6 Things to Know About the Amphicars at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World

If you’ve visited Disney Springs since 2015, you’ve probably seen the amphibious vehicles next to the Boathouse Restaurant. They are small cabriolet-style vehicles with two bench seats that are parked under a big sign that reads “Amphicar Launch.” But there’s more to these Amphicars than initially meets the eye. Here are six things you should know about these tiny vehicles that are part automobile and part boat.

6. The Amphicars are extremely rare.

The Amphicars at Disney Springs are an exceptionally rare breed of automobile. First, they’re amphibious, which—if you think back to high school biology—you’ll remember means they can operate in water and on dry land. It’s quite a concept, and one that dates back to the early 1900s. But Amphicars were not manufactured until 1961. There wasn’t a huge demand for the frog-like vehicles, and only 3,878 were ever produced. Today, fewer than 400 Amphicars exist—about a dozen or so of them at Disney Springs, each purchased from private collections around the world.

5. The tour is very informative.

The Amphicar tour costs $125. The tour lasts 20 to 25 minutes, and the vehicle is piloted by a trained captain who doubles as tour guide around the lake. The captains give Guests a brief history of the Amphicar—their production, how they were acquired by the Boathouse, etc. Captains also share information about landmarks and points of interest around Disney Springs while on the water.

4. The cars are operated by the Boathouse Restaurant.

The Boathouse Restaurant is a huge, 600-seat establishment that offers great food and waterfront dining. It was opened to the public in 2015 and has been a popular place among visitors to Disney World and Florida residents since then. The Boathouse is responsible for the operation of the Amphicars, and though you don’t have to dine at the Boathouse in order to take an Amphicar tour, you’re missing out if you don’t stop in for “launch” or dinner at least once. The restaurant offers a surf and turf menu with a Florida flair to it. Enjoy oysters on the half-shell, lobster cocktails and wedge, chopped and Caesar salads. You can also try the Korean-style BBQ fish tacos, ahi tuna, swordfish, lobster bake, shrimp and grits, pasta and more. To make your dining reservation, access the My Disney Experience app or call (407) WDW-DINE.

3. Discounts are available.

If you choose to enjoy a meal at the Boathouse Restaurant and spend $50 or more on your dining experience, you’ll score a $25 voucher good toward the purchase of an Amphicar tour. You can also earn the voucher by spending $50 or more on a purchase at the BOATique shop. Simply show your receipt at the shop’s counter and ask for your voucher.

2. There are two types of “dream boats” available for use.

The Boathouse operates two different types of water vehicles that they lovingly refer to as their “dream boats.” You can choose to take a tour aboard an Amphicar, but if you’re looking for something else, the Boathouse also operates a fleet of Italian water taxis. Take your pick!

1. The Disney Springs’ Amphicar tour is beyond rare.

In fact, the Boathouse at Disney Springs is the only place on planet Earth where you can hop aboard an Amphicar and take a riding (or floating) tour. There are other Amphicars scattered here and there across the globe, but no other location in the world allows Guests to experience an Amphicar tour, so don’t miss your chance to have this very special experience when you visit Disney Springs.