Do you remember Swan Ride

[Scraper]

Does anyone remember the swan ride? Why do they not do this anymore. My DH remebers it I think it would be nice to ride around the castle in a swan boat.

 

[DisneyFan06]

Oh my recent trip I noticed the boarding dock and asked my mom what it was for and she also informed me it was a ride around the castle.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I never saw them, but is would be nice if they were still there.........

http://home.cfl.rr.com/omniluxe/psb.htm

 

[civileng68]

Does anyone remember the swan ride? Why do they not do this anymore. My DH remebers it I think it would be nice to ride around the castle in a swan boat.

They closed in 1983 due to operating costs. It was the first WDW attraction to be closed due to operating cost (followed by 20,000 leagues in '94).

Rumors swarmed years later that it closed due to popularity but, that was untrue considering it was a season only attraction. That was started by many younger guests who never got to experience the attraction either.

The boats were moved to another location on the property and re-sold.

The landing for the boats still exists in the MK down in the rose garden. it is used just for relaxing and most younger guests (like myself who just read up to get the information I have) dont even realize that's what that area was used for.

 

[civileng68]

Also, though the boats were all disposed of, one boat still remains in the waters (hidden from view) and has been converted to a vacuum boat and is used during closed hours to vacuum the waters around the hub.

 

[clonetothebone]

From Walt Dated World website:

This attraction was also known as the Plaza Swan Boats. It opened May 20,1973. There were 15 boats that each held 30 passengers and it reportedly required two cast members to pilot them. There were two different loading docks that were used at various points during the boats' lifetime. One was located by the area that is now the outdoor terrace seating by the Plaza Restaurant. The other was located to the right of the castle toward Tomorrowland.
Swan Boats required a D ticket and sailed around the moat of the central hub and circled around the Swiss Family Island Treehouse in Adventureland. The boats only operated during peak park periods and closed for good in August, 1983. One reason that may have contributed to their demise were mechanical and navigational problems with the boats.
Contrary to popular belief, Disney World did not donate the Swan Boats to the city of Orlando. They have also have not been relocated to the Swan Resort. The swan-shaped boats that are there are two person paddle boats. The former entrance to the Swan Boat queue area is now part of a rose garden and the actual queue is sometimes available to sit at or for private events.

 

[Scraper]

I am impressed with the info. Wow it would be nice if they were there.

 

[MPLsDad]

When recalling my younger days of WDW, I often tell my wife about the Swan Boats. I remember riding endlessly in these boats with my mom. I have no idea where my dad and two sisters were during this time, but apparently it was a special time for me my mom and me! Before we became WDW addicts, I would tell stories about this ride...I wish it would return! I LOVE MY MOM! And I Love my Dad too and I have a special WDW memory of him too!

 

[cmassey]

i thought they stopped running because so many americans are so huge that there was a possibility of sinking danger.

 

[dsanner106]

On my keys tour today, the guide said they thought the ride was shut down because the cost and work necessary to make them meet the new ADA standards for handicap access were prohibitive.

D

 

[head mouse]

The swan boats were sold to Lake Eola and are still used to this day. I have been on them.

 

[Poohbear123]

My Mom and I LOVED this ride the best, and the OLD Crystal Palace, when it was a cafeteria.

 

[meeshkamooshka]

I dont miss the swans as much as I miss seeing the CLydesdales and the trolley going down mainstreet...what a disappointment...to see that gone..on my last visit...I haden't been there in about 30 years...

 

[mking624]

The swan boats were sold to Lake Eola and are still used to this day. I have been on them.

According to many websites, The Plaza Swan Boats are not at Lake Eola. There are swan boats there, but they're not the Disney ones.

The Plaza Swan Boat:

Lake Eola Swan Boat:

 

[Rudegrle]

i thought they stopped running because so many americans are so huge that there was a possibility of sinking danger.

 

[Leota]

The Swan Boats are one of my few clear memories from going to WDW as a child. I clearly recall riding them with my Mom too. It's such a great memory from that trip. I'll have to ask her if she has pictures of us on the Swan Boat.

 

[Shubunk]

wow! i have never heard of them until today. I always wondered what the area was for. now i know!