Swoon-worthy Swan Boats: Paddle Across Lovely Lake Eola in Style!
Is it a bird? Is it a boat? It’s a swan boat!
Paddling across the shining waters of Lake Eola, you’ll see a flock of beautiful white birds propelled by people. These are the swan boats, Orlando’s most elegant form of transportation. These fabulous waterfowl are suitable for date night or family fun days straight out of a fairy tale.
Forget pumpkin carriages and noble white steeds – swan boats are the new vehicle of choice for any legitimate fantasy protagonist! I mean, if Prince Eric and Ariel had been in a swan boat, it wouldn’t have been so easy for Ursula’s eels to tip them over. . . (just saying).
So climb aboard an oversized feathered friend – it’s time to explore the beauty of Lake Eola!
Shimmering Waters, Stunning Skyline
Lake Eola is located in downtown Orlando, a slice of the sublime amidst the suburban.
The water reflects Orlando’s azure sky before being stirred by a soft wind, which whisks up shimmering ripples across Lake Eola. . .although, strictly speaking, it’s not actually a lake. The pleasantly cool water springs up from a natural aquifer 200 feet below and is mingled with rainwater from above because Lake Eola is actually a water-filled sinkhole!1 Who knew sinkholes could be so pretty?
Well, cattle baron Jacob “Uncle Jake” Summerlin must have known because, in 1873, he purchased the tract of land containing it. The glittering sinkhole was a popular spot for settlers to cool down in the heat of the day, so Jake decided to donate the land in 1883, but on one condition – it was to be turned into a park that would beautify the city.
In 1888, the gorgeous Lake Eola Park was open to the public, and by 1908, Orlando’s nickname had become “The City Beautiful.”2,3 (Cause and effect? Very possibly.)
Lake Eola Park was born out of generosity. But there’s also a shroud of mystery across these waters. Where did the name “Eola” come from? It’s been whispered that Jake’s son, Robert, had a sweetheart by that name who tragically died of typhoid fever two weeks before the wedding. . .however, that grim tale of doomed romance has been contested by historians.4 The official answer is. . .we don’t know who Eola was. The mystery continues.
(Now, I don’t know if you’ll find any clues while paddling in a swan boat, but if you do, please let us know!)
Today, Lake Eola is lined with trees and nestled in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, which makes for an amazing skyline to look at while enjoying a ride across the water – not to mention it’s a super aesthetic background for selfies with your swan boat!
Speaking of swan boats. . .I think it’s about time we start paddling!
Swans Boats A-Swimmin’
Lake Eola Park is a wonderful place for walking or jogging, with .9 miles of smoothly paved sidewalk that incircle the lake (er. . .sinkhole).5 With nearby restaurants, it’s also an ideal spot for stopping for lunch or having a picnic. But of course, the best way to experience Lake Eola is from the back of a swan boat!
Renting a swan boat is easy – there are not even reservations to worry about! However, that also means swan boats are first come, first serve, so it’s possible you might experience a short wait during certain times of the day.
The swan boat dock is on the west side of Lake Eola Park, right across from Relax Grill (which serves everything from gyros to cheeseburgers). Here you can purchase a swan boat ticket for $15. Each sweet swan can accommodate up to 5 people (and pets!), and each rental allows you 30 minutes out on the water. Swan boat rides begin at 10 a.m. every day and operate until 7 p.m. (Sunday – Tuesday) or 9 p.m. (Wednesday – Saturday). That means you can even experience Lake Eola under cover of night and when it’s glistening with glowing fountain lights!
Oh, didn’t I mention there was a fountain? Installed in 1912 and replaced in 1957, this gorgeous domed fountain glows in a rainbow of colors at night and is so iconic that it’s used as the park’s symbol!
We suggest a late-evening paddle for those romantic date nights – it’s a great proposal spot! (While we can promise it will be magical, we cannot guarantee the local birds and turtles will start singing “Kiss the Girl.”) A nighttime paddle is also super fun if you just want to experience Lake Eola Park in a totally new way!
Night or day, a spin around the lake in a swan boat is sure to be fun!
Would the Real Swans Please Step Forward?
In addition to adorable swan boats, you’ll also see some real, live swans paddling across Lake Eola.
The ancestors of these swans came to Lake Eola in 1922, when an Englishman raising swans in Lake Lucerne, Florida, had to separate his flock after two different breeds got into a battle over territory.6 (Guess you could say there were some ruffled feathers.)
Today, five breeds of swan swim around the lake, including the Royal Mute Swan, after whom the swan boats are modeled. (We had to wonder if that kind of blatant favoritism made the other swans jealous, but when questioned about it, all they said was “honk.”) Even if they weren’t chosen as models, each swan receives equal care with annual veterinarian checkups. All Lake Eola swans also possess a microchip in case they happen to get lost outside of the park.
Along with shots of the skyline and swan boats, these sweet friends are also great additions to your Instagram feed! And speaking of feed, these swans like getting treats. (No pics unless treats! That’s their deal.)
You’re welcome to befriend the swans with a tasty morsel, as long as it fits in within their diet. Bread is actually bad for swans and can cause severe dietary problems; instead, bring a head of lettuce or some spinach leaves for these feathered friends! Another option is to purchase some special swan-safe pellets from one of the three feeders around the park.
A leisurely walk, some tasty lunch (for you and the swans), and a swan boat ride around this beautiful lake are all the ingredients necessary for a picture-perfect day – or a fairytale! Walt Disney World, eat your heart out!
Cover Image
Photo: Rain0975 via Flickr
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