You’re standing on the dock at Disney Springs, smelling the waffle cones from Salt & Straw, and suddenly a 1960s convertible just... drives into the water. It doesn't sink. It doesn't stall. It just floats. Most people call it the Disney Springs boat car, but it’s actually a rare piece of automotive history called an Amphicar. There are only about 400 of these things left in the world that actually work, and Disney owns a whole fleet of them.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a flex.
While everyone else is fighting for a virtual queue spot or sweating in a 90-minute line for a coaster, you can literally sit in a vintage vehicle and cruise past the Boathouse restaurant while people gawk at you. It’s expensive. It’s slow. But it’s arguably the most unique thing you can do at Disney without needing a park hopper pass.
What Is the Disney Springs Boat Car Exactly?
Back in the 1960s, a German designer named Hans Trippel had a wild idea. He wanted a vehicle that could handle the Autobahn and the lake. The result was the Amphicar 770. The name comes from its speeds: 7 knots on water and 70 mph on land.
These aren't replicas.
Captain Jack, one of the longtime pilots at The Boathouse, often points out to guests that these are authentic vintage machines. Disney spent years sourcing them from private collectors and then spent a fortune retrofitting them to meet modern Coast Guard safety standards. They had to change out the engines, add bilge pumps that actually work, and ensure they won't leak oil into the Florida ecosystem. It's a massive maintenance headache, which is why you don't see these at every waterfront mall in America.
When you’re riding in a Disney Springs boat car, you’re basically sitting in a piece of floating history. The doors have special seals that you have to lock down before hitting the ramp. If the captain forgets that step? Well, you're getting very wet, very fast. Thankfully, that hasn't happened.
📖 Related: Bryce Canyon National Park: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hoodoos
The Engineering Weirdness
The front wheels act as rudders. Think about that for a second. When the captain turns the steering wheel, the tires move in the water, pushing the current to turn the car. It’s inefficient. It’s clunky. It makes for a very wide turning radius.
Under the hood—well, technically in the back because it’s a rear-engine setup—is a Triumph Herald engine. It’s the same engine used in old British sports cars. To make it move in the water, the engine engages two reversible propellers. It’s a mechanical marvel that probably should have stayed in the 60s, yet here we are in 2026, still obsessed with them.
The Reality of the Experience
You don't just walk up and hop in. You go to the maritime booth next to The Boathouse. You pay the fee—usually around $125 per car—and wait for your "Captain" to drive you down the launch ramp.
The launch is the best part.
There’s a split second of "Oh no, we’re crashing" when the tires hit the water and the car splashes down. Then the propellers kick in, the front end lifts slightly, and suddenly you’re a boat. You spend about 20 minutes circling the lake. You’ll see the Saratoga Springs Resort across the water, the Aerophile balloon floating above, and the massive paddle-steamer that houses the Paddlefish restaurant.
Is it worth the money? That depends. If you’re a gearhead or a vintage lover, absolutely. If you’re just trying to get from Point A to Point B, take the free Disney water taxis. Those are boats that look like boats. The Disney Springs boat car is about the spectacle. You are the parade. Everyone on the shore will be taking photos of you.
👉 See also: Getting to Burning Man: What You Actually Need to Know About the Journey
Common Misconceptions About the Amphicars
One thing people get wrong is thinking these are electric. Nope. They are gas-guzzling, vintage internal combustion engines. You’ll smell the exhaust. It adds to the "old car" vibe, but if you’re sensitive to fumes, sit in the front.
Another myth is that you can drive them yourself. You can’t. Because of insurance and the general complexity of not sinking a $100,000 vintage vehicle, Disney requires a trained captain to stay at the wheel. They know the depths of the lake and how to avoid the larger ferry boats that won't hesitate to throw a massive wake your way.
- Capacity: You can fit three adults, or two adults and two small kids. It's tight.
- Weather: If there’s lightning within 10 miles (which is every Tuesday in Florida), they shut down.
- Price: It hasn't gotten cheaper over the years. Check for the "Captain's Guided Tour" package which sometimes includes a meal discount.
Why They Are Rare
The Amphicar Corporation only produced about 3,800 vehicles between 1961 and 1968. Most of them rusted out. Saltwater is the enemy of 1960s steel. The fact that Disney keeps a fleet of them in freshwater Lake Buena Vista is the only reason many of these are still "alive."
Maintenance is constant. After every few runs, the cars have to be greased. There are over a dozen grease points that have to be hit to keep the water out of the seals. It’s a labor of love that most car museums wouldn't even attempt, yet Disney does it for the sake of the "theming."
Navigating the Logistics
If you want to do this, go early. The sun in the middle of the day is brutal because the cars are convertibles. There is no roof. You will bake.
Evening rides are the move. The lights of Disney Springs reflect off the water, the temperature drops to something manageable, and the car's vintage headlights actually look pretty cool cutting through the dark. You can usually snag a walk-up reservation, but on busy weekends, you should head to the Boathouse boutique first thing when you arrive.
✨ Don't miss: Tiempo en East Hampton NY: What the Forecast Won't Tell You About Your Trip
Hidden Details to Look For
When you're in the car, look at the dashboard. It’s all original style. You’ll see the marine navigation lights switch right next to the headlight pull. There’s a distinct lack of plastic. It’s all metal and chrome.
Also, watch the transition from the ramp to the water. The captain has to shift the transmission into neutral for the wheels but engage the gear for the props. It’s a coordinated dance that looks simple but takes a lot of practice to do without stalling.
Actionable Tips for Your Ride
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a Disney Springs boat car ride, keep these specific points in mind to get the most out of the triple-digit price tag:
- The "Boathouse Discount": Always ask if they are running a promotion where you get a discount on the ride if you spend a certain amount on lunch or dinner at The Boathouse. It’s not always advertised, but it’s a common perk.
- Photo Op: Ask the captain to pause near the Aerophile balloon for the "money shot." They know the angles better than anyone.
- Check the Bilge: If you see a little stream of water shooting out the side of the car while you're moving, don't panic. That's the bilge pump doing its job. It’s supposed to do that.
- Footwear: Don't wear expensive suede shoes. While the cars are mostly dry, a stray splash or a bit of floorboard dampness isn't uncommon.
The Amphicar is a weird relic of a future that never happened. We were supposed to have flying cars and boat cars in every garage. We didn't get the flying ones, but for twenty minutes in Orlando, you can pretend the boat car dream actually stayed alive. It's quirky, it's inefficient, and it's exactly the kind of over-the-top detail that makes the area more than just a shopping mall.
To make the most of your visit, head to the Boathouse early in the day to check the standby list for the Amphicars. If the weather looks clear, aim for a slot about 30 minutes before sunset. This gives you the best lighting for photos and avoids the peak Florida heat. After your ride, keep your receipt—sometimes the gift shop offers small "I survived the boat car" style stickers or tokens that make for better souvenirs than a generic t-shirt.