South of the Border

[coltsfan]

Has anyone heard anything about Disney buying out South of the Border out at exit 199 on I-95 in Dillon, South Carolina.

[Maistre Gracey]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
That place is THEE biggest dump I've ever seen!

MG

[Maistre Gracey]

Certainly not laughing at you, coltsfan.
I'm just remembering my wife stepping on wall to wall cockroaches while walking into the rusted out ladie's room. They were crunching under her feet!

I was about to buy an ice cream when she ran out and grabbed me away from the booth.
Needless to say, no ice cream for me! :sad2:

MG

[coltsfan]

I agree with you 100%, but it is PRIME property.

[Cobra B.]

Pedro's today, Walt's tamale?

[DVCLiz]

Pedro's today, Walt's tamale?

:rotfl:

[lovemickeyshouse]

good thing i did not make a stop there then i love how when you drive down 95 billboards say cleanest restrooms around for the gas stations lol

[jimh13432]

Si..........only 999 miles to South of the Border.

[EUROPACL]

If anyone is wondering this is the place they are talking about.

http://www.pedroland.com

It really is a "jewel" of a place.



I do now see where some of Disney's ideas come from though.

http://www.pedroland.com/images/littleman.jpg

[Cheshire Figment]

South Of The Border is well know for setting the World Standard for TACKY

[kristytru]

I have to say it holds a certain nostalgia for me. As kids, we would follow those signs all the way in the RV. It was our sign that Disney was close. Pedro's was always the final rest stop for us before arriving at Disney (& getting some fireworks was always a plus):hippie:

[Michael623]

Home of the filthiest bathroom I’ve ever seen…and yes, I’ve been to Tijuana.

[cinderella73]

Uck.. not fond memories.. My husband still always wants to stop.. But I dont let him anymore. Place is bad news. One time we were driving from pa to fla and it was soo late because we had gotten a late start. My husband was all excited . Lets stay there! Falling asleep driving so I said .. Ugh I guess. Checked in . Checked out! Blood on the pillow cases! And dirty nasty room! Never ever again! I would rather sleep in van. Needless to say I make sure to leave early on my trip now!

[Kevin&Randall]

South of the Border is a new animated movie being worked on by Disney.

Drew Barrymore, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Andy Garcia are providing voices. The synopsis from IMBD states,

"While on vacation in Mexico, Chloe, a ritzy Beverly Hills chihuahua, finds herself lost and in need of assistance in order to get back home."

Scheduled to be released in August, 2008.

So, right name, wrong concept. Not the world's ugliest tourist trap, but a movie.

Randall
:rainbow:

[EUROPACL]

So, right name, wrong concept. Not the world's ugliest tourist trap, but a movie.


Yes that is true but...in a senergy plan Disney is buying SOTB and all of its giant icons are going to be used to finish off Pop Century. The "prime" land in SC will be used for a new DVC resort and mini water park along the Interstate.

[kewbrickny]

Loved this place back in the day as a "tween". When you checked in, you followed a staff member who was on bicycle to your room. The place was clean and well cared for - back then - I'm sorry it has faded away.

[DancingBear]

I agree with you 100%, but it is PRIME property.Are you serious? It's just another exit off of I-95. What makes this any more prime than any other exit in that area?

[mitros]

Yea, when we lived in N.J. and traveled to WDW several times a year, {no, we did NOT fly} we would stop there for a drink and to use the restrooms. And we watched the place turn into a rats nest over the years. A pity, really......:sad1:

[Wish2BinWDW]

:lmao:

[Cobra B.]

Yea, when we lived in N.J. and traveled to WDW several times a year, {no, we did NOT fly} we would stop there for a drink and to use the restrooms. And we watched the place turn into a rats nest over the years. A pity, really......:sad1:

Disney World - Mickey's House

South of the Border - Remy's House?:confused3

[Albytaps]

LMAO yea that place isn't for everyone but it does have a certain coolness to it.

When I was a kid, my cousins and I would always be on the lookout for the billboards. We didn't have DVD players in our car... not even TV's or gameboys! We did whatever we could to keep ourselves entertained and South of the Board was the most exciting thing to see on the way down to FL from NJ.

I plan on stopping there next month on the way down to WDW. My wife has never been there and it's a cool place to see for my kids as well.

I was thinking about staying at a motel there but I was afrain of dirtiness and this post confirms it. We'll make a quick stop, but we'll sleep in a motel in Florence instead.

But now that you mention it, it would be so cool if Disney took that place over and cleaned it up.

[refillable mug]

I think it is an interesting " leg stretch". I wouldn't eat or sleep there though. And wash your hands before getting back in your vehicle... :laughing:

[doubletrouble_vb]

As a silent partner or through some other company it might not be a bad idea to buy it and bring it up to an All-Stars standard. Look at it this way...the mouse is missing out on couple of nights stay from all of the traffic bombing down 95 going to Orlando. If South of the Border suddenly became squeaky clean while keeping that 50's kitschyness, re-established those politically incorrect billboards Disney could pick up additional hotel business while cross marketing to people who might be going to Myrtle Beach or Charleston rather than Disney. And they'd pick up a new cartoon character while they are at it. Even better they wouldn't need to go state of the art on the entertainment.

SOTB is in a prime location on I-95 relative to NYMetro. A lot of people would prefer to aim for an overnight stop where they could at least mildly entertain themselves in what they perceive of as a safe environment.

[Albytaps]

A lot of people would prefer to aim for an overnight stop where they could at least mildly entertain themselves in what they perceive of as a safe environment.


Exactly. I was hoping to do just that but not if it's a dirty, run down, crap hole. I will stop to check out the gift shop and the fireworks.

[Smileybug]

I have been watching this board for a while now. Waiting to see if something was posted about Disney doing something in S.C. Two different land developers have told my husband (we own a surveying co.) that disney is coming here. A few months ago we bought land to build a new home. At closing for the mortgage even our attorney was telling us Disney was coming. Everything we have heard about whatever Disney is doing will be near I-95.

[Captain Hook]

Before 9/11 there was talk of Disney buying land and building a themed rest area. It was to offer hotels, dining, and a ticket center for those who drove down I-95. I'm sure if you search the boards back far enough the threads are there

[Smileybug]

Before 9/11 there was talk of Disney buying land and building a themed rest area. It was to offer hotels, dining, and a ticket center for those who drove down I-95. I'm sure if you search the boards back far enough the threads are there


Thanks Captain Hook :thumbsup2 ...It just amazes me that some rather large land developers as well as a mortgage attorney would still be discussing this. But, a Disney center like that would be incredible!! Could you imagine just trying to get into it!!

[iteachlit]

My friend and I drove to Myrtle Beach soon after high school graduation. He laughed about all of the billboards on the way, so we decided to stop as he had never been there.

When we stopped at the restroom, all of the stalls were pay stalls! Someone had taken the time to write on the wall:

"PEDRO IS CHEEP <picture of chick>, YOU HAVE TO PAY TO SHEET."

Needless to say, we thought that was classic.

[Smileybug]

My friend and I drove to Myrtle Beach soon after high school graduation. He laughed about all of the billboards on the way, so we decided to stop as he had never been there.

When we stopped at the restroom, all of the stalls were pay stalls! Someone had taken the time to write on the wall:

"PEDRO IS CHEEP <picture of chick>, YOU HAVE TO PAY TO SHEET."

Needless to say, we thought that was classic.


That is too funny!! Got a good laugh out of it!!

[DancingBear]

SOTB is in a prime location on I-95 relative to NYMetro.But is it in any more of a prime location than any other exit 40 miles north or south of South of the Border? Why would you pay anything for this dump more than you would pay for land at any of those exits?

I suppose Disney could build some sort of stopover, but they closed the Ocala welcome center.

[freakylick]

"You never sausuge a place"....classic stuff :lmao:

Maybe it will be the new home to the "wand" and all the other kitschy stuff that Disney needs to get rid of. They could put all the Leave a Legacy gravestones there too. It would be a Disney graveyard. :rotfl:

[holbear]

My friend and I drove to Myrtle Beach soon after high school graduation. He laughed about all of the billboards on the way, so we decided to stop as he had never been there.

When we stopped at the restroom, all of the stalls were pay stalls! Someone had taken the time to write on the wall:

"PEDRO IS CHEEP <picture of chick>, YOU HAVE TO PAY TO SHEET."

Needless to say, we thought that was classic.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

We drove by on 95 today. None of the rides are even running (and they weren't when we drove down a couple weeks ago, either). There are no cars, and it looks like everything is shut down except for the fireworks store and a gas station.

[MegsMommy]

My father and Mother in law live in Florence so we go past here a few times a year. Last time we were down we were talking about SOB with a bunch of people who live in that area. My MIL has lived in SC all her life. She said it's owned by the Schaffer family used to own Miller Lite, Schaffer beer etc. They say the town of Dillion used to be really nice but has gone down hill. Huge seperation of rich and poor now. She actually lived next door to two of the Schaffer children years ago when she live there. When they originally designed route 95 they said at night the construction routes would get moved so that 95 went right through SOB because the originial layout it would have gone around it.
I remember going there as a kid too and the signs being the only things that kept us entertained on 95 from NJ to FL every 2 years!
Oh and they also said there has been many rumors of young women disapearing and that is where they were trucked out of ....
I would definietly stay away at night time. Even during the day it looks like it's deserted.

[mitros]

"You never sausuge a place"....classic stuff :lmao:

Maybe it will be the new home to the "wand" and all the other kitschy stuff that Disney needs to get rid of. They could put all the Leave a Legacy gravestones there too. It would be a Disney graveyard. :rotfl:

The picture you have posted on your signature, where is that? It's driving me crazy. I know where those figures of Donald and his nephews are, but I can't recall where!

[EUROPACL]

The picture you have posted on your signature, where is that? It's driving me crazy. I know where those figures of Donald and his nephews are, but I can't recall where!

Looks like the French Quarter.

[fsmith2845]

i know about 5 or 6 years ago, we had heard from several people that Disney was looking at building something near Williamsburg and Richmond area (Colonial Themed) (I believe or somewhere nearby). Those plans died, although my DFIL (who lives in NC) has heard talk of Dollywood buiilding in that area off I-95 near Roanoke Rapids. Be that as it may, nothing about SOTB though..

I always thought it was neat.. but i've heard the same things as everyone has said in this thread.. it is an absolute dump.. They do have a place to get Orlando area tickets.. not even good prices on fuel either.. so no allure.

[fsmith2845]

"You never sausuge a place"....classic stuff :lmao:

Maybe it will be the new home to the "wand" and all the other kitschy stuff that Disney needs to get rid of. They could put all the Leave a Legacy gravestones there too. It would be a Disney graveyard. :rotfl:


Where are these located? I thought i remember this being at Animal Kingdom or am I completely losing my mind?? if not where.. this is sooo cool.. I tend to recall them being at Camp Minnie-Mickie

[EUROPACL]

Where are these located? I thought i remember this being at Animal Kingdom or am I completely losing my mind?? if not where.. this is sooo cool.. I tend to recall them being at Camp Minnie-Mickie

The "gravestones" they speak of are at EPCOT.

http://www.mousepal.com/ParkPics/Leave%20a%20Legacy.jpg

[fsmith2845]

oops.. sorry.. i meant the Picture that was in the post. of Daisy and Donalds nephews going to the fishin' hole..


I knew where the "gravestones" were located and never really thought about it until I read about it on the DIS boards that is EXACTLY what they loook like.. Headstones..

[EUROPACL]

oops.. sorry.. i meant the Picture that was in the post. of Daisy and Donalds nephews going to the fishin' hole..



Wow I didn't read mitros' post correctly...I was talking about the wrong picture.

Yeah the fishing hole pic is from AK.

[doubletrouble_vb]

But is it in any more of a prime location than any other exit 40 miles north or south of South of the Border? Why would you pay anything for this dump more than you would pay for land at any of those exits?

I suppose Disney could build some sort of stopover, but they closed the Ocala welcome center.


Yes and no. I haven't driven through there since 2002 when my Dad died. I do recall seeing some outlet type stops that I always intended to stop at but never did. What SOTB has going for it is that it lives on in the memories of a lot of people in its billboards. That makes the real estate it sits on a bit more prime than any stray property around it.

The other thing that MAY make it prime is that I-74 is supposed to be going through that area some day. In theory I think it was supposed to go all the way to Iowa but in practice it would be a suprise if it were complete through Virginia into SC...although I do believe the Virginians are working on their piece and some parts exist in the midwest. This all ties back to my fabulous notion of cross marketing to beach goers and golfers.

[freakylick]

Sorry so late on replying as I haven't been on for a couple of days...but yes, it is from Camp Minnie-Mickey in AK.

[mitros]

Sorry so late on replying as I haven't been on for a couple of days...but yes, it is from Camp Minnie-Mickey in AK.

Ah yes, now I remember, but we hadn't been there in a while, and the old mind just slipped a gear trying to recall . Thanks for the reply......:thumbsup2

[ohanaMAMA]

As a Dillon resident.. I have to say.. even now. after all this time There is still a rumor that Disney will/is/was buying SOTB. Personally Id LOVE to see it happen. Imagine getting to be a CM and still live in my own home town? LOL Id be so happy!

[yitbos96bb]

If anyone is wondering this is the place they are talking about.

http://www.pedroland.com

It really is a "jewel" of a place.



I do now see where some of Disney's ideas come from though.

http://www.pedroland.com/images/littleman.jpg

Chester and Hester's DinoRama is based on concepts like this.

[CanadianGuy]

We stopped here on a drive down to Orlando in June of 2006. I remember when I was in elementary school and my classmates would go to Disney.. they'd all talk about stopping at "South of the Border."

While at the cash register to ring up a sombrero ashtray and a few other 'signature' items.. at about 6am ... I said to the woman running the cash "Well the guy who owns this place has made an o-k living.... "

And she says (without skipping a beat)... "Yeah, but he dead".

I didn't understand right away and I says, "Pardon?"

"The man MADE an o-k living.. but now [she slowed down alot for this and emphasized every letter] ... he ... dead.."

She then went on and on about what a cheap so-and-so he was and there "weren't nobody sad to see him go.. not even the missus.."

It was all I could do to keep from busting out laughing til we were out the door.. after that we were doubled over..

"He dead.."

Knox

[yitbos96bb]

Given how well known a tourist trap this is... you'd think the current owners would wise up, clean it up and treat it right.

Just shows the difference between idiots who luck into something and drive it into the ground (South of the Border) and smart people who take it and make it better (Wall Drug).

Sad.


We stopped here on a drive down to Orlando in June of 2006. I remember when I was in elementary school and my classmates would go to Disney.. they'd all talk about stopping at "South of the Border."

While at the cash register to ring up a sombrero ashtray and a few other 'signature' items.. at about 6am ... I said to the woman running the cash "Well the guy who owns this place has made an o-k living.... "

And she says (without skipping a beat)... "Yeah, but he dead".

I didn't understand right away and I says, "Pardon?"

"The man MADE an o-k living.. but now [she slowed down alot for this and emphasized every letter] ... he ... dead.."

She then went on and on about what a cheap so-and-so he was and there "weren't nobody sad to see him go.. not even the missus.."

It was all I could do to keep from busting out laughing til we were out the door.. after that we were doubled over..

"He dead.."

Knox

[CanadianGuy]

Given how well known a tourist trap this is... you'd think the current owners would wise up, clean it up and treat it right.

Just shows the difference between idiots who luck into something and drive it into the ground (South of the Border) and smart people who take it and make it better (Wall Drug).

Sad.

I forgot to mention that she also went on to say the original owner's kids were all fighting for control & ownership since apparently his will was being contested and the whole thing was a giant legal mess.

How much of what she said was true -- is anyone's guess.

Knox

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I have been watching this board for a while now. Waiting to see if something was posted about Disney doing something in S.C. Two different land developers have told my husband (we own a surveying co.) that disney is coming here. A few months ago we bought land to build a new home. At closing for the mortgage even our attorney was telling us Disney was coming. Everything we have heard about whatever Disney is doing will be near I-95.

Disney has purchased several hundred acres near Summerville, SC. It's out in the middle of nowhere! I'm not sure why they'd pick that area....it's a ways from the beach and a good drive from downtown Charleston. Strange place for a resort. Hard Rock Park just opened in Myrtle Beach and Dollywood is adding a park in the next few years so who knows? An I 95 area would make better sense in SC but Summerville!? I don't get it.

[CanadianGuy]

Can anyone point to any public records to show that Disney has infact purchased land?

If they have, they can't keep it out of the public records too long..

That's the ultimate test to see if any such rumor is true.

Knox

PS> And remember, sometimes such a purchase can be for something very unsexy like a Radio Disney transmitter or a warehouse ...

[kristytru]

If anyone finds out, please post. Anyone know which Summerville...there is one in richland county and one in dorchester county. this is of great interest for hubby and I as we bought property in Richland County's Cobblestone development, but with the housing market being what it is, we were going to let it go. If Disney is doing something there, maybe we'll hang on a little longer.:rolleyes:

[OneTreeHillAddict]

If anyone finds out, please post. Anyone know which Summerville...there is one in richland county and one in dorchester county. this is of great interest for hubby and I as we bought property in Richland County's Cobblestone development, but with the housing market being what it is, we were going to let it go. If Disney is doing something there, maybe we'll hang on a little longer.:rolleyes:

Dh isn't home right now and I'm not familiar with the area in great detail but....my in laws live in a fairly new gated community way out in the middle of nowhere. I know when we go to their hpuse we come to these crossroads....I think it's the old "Cooper Store". There's like three really old stores/gas stations there!? Well, coming up to that area from Moncks Corner (Like you're sitting there and the thing you see in front is now a T shirt shop or something and the windows have bars all over them!?) Well take a right there.....it's down that road from what I was told. His dad is an engineer down there so he knows a lot of stuff that's going on in the area. Being that it was fairly close to their neighborhood he looked into it. This was about 18 months ago when they first said something about it. Maybe they're planning some sort of DVC thing but it sure is a strange place to start someting up. Wouldn't you think?

[Sosai X]

http://www.pedroland.com/images/playgolf.jpg http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/images/sc/SCDILdirty.jpg

Man.. it begs the question.. why would Disney take interest in something as ghetto as this place?? They could pack the whole thing up, and ship it to Epcot.. I can see it now... "Ellen's South Of The Border Adventure".. Ellen eats some bad tomales and dreams that she ends up in jail in Tijuana, with no one to bail her out..