasons, including the facts that Lake Eola's boats a) are foot-powered and b) hold no more than four people each.<<

 

Originally Posted By standor

Why should the swan boats have a shooting gallery theme? After a hectic day at The MK it would be nice to take a quiet boat ride around the park.