Happy February Everyone!
How was your week? COLD?? If so, I hope you have been able to hunker down in comfort while not being too negatively affected by the blast of cold that has gripped parts of the US and Canada.
I have something fun to share with you today. I know you enjoy seeing how I do things around my house, like decorate and craft, but my life includes so much more.
Two weeks ago, in warm and sunny Orlando, Florida I did something that I have wanted to do for a long time… as in an over 50 year long wait.
I got a ride in an Amphicar! A what?… you may be asking.
An Amphicar – Is it a car? A boat? Yes. And yes! It’s both! Guests at The Boathouse Restaurant at Disney Springs which is part of Disney World in Orlando can experience the thrill of a captain’s guided tour aboard a rare Amphicar that drives on land and floats in the water.
I first saw these cars at the 1964/1965 World’s Fair in New York. I was 5 years old and they left a big impression on me.
We take a trip to Disney every January with friends and last year when walking around Disney Springs, my heart skipped a few beats when I saw this attraction.
I couldn’t believe it, the boat/cars that I so fondly remembered from my trip to the World’s Fair with my family were lined up in front of me.
Taking a ride in the Amphicars is pretty expensive, so I opted not to take a ride.
This year, I had to do it.
Ed was on board knowing how much it meant to me to be able to experience riding in one first hand. Here we are in a turquoise Amphicar with a yellow interior getting ready to go.
The car is driven by a captain and lasts about 30 minutes. It was totally worth it, being able to wave to all the people at the restaurants that line the lake at Disney Springs made it even more fun.
This is the only place in the world to ride in these vintage vehicles, except if you are the proud owner of one. See video below.
On land one minute…
…and Splash!!!…
…in the water the next. We didn’t get wet, only a few splashes of water got on my right arm.
It’s a smooth ride and feels just like you are on a boat… which it is. :-)
If you ever take a trip to Disney, taking a trip to Disney Springs is worth it, even if you don’t take a ride in one of the Amphicars. There are many shops and restaurants that are open all day and late into the evening. You can even take a ride at night in one of the Amphicars. They have headlights!
We had lunch at The Boathouse and enjoyed a wine tasting at Wine Bar George. I highly recommend both places.
It was a day I will remember forever… a fun dream come true.
There are not many of the Amphicars left, but there are some collectors and private owners of the cars still around.
Ed found this video on Facebook of an event held last year in Florida.
I can see it now in my head…parked on dock right next to our pontoon boat.
It would be the cutest boat on the lake.
Shannon Shannon @ Skip to My Life says
02/07/2019 at 2:15 pmReminds me of a James Bond movie!
Diane Henkler says
02/09/2019 at 9:30 amHi Shannon – The getaway car…boat… :-)
Marry says
02/06/2019 at 8:10 amWell it looks like nice adventure
Sarina says
02/04/2019 at 11:24 pmHi Diane that looks so much fun.Wish I could be there.
Carla from Kansas says
02/04/2019 at 10:28 pmVery cool Diane. Too bad they don’t make them anymore.
Deb says
02/04/2019 at 9:56 pmI’m glad you splurged! You’ll never regret it. That looks so fun! I’ll look into it next time we go to Orlando.
Gail Vernali says
02/02/2019 at 7:23 pmSounds like a wonderful trip. I can so see you and Ed out on the lake with one of these. If you win the lottery and get one sign me up for a ride.
Diane Henkler says
02/03/2019 at 9:54 amIf I win the lottery, I will buy you one, too so we can drive/boat ourselves to each others houses in style. :-)
Peggy MCDONALD says
02/02/2019 at 12:05 pmSure did look like a wonderful ride and holiday for you both. When I was younger, we lived on the Shuswap Lake in the interior of B.C. Canada and a man arrived on our beach with one of those cars…..great fun for my younger sisters that day but, I wasn’t home and missed it. I have only “seen” a car like that but, not in the water. Am so happy that you actually got to ride in one.
Diane Henkler says
02/03/2019 at 10:08 amHi Peggy – I bet you were sad when you got home that day. :-( Maybe someday the opportunity will show up for you again and you will be able to take a ride in one of the Amphicars.
Kathy says
02/02/2019 at 10:09 amHow fun! Glad you got to fulfill a childhood dream!
Donnamae says
02/02/2019 at 10:08 amOh what fun! What a blast from the past! I was at that World’s Fair, too….great memories. You’ve inspired me to plan a trip to Orlando now. Enjoy your weekend! ;)
Diane Henkler says
02/03/2019 at 10:13 amHi Donnamae –
I have many vivid and happy memories from the World’s Fair. Do you remember the huge tire ride, the Sinclair dinosaur and the GM car ride? That ride is still being used at Epcot in Disney. I think it was that I was so young and the World’s Fair was my first big impression of the world beyond my home and neighborhood. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Carolyn Green says
02/02/2019 at 8:42 amWhat a tremendous story! So glad you finally lived your childhood dream. I too have so many fond memories of the Worlds Fair in NY. Disney helps bring out the child in all of us!
Diane Henkler says
02/03/2019 at 10:23 amHi Carolyn – I remember the first time I went to Disney 35 years ago. It made me smile to see a few of the World’s Fair attractions there – the GM Cars and It’s A Small World. Both are still there. :-) Ed’s best friend lives in Orlando which makes it easy to go there when we visit. He used to work there, which was nice – free admission to the parks. :-)
Laura says
02/02/2019 at 8:34 amThis is really great Diane- how lucky for you to have a dream come true??. What a ride! Looking forward to the changes in your blog. Knowing you, they will all be beautiful and helpful.
Rebecca says
02/02/2019 at 8:21 amI just love this – thanks so much for sharing. I go to WDW quite often (I am a pass holder), but I’ve never ridden in the amphicars. It looks so fun! Maybe this spring … ;)
Shannon Guiney Breuer says
02/02/2019 at 8:01 amSo enjoyed seeing this! Looks like so much fun. Thanks for sharing!
Sharon H says
02/02/2019 at 6:28 amThat is so cool, Diane….Yay! And good for you and Ed to just DO IT!
Thank you for sharing.
Kristine Brown says
02/02/2019 at 6:24 amThat is so cool! Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve never heard of those and just got educated. You look so cute, and I really like your hair! Glad you got to fulfill a life dream.
Barbara says
02/02/2019 at 6:04 amI’m so glad you were able to experience an Amphicar! I grew up hearing about them but never really believed they existed. A few years ago, my friends bought one. We’ve been out in it several times and it is great fun to be able to drive down the boat ramp in any local lake. The expressions on the faces of onlookers is priceless!
Jon March says
02/02/2019 at 3:43 amCome to GORGEOUS Naples, Main – second Fri & Sat of August, for the Classic Water Parade & Show and I will give you a another ride – for free ;) — I saw my first at the Worlds Fair too ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruvn3juALo4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9J9zSSxowU
Diane Henkler says
02/02/2019 at 12:32 pmHi Jon – What fun! Yours has a top. Thanks for sharing the links to the videos. If I ever get to Naples, I will be sure to look you up to take a ride in yours. :-)