A puzzling spot in MK

[travelbug]

As you cross the little bridge to Tomorrowland from the castle circle, there is a place below that's by the water. It's that covered concrete slab with a few benches. There is a gate on one end that I noticed for the first time. It almost appears that it was originally intended for loading some kind of boat there, but what on earth would that have been? The place is oddly located (but certainly attractive) and doesn't seem to serve any purpose where it's at.

So I'm curious. Does anyone know if that place ever served another purpose besides just having a few benches off the beaten path?

 

[Joanna71985]

There used to be a boat ride there, but it has been gone for quite some time.

 

[travelbug]

There used to be a boat ride there, but it has been gone for quite some time.

Wow, I didn't know that. How far did the boat ride go? Did it have a name?

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm not sure where exactly it went, but I know it went under the Castle bridge, and I think it may have gone into Adventureland. And I think it was called the Swan boats, or something like that.

 

[Micca]

I think it was some kind of a "Swan boat" ride. We started going to WDW in 1978, and I think they were already gone at that time. I remember thinking that we would ride them one day, but they were never open again.

 

[dejr_8]

They were Swan boats and my mother insisted on going on them - BORING for a 12 year old in 1976.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

I couldn't tell you. The only thing that I do know is that the area down there, along the walkway is perfect for watching fireworks! It's an awesome spot and we have never been disappointed. It's never really congested and we always manage to find a great spot.

Shhhh!

 

[4theloveofdisney]

P.S. This is from wikipedia.com:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Boats

Also found this: http://www.wdwhistory.com/MagicKingdom/MainStreetUSA/SwanBoats/

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id42.htm

 

[TikiGoddess]

I vaguely recall riding these back in the day. I think it's funny that they closed them b/c of cost. Especially considering what it costs to develop and operate the rides they have now.

 

[vonpluto]

http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/psb.htm

 

[Leota]

The Swan Boats are one of the few attractions I remember from going as a kid in 1973. I rode them with my Mom.

 

[Mrs.PrinceCharming]

I remember the Swan boats too and Davy Croketts canoes - near Tom Sawyer Island.

 

[DisneyKevin]

If you are interested in seeing some of the remaining Swan Boats, Disney gifted them to the city of Orlando

They are on Lake Eola in the center of downtown Orlando. You can ride on them...but not sure how that works. Dont know if you rent them or buy tickets etc.

Kevin

 

[CaptHook34]

used to be swan bat ride

 

[travelbug]

Thanks a lot, everyone! This was really interesting. I had never heard of the Swan Boat ride before.

Dan, the pictures are great. It's neat to see pictures from the past at WDW.

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[thptrek]

used to be swan bat ride

Hmmm, a swan BAT ride would have been interesting.

 

[Magickndm]

It's now known as The Love Shack.