Are These For Real?
Have you heard about amphibious cars? Maybe you have seen cars that drive on water on television or in an old, spy movie and thought that they were only make believe. Perhaps you have seen them in real life, though. If you visit the Orlando area, possibly you have seen Amphicars at Disney Springs when visiting the Orlando area and have been curious about them. We were curious, too, and excited to go for a ride ourselves!
We went to The Boathouse, which is the restaurant from which the amphicars are launched. We inquired about where to buy tickets, and the response was, “Do you know how much they cost?” Then we went inside the Boatique, where we were sent to buy a ticket. The cashier’s response to us asking to buy a ticket was, “Do you know how much it costs?” My suspicion is that they have met with some questions when people have learned the price. For the record, it is $125 + tax. Also for the record also, we believe it is worth it.
Let Us Do This!
We purchased our ticket, went outside, and presented it for our ride. We were introduced to Captain Maurice and were promptly escorted to the car for pictures.
After the pictures were taken and Boy was given a life jacket, we climbed into the car, and down the boat ramp we went with a splash!
Living at a lake and having been boat owners, we are used to cruising around on the water. This was different, though, because the seats in the car were somewhat under the water level. It was kind of like we were sitting at the level of a bathtub, except for that the water was on the outside. Does that make sense? While it took a few minutes to get acclimated, once we did, it was absolutely an enjoyable ride.
A Bit About Amphicars
While the Amphicar, which was build from 1961 to 1968, can drive at up to seventy miles per hour on land, the cruising speed on the water is a maximum of about seven miles per hour. When you want to take a leisurely ride on the water and enjoy the sights and some pleasant conversation, this vehicle is just right.
The Amphicar, which was made with steel, was built by a German company, yet it contains a Triumph engine. It is said that the German auto manufacturers did not make an engine in the 1960s that was viable for this vehicle. The Volkswagen engines would not stay cool enough at the slow speeds, and the Mercedes engines were too heavy.
While 20,000 was the goal, only 4,000 Amphicars were produced. They sold for $3600 at first. It turned out that it was not really a good enough car, and it was barely an adequate boat. In the end, they sold for about $500. There are said to only be 300 to 400 Amphicars left in the world, and they are now worth considerably more. If anybody happens to have access to one that needs a home, we live at a lake and would graciously adopt it for you!
Fortunate to Take a Ride
You steer the Amphicar with the front wheels. It is basically a car with propellers, and the props are connected to the engine. The vehicle is a four speed, and the clutch also acts as a brake. Captain Maurice told us that the Amphicars require a lot of maintenance. Disney has nine Amphicars at Disney Springs, which are rotated in and out of service. The Boathouse generally has four vehicles in operation at a time, while the other five are in the shop for maintenance.
Disney Springs has the only commercial operation offering Amphicar rides, and the constant need for maintenance could be one of the reasons for that. We are certainly grateful that Disney thinks that the Amphicars are worth keeping around!
Back on Dry Land
Take a glimpse at the end of our ride as we pulled out of the water and back up the boat ramp. Can you imagine the feeling?
Your Turn!
If you like a smooth ride in the sunshine and enjoying the sights of Disney Springs, then this might be an experience to add to your itinerary the next time that you visit the Orlando area. Have you taken a ride in an Amphicar? Is it on your bucket list?
Do you enjoy seeing and experiencing things that are a bit on the different side? If you are driving down I-95 to head to Florida, then you might want to stop at Smallest Church in America for a glimpse at this little treasure.
These are awesome cars, how cool. It reminds me of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! It looks like you had such a great time.
This is just way cool! Love the vibrant colors as well. Looks like you all had a blast taking it for a spin!
Looks like a lot of fun. I can fully understand the high maintenance cost.
Sounds like it was definitely worth the money. I’ve paid that much and it wasn’t nearly as cool! You guys just seem to belong in it.
This is so cool! What a fun experience for the family, and you guys look great in your outfits!
Seriously have never heard of these! What an adventure! Thanks for sharing!
We happened upon a small Amphicar gathering a few years ago and one of the owners was nice enough to give us all a ride in his. It was so much fun! I love these cars and would love to have one!
This is so neat!! My family and I would love to try something like this. Great photos. This will be on my list for when we go to Disney.
Very interesting! I will have to keep this unique ride on the list for my next trip to Disneyworld
Alphicars are so awesome! I’m glad you guys had fun!
We’ll be seeing these again on our trip in less than a week! I’m not sure that we would splurge on a ride since we have some other goals on this trip, but they are fun to watch. I’m glad you had fun!
Oh my goodness, that’s crazy! Looks like so much fun!
What a cool experience and your photos are gorgeous – I’d love to be able to do this some day!
That is super cool and fun ride!
We were just at Disney Springs last spring break. If I would have known about this, we so would have done this. This is seriously the coolest! We will be doing it though!
This is so cool! I totally want to rent one and spend the afternoon in style! How fun!
Oh my gosh! Wish ampicars were still with us. What a way to cruise the lake. The parasol is a nice touch too. A perfect family for a perfect outing.
What a fun thing to do!
I love how you went full in with your clothing! I think I’d still be scared of getting wet, or sinking!
Oh my gosh that looks so fun. Y’all looked so cute too! I will definitely be checking this out when we make it down there.
This is great! I want one!! So fun!
That is so much fun! There is so much to see and do at WDW. I can’t wait to go back so I can take a spin and a splash on the amphicar.
Fun! I have never heard of these before.
Wow, it’s so fun trips. I love this Amphicars and I really want to drive on water. I think you guys had so fun.
Thanks for sharing this interesting post. I really want to do with my sister.
I would love to do this! They look so fun!
I love seeing these cars at Disney Springs. You guys dressed perfectly for the part too.
This is so cool. I can’t wait to experience it one day! I love your family picture in front of the car.
I want to do this immediately! It looks like such fun!
Looks like a lot of fun! What a great bucket list item!
We need to try this!
I love Disney Springs! Haven’t done the Amphicar yet, but you guys look like you had so much fun! 🙂
Looks like so much fun! Will have to try someday!
I have always wanted to do this! Thx 4 sharing 🙂
Love this post! You looked the part too! I saw an amphicar at Disney Springs towards the end of our holiday, one day i’d love to go for a ride in one.