Expanding the Disney kingdom by building in Florida came as a surprise to many, but it was clear from the official announcement that a Disneyland style theme park would be the main attraction at Walt Disney World on opening day.
The "E Ticket" line up at opening.
Not a thrill ride in sight.
Anticipating a much older audience of visitors than what would be found at California's park, when the Imagineers planned the Magic Kingdom, the thrill attractions were limited to spinners. Back then, Florida was known as a state with a high number of retired folks and not the theme park mecca we know today. The new park was fleshed out with familiar beloved attractions (but not Pirates of the Caribbean), three new Audio-Animatronic shows, and gentle, leisurely experiences sure to appeal to senior aged guests.
This trend of sublime entertainment continued into the next few years, with one of the most instantly recognizable attractions opening in 1973: The Plaza Swan Boats.
The iconic Pirates ride in a largely abbreviated form did open in a Caribbean themed area of Adventureland the same year right before Christmas, due to guest complaints at City Hall. Little did guests realize then that something even more spectacular was planned as its replacement, Western River Expedition and the Thunder Mesa slate of exciting attractions. By insisting on Pirates and getting it, the Frontierland mega complex was axed. Disney geeks long for it to this day. But that's another story. (Some art and articles are found here as a place to start. There's many others on this blog!)
I had my first visit to the World in 1974. My parents, sister, and grandmother joined me for one day in the park. I begged for a second day on my own while they went to Circus World. A good choice and fair trade off on my part!
Now you would think that a teenager visiting the Magic Kingdom after numerous trips to Disneyland would be disappointed by this attraction line-up. Not me. I barely missed the thrills as I was much more interested in what was new and the real thrill of exploring every nook and cranny of the park. There was too much to see that was new for me to spend time focusing on what wasn't there.
Notice anything new?
Ticket courtesy Big Florida Country.
I spent that second day repeating every new attraction more than once. The Hall of Presidents, and Mickey Mouse Revue couldn't be seen too often! I didn't know if I'd ever see them again. My wanting to absorb every detail of the rides included the "D Ticket" Plaza Swan Boats.
Walking to the central hub and turning right, it was easy to find the pathway in the gardens between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. A small covered pavilion in front of the dock announced my arrival.
The 1973 map of Adventureland shows the route of the Swan Boats.
Moving in a clockwise direction, our boats took us first from Main Street U.S.A. past the Crystal Palace restaurant into Adventureland and around the Swiss Family Treehouse island. In my recollection, the boats were the same size and capacity as those used on the Jungle Cruise.
Being on any water in Florida is great- and Disney boat rides of all themes and types are among my favorite attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World and Mark Twain to Gran Fiesta Tour and Nav'i River Journey to the defunct Discovery River Boats, there's just something about being waterborne that I love. (And it is something missing from both California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios that would add so much charm to these parks!)
Sailing at a level lower than the pathways at the Magic Kingdom gave a whole new perspective to the place. With the Skyway above, the Main Street vehicles at ground level, and the Swan Boats sailing on the lowest level, there were unique views everywhere... and great people watching! (This was even better when the PeopleMover / Tomorrowland Transit Authority arrived.) Moving past the Crystal Palace and into Adventureland brought a sense of the unexpected as jungle noises could be heard and the sounds of tropical music.
Heading toward Liberty Square, we passed under its entrance bridge as we approached the castle. As I remember, the pace was expectedly slow, the on board narrative was largely uninteresting, but the opportunity to take in the sights and get a taste of different lands made it worth my time. It's these smaller attractions that bring a sense of style to the Disney parks that is not found at Universal or Six Flags. From there, a short cruise under the castle drawbridge led us back to our starting point.
When it was no longer an entrance to the boats.
First it was gardens, then it was removed completely.
From the All Ears blog.
By my next visit in 1976, I wasn't that interested in riding them again as I was with a friend, and doing so wouldn't have been "cool". Besides- Space Mountain! Oh, the pressures teenagers face! Soon enough, several years later, the beautiful little boats were gone.
To this day, I cannot understand the removal of attractions such as these! In a park that lacks the capacity it needs, every ride counts, every attraction has its purposes. The Plaza Swan Boats brought atmosphere and appeal to a uniquely lovely Main Street U.S.A. and a touch of elegance. It was also an element that differentiated the Florida kingdom from the California one. Each castle park needs these smaller rides to flesh out the roster and add variety and interest. Like the loss of many other classic Walt Disney World attractions, the Plaza Swan Boats is now a distant memory and a part of history.
(Additional photos from Widen Your World and RetroWDW.)
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