The Boathouse Vintage Boat Collection

The Boathouse Orlando is a Signature Restaurant in Disney Springs that focuses on high end steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. With seating for 600, the complex boasts four separate dining rooms, three different bars, a gift shop, and one of the most impressive collection of vintage boats and amphicars in the country.


The Boathouse Dream Boats Collection At Disney Springs


A brief stroll through the oyster bar and out the back door at The Boathouse guests will find the Dockside Bar. Perched above the lake this open air location serves up a stunning selection of food and beverages. Just a few steps away guests will discover the Dream Boats raised on lifts flanking each side of the 300 foot of boardwalk.


The Boathouse At Disney Springs
The Boathouse Dockside Bar


This multi-million dollar fleet of 19 rare boats makes up "the largest collection of fully restored Dream Boats from the 30's, 40's, and 50's including classic Chris-Crafts, and a one of a kind jet boat that once reached speeds of over 200mph. " Each pristine vessel is a work of art, gathered from museums, private collectors, and boat shows around the world.


Boathouse Collection Vintage Boats
Vintage Outboard Motors


Moving from the Dockside Bar, guests can start to view the collection with an entry from a classic American Boatbuilder that has been in business since 1874. The Chris-Craft Continental marks the first production use of fiberglass by Chris-Craft. The unique finned design is an icon of the 1950's when boat-makers began to produce machines that looked more like automobiles. The Chris-Craft Continental has a "small-block" 283 cubic inch V-8 engine, the same as was found in Corvettes of the era.


Chris-Craft Continental
Chris-Craft Continental
Chris-Craft Signature


The Lady Rose may be one of the most striking of the vessels in the Boathouse Collection. A replica of an 1889 24' Saloon Launch, Lady Rose was built to participate in the Thames Traditional Boat Rally Regatta in the UK. Boats of this type were originally used by royalty and the elite traveling to and from festivities dresses in glamorous formal attire. A noteworthy relic of shipbuilding history, the Lady Rose features a carved wooden figurehead of a woman with long flowing hair, and decorated with roses.


The Lady Rose
1889 Saloon Launch Replica
A Unique Engine And Vertical Boiler


When you love boats as much as I do, it can be hard to pick a favorite from this fabulous fleet. That being said, my heart belongs to Mariyln's Meteor Mate. This little runabout is the perfect example of the "Nifty 50's" ideal, boating high tailfins, headlights, lots of chrome, and a two-tone paint job. The Meteor was built by GM management for the 1955 National Boat Show display titled "The Boat of the Future." Today it is vintage 1950's pink perfection.


Mariyln's Meteor Mate
Lone Star Meteor "The Boat Of The Future"
40 HP Mercury Outboard Motor


I hope that you have enjoyed this small peek at some of the fine boats on display in Disney Springs. If you're the kind of person that lives to be on the water, loves vintage vehicle design, or just really appreciates a fine piece of machinery, you don't want to miss perusing the Boathouse Collection. I had a lovely time walking the dock and checking out each piece of boating history. Go early (so the dock isn't crowded with diners at the tables) and take your time exploring these truly spectacular boats.

Have you taken a stroll through the Boathouse Vintage Boat Collection? Which was your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know!