LAKEPORT >> It was a near perfect day for a groundbreaking, temperatures about 90 with gentle cooling breezes as just over 40 friends, neighbors and family members of the Disney clan descended upon 2200 Lakeshore Boulevard for the launching of their additional location of their thriving boat rental business on Wednesday.
Lakeport City Council Member Brandon Disney thanked the larger than expected turnout as he expressed appreciation for crucial support to help launch expansion of the family business, Disney’s Boat Rentals to vault through the bureaucratic hoops. “A lot of you guys wrote us letters of support so first thing we want to do is thank you at the groundbreaking for the new marina,” Disney said. “We bought the property back in 2021. In terms of planning, with bare land, you can do (almost) anything you want- but one of the things that took us the longest is deciding; where do you put the check-in building? Where do you put the parking lot?”
However, one of the things the Disney family is most proud of regarding their project is they will not remove the small grove of trees around the perimeter of the six acres parcel that is the new foundation of their boat rental business. The new marina sits along nearly 800 feet of Clear Lake shore front. “For those who know where we operate currently, it’s an asphalt lot so, shade in the summer should be a welcome change,” Disney stressed. “We’ll have a check-in office where a lot of you are standing (2,950 sq. ft.) and a parking lot just over there (pointing north). And of course, all of our boats are all in the water all of the time, (anchored to a pontoon buoy).”
The company was founded in 1983 by Roy Disney, his wife Charlotte Disney, and Roy’s brother Kory Disney. In 1983 they offered parasail rides across scenic Clear Lake. Fast forward a couple summer seasons and they added Jet Ski rentals to their roster of services which were a huge hit. Skipping nearly 40 years to present day, Disney’s Boat Rentals offer over 30 vessels for rent. They vary from kayaks and Stand UO Paddle boards (SUP) to Pontoon and Ski Boats – they cover the waterfront.
Meanwhile, roomy patio boats are the perfect bring-all-your-friends-and-family cruisers. It’s like having your own island. They are a great way to see the lake, relax with friends and family, or pull a tube for a fun day on the lake. With several seating and style options available, these popular boats are a great for waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, fishing, or just cruising and sightseeing. Looking for an adrenaline rush … Or, is sight-seeing what you’re after? Either way, jump on one of Disney’s Jet Skis and enjoy Clear Lake to the fullest! Also, kayaks and SUPs; these crafts are the best way to view wildlife up close and personal. Get an early start for calm waters and spectacular views of Mt. Konocti.
Brandon also thanked city Planning Department staffers: Joey Hejowicz, Bethany Moss and Victor Fernandez, who helped the Disney family to navigate the sometimes-stormy swells of bureaucracy. “Thanks also to our surveyors, engineers and builders for making this group project possible … Added Connor Disney, Bradon’s brother,” This never would have been possible without our parents (Roy and Charlotte). It’s been a long time coming and we’re really pleased to share the project with you guys and thanks for what has been given to us.”
Roy Disney noted there’s been a number of challenges along the way. “I feel impressed with Brandon and Connor, not for just tackling the problems but (for) seeing this as an opportunity to find solutions, taking those steps one at a time yet moving forward,” Roy said. “This is going to be an exciting new location. We love what we do … love coming to work every single day- and love meeting new families and introducing them to Lakeport and the county, those who have never seen the beauty… And because we enjoy that it has propelled us for over 40 years, to work at our business”
Roy added, he was very pleased with the turnout. “Friends and neighbors are here, who supported us all along, who were at meetings and showing us their concern all along at different county and city levels and wrote letters in support of our project, then came here to celebrate with us at the groundbreaking,” Roy said. “I loved all that, it’s been terrific … and city staff, they really guided us, and that was important.”
Regarding a date for the grand opening, Roy paused just a moment. “If we could be open for next summer, we would be elated, be so excited,” he said. “However, you never know what winter weather we might be faced with. Our goal right now, is to be sending boats out from where we stand.”
The new marina will include a crosswalk with a flashing beacon system for pedestrian safety, and where people can push a button to prompt the signal and walk securely across Lakeshore Boulevard.
