Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed, it is like comparing a good red, white and rose wine, everyone has their preferences, but it is all good. I prefer DL's because there is soooo much to see, including a really impressive Indian viallge compared to MK's. Both better than DLP's.
Originally Posted By tonyanton dave...there used to be sidewheelers (like the "molly brown") at WDW...they were used on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon as transportation....disappeared in the '90s when maintenance started to lax.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, I don't remember those. I know Disney when talking about the Molly Brown were saying it was their only side wheeler (they must have meant in the parks). I think the bottom line for me is that the boats, and trains, and other forms of transport really are a part of the heart of Disney, and sadly it seems the company may have forgotten about them, possibly because the modern Disney guest does not really think of them in that way. Thankfully a number of fans on this sight and others do.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 That first trip across the 7 Seas Lagoon heading for the Castle.... What a feeling. I can't get that feeling on the Monorail.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad I agree. Some of the transports are an attraction in themselves. I love the boat ride across the lake. Also enjoy the monorail to epcot. I wish they had a boat around AK still. I want to take the boat from MK to Wilderness lodge or Trails End.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 I enjoyed that ride around AK. The few times I did it, our guides sounded like they'd retired from Jungle Cruise. Same corny type jokes, loved it.
Originally Posted By tonyanton I always felt something like the Columbia would have fit in great at WDW with Liberty Square as the backdrop. I know its not likely to happen, but a return of the keelboats would be great!
Originally Posted By brotherdave Dave, Here's an old postcard from the 70s of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon showing the old side-wheeler. I think it was called "Southern Seas" but not certain. The name is hard to see on the post card. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/2500185620_1e3a979072_o.jpg" target="_blank">http://farm3.static.flickr.com...72_o.jpg</a>
Originally Posted By danyoung It's just amazing how simple the dock area was at the MK - just one dock for the TTC and the hotel traffic.
Originally Posted By hightp I know the Liberty Bell runs on a track, but what is the actual propulsion? I don't figure the stern wheel actually drives the boat. Are there actually wheels on the keel?
Originally Posted By disney pete bobbylee9 and fenway girl we are birds of a feather as thats when i know im at WDW the trip across the lagoon with the castle looming nearer and nearer you can't beat it. Dave thanks for postcard MK looked awsome way back when it was a baby. I also would like to know the answer to hightp's question you can see the rail from up on deck but how it works ?? ANYONE
Originally Posted By danyoung From everything I've read, the propulsion on the sternwheelers is actually the sternwheel.
Originally Posted By hightp Not to doubt you, danyoung, but I never thought the sternwheel turned fast enough to push the boat. It always seemed like it was turning too leisurely to move something as big as the Liberty Bell.
Originally Posted By danyoung Well, when they go into reverse the wheel stops for a second and then reverses. So I'm pretty sure that the wheel is the main mode of propulsion. I don't have any inside info other than my own observation, so anyone with better info please feel free.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Here's an old postcard from the 70s of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon showing the old side-wheeler. I think it was called "Southern Seas" but not certain. The name is hard to see on the post card. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com...72_o.jpg>>" target="_blank">http://farm3.static.flickr.com...>></a> They used to run night cruises with drinks, including alcohol. It was a simpler, quieter, some might say ... better time at WDW.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<It's just amazing how simple the dock area was at the MK - just one dock for the TTC and the hotel traffic. >> Oh come now, Danny ... the MK entrance is so much more magical with dozens of smog-belching busses pulling up to it.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> They used to run night cruises with drinks, including alcohol. It was a simpler, quieter, some might say ... better time at WDW. << Do you remember how much they were?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^Not off-hand. Scary thing is I could find out with some digging. I believe they were under $5, maybe $3.50 a person. Drinks were extra.
Originally Posted By MPierce I was just curious. I wonder how that would go over now using one of the ferry boats. The price point would be staggering I imagine.
