Why The BOATHOUSE Orlando is One of Disney’s BEST Restaurants

There are many top restaurant locations you can dine at while in Walt Disney World. However, only a few of them can offer you what you can get at The BOATHOUSE in Orlando.

The BOATHOUSE is more than a restaurant, as many raving fans who have dined at this fancy location at one time or the other would confirm.

Rather, it is a spot where you can get the best of food, drinks, while also having lots of fun enjoying an amazing atmosphere created by the amenities offered by the owners.

As a matter of fact, many reputable media outlets, including the USA Today, have at one point rated The BOATHOUSE as one of the best restaurant you can visit while at Disney World.

What this means is that anyone who visits The BOATHOUSE will enjoy the outstanding dining experience offered at this place.

In this article, I will help you with information regarding what is available at The BOATHOUSE. I will also give my full review and other details that are needed for your trip to Walt Disney World.

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The Boathouse Orlando Oyster Bar Seating Area

Who Owns the BOATHOUSE Restaurant?

The BOATHOUSE is not just a single restaurant, it’s a part of a group of top American restaurants from the Gibons Restaurant Group. This is one of the reasons why it is so highly rated.

Because of that, The BOATHOUSE is not owned by a single person. Instead, it is owned by a collective group coming together to create a top-notch restaurant in the Disney Springs.

The creation and idea of The BOATHOUSE was brought to life by Schussler Creative, a creative attraction firm based in Minneapolis, MN. You may recognized other restaurants such as T-Rex, Yak and Yeti, and Rainforest Café that were also conceived by Schussler Creative.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Outdoor Pier with The Continental Boat

Together, they have developed a brand that is now standing out among the dining options at Disney World.

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Top Features and Side Attractions at The BOATHOUSE

The high praise of this Disney dining location is due to what it offers in addition to the amazing menu at the restaurant.

Although the meals are great, there are other complementing factors which make The BOATHOUSE such an amazing destination for you.

Disney Springs Restaurant Filet Mignon Sliders with Fries

1 –  World Class Menu

Many fans, including myself, are always raving about the quality and the taste of the food offered. Serving great meals must always be at the forefront of every restaurant, and this is an area where The BOATHOUSE has excelled.

It is known for its amazing seafood collection, meaning that you will get the best seafood such as oysters, shrimp, fish and salmon.

The Boathouse Orlando Oysters and Lemon

In fact, The BOATHOUSE Orlando is known to have the largest collection of oysters in all of Florida. Even if you’re new to the oyster life, the staff at The BOATHOUSE will guide you to the best options that way you’ll have a great experience trying oysters for the first time.

Other food on their menu include: delicious steak, the famous lobster roll, firecracker shrimp, stuffed to the brim crab cakes, calamari and a host of other amazing meals and drinks.

2 – Waterfront Dining

The BOATHOUSE is literally built on water. Where did you think the name comes from?

The idea was to build a world class restaurant at Disney Springs where you can enjoy the best meals and have drinks in a cool New England ambiance.

The Boathouse Orlando Outdoor Pier

This seems to have worked out well for the owners of The BOATHOUSE as they were able to build an amazing structure on water for you to sit, drink, talk and have a great view.

As a matter of fact, The BOATHOUSE has been described as a floating artwork in some quarters, which portrays how beautiful it looks.

If you want an amazing view, you could easily just sit at the waterfront and have dinner with your significant other, friends or on your solo Disney trip.

Just picture how that could look!

This is another reason you should visit this restaurant.

3 – Amphibious Automobiles

Visiting The BOATHOUSE is without doubt a great experience for anyone who has had the privilege of being at this restaurant. One of the reasons why you will enjoy a visit to The BOATHOUSE is the amphibious automobiles.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Amphicar Launching Station

These automobiles are always available to take you on a boat cruise experience. They are sophisticatedly designed for the purpose of taking people around on the water (think a water taxi).

The aquatic cars are driven by highly trained professionals to give you a memorable Disney experience.

These amphibian automobiles are called ‘Amphicars’ (i.e. amphibian cars around Disney and these Amphicars).

Disney Springs Restaurant Orlando Amphicar in Water

They are driven by ‘captains’ who ensure your safety as well as guarantee that you have an amazing time on the ride.

4 – Amazing Ambiance

Anyone who has been around bodies of water would have to admit that there is always something so magical about being in that environment. Now, imagine a body of water where you get the best of food and drinks with the charm of Disney.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Margarita and the Sunset

How great an ambiance could that be?

That is exactly what you get when you visit The BOATHOUSE in Disney Springs. The views in the evening are even better with the magic of Disney coming to life at night.

The Boathouse Orlando at night in the moonlight

5 – Quality Service

Another hallmark that is constant with this Disney restaurant is quality of service delivered from each server. This is something you are going to get a lot of while at The BOATHOUSE.

The Boathouse Orlando Oyster Bar Sitting Area

The staff at this restaurant are courteous, respectful and very helpful. As a matter of fact, the wait staff understands the menu thoroughly and will give you the best recommendation on top of the quality service.

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The BOATHOUSE Menu

As mentioned earlier, one of the best things about The BOATHOUSE is the wide array of creative dishes that makes up their menu. This restaurant has one of the most impressive menus at Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs Restaurant Orlando Buttery Biscuits
Buttery Biscuits that Come with Each Meal

Some of their top specialties include:

  • Maine Lobster Tail Oscar: 8 oz Tail, Asparagus, Jumbo Lump crap, Béarnaise Sauce, Parsley Potatoes
  • Shrimp & Andouille Mac & Cheese: Bay Shrimp, Smoked Sausage, Pipette Pasta in Spicy Cheddar-Beer Sauce
  • Oysters on the Half Shell: Gibsons Bombay Cocktail Gin Cocktail Sauce, Sangria Mignonette
  • Maine Lobster Bisque
  • Firecracker Shrimp: Sriracha Mayo, Serrano Chilis, Sweet Peppers
  • Steamed Florida Clams: Garlic Butter, White Wine, Garlic Crostini
  • Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: Coleslaw, Creamy Brandied Cocktail Sauce
  • Filet Mignon Sliders
  • Maine Style Lobster Roll: Chilled Maine Lobster, Lemon-Chive Dressing, Butter-Toasted Split Top Bun served with Fresh-cut Fries
  • Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake
  • S’mores Baked Alaska (Serves Four): Graham Cracker Crust, Rocky Road Ice Cream, Toasted Marshmallows and Milk Chocolate *A MUST TRY

You can read the full menu here.

What to Know Before You Go

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s go through some of the most common questions.

The Boathouse Orlando Interior with Giant Boats on the Floor

Is There a Dress Code at BOATHOUSE Restaurant?

In spite of its sophistication and elegance, The BOATHOUSE restaurant doesn’t have a lot of restrictions, especially when it comes to the dress code.

While some signature restaurants at Disney World insist on some dress code before admitting people into their halls, this is not a big concern at the restaurant.

You can wear your theme park attire here and it won’t be an issue.

Is the BOATHOUSE on the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan has added a number of locations in recent years. The BOATHOUSE is one of the few brands added to the Signature Dining List.

Disney Springs Interior Boat Shaped Booths

What this means is that Guests who have purchased the “Regular” Disney Dining Plan will each day get:

  • One (1) table service meal
  • one quick (1) service meal
  • two (2) snacks
  • one refillable mug

It means if a family of four are dining, each individual in the family would be entitled to the package above under the Disney Dining Plan available at The BOATHOUSE.

In spite of the fact that The BOATHOUSE has been added to the Disney Dining Plan, it has not started accepting the Tables in Wonderland card. A card that offers a discount for tourists at 20%.

*Keep checking Disney website throughout the year for updates on the Disney Dining Plan as things will continue to change after the 2020 pandemic.

How Much is the Amphicar at Disney Spring?

Just like many things in Disney World, you know that nothing comes for free. This means you will have to pay for the amphicar that will take you on a ride through Disney Springs. To enjoy the famous amphicars, it will cost you $125.

Disney Springs Restaurant Orlando Pier

The amphicar will allow you to take up to three people along with you. This means you can enjoy the ride along with your family and friends.

How Long is the Amphicar Ride?

The whole amphicar ride at Disney Springs lasts for 20-minutes per trip. The twenty minutes may seem short, but it’s definitely worth every single dollar you pay for it.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Front Exterior

Hipster Power Tip: You can skip out on the Amphicar ride and opt for the Venezia. It is a 40-foot Italian water taxi that’s perfect to rent for any special celebration. It costs $500 to rent and does not come with food. You can order food from The BOATHOUSE Orlando to take onboard.

Dining Review

As you can see, The BOATHOUSE has so many unique activities to offer you beyond the outstanding menu. Yes, I’ve mentioned the great ambiance and staff many times, but now I want you to read just how great the food really is.

Disney Springs Restaurant Inside Dining Room

Lobster Bisque

In order to do lobster bisque right, you have to have the right consistency, texture and flavor profile. The BOATHOUSE delivers on this every time!

The Boathouse Orlando Lobster Bisque

If you are a fan of this classic New England dish, then you must try it!

Crab Cake

The first thing that comes to my mind is crab overload!

The Boathouse Orlando Crab Cake with Lemon and Coleslaw

I’m used to crab cakes that come with more bread than crab, but this one was stuffed to the brim. So much so that I felt like there was no way I was going to finish it.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Loaded Crab Cake Meat

However, I did in good ThemeParkHipster fashion as I used the refreshing coleslaw to compliment this seafood delight.

Firecracker Shrimp

Again, The BOATHOUSE has mastered the art of flavor, presentation and heat. Everything you’ll enjoy with this delicious appetizer.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Firecracker Shrimp with Lime

It has a similar taste to the Bang Bang shrimp at Bonefish, but it’s not heavily breaded as that one. I also preferred the flavor of the dish at The BOATHOUSE.

Please keep in mind that the Firecracker Shrimp does pack a punch. This dish will leave a lingering hint of spiciness in your mouth.

Filet Mignon Slider

This slider was absolutely incredible! No words to describe just how juicy, tender, and flavorful this dish was…no words!

The Boathouse Orlando Crispy Fries and Juicy Filet Mignon

During my dinner, this was the highlight. Mostly because I wasn’t expecting much of anything from it so I was pleasantly surprised.

Strawberry Shortcake

This is one dessert that you don’t want to miss.

If you’re not trying to take on the mammoth S’mores Baked Alaska (that can feed four people), then this is one treat you must try.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream

I enjoyed diving into the sweet strawberries as they toppled the moist whipped cream filled biscuit. Many times I usually don’t get dessert after dinner.

However, I had to make an exception to the rules due to the overwhelming fan reviews online.

Drinks

Now for the adult cocktails (as I clear my throat in excitement), there are three themed bars! The bars include the Dock Bar, The Captain Raw Bar, and the Club Bar.

The Boathouse Orlando Oyster Bar

Needless to say, I am a fan of this restaurant. And it’s not because of the bars or the Water Taxi ride with champagne…well maybe it is 🙂 .

Their collection of drinks are also well-versed and varied. This means you will get the kind of drink you fancy if you visit The BOATHOUSE in Orlando.

The Boathouse Orlando Margarita and Menu

Price

In terms of price, The BOATHOUSE has got you covered. Although the prices of food and drinks are not cheap in this restaurant, they are also not incredibly expensive.

Especially, when compared to some of the other signature dining locations in Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs Restaurant Interior with Giant Boats on the Wall

Final Thoughts

At Disney World, there is no doubt that there are a lot of great restaurants to make your experience unforgettable.

In the midst of all these great offerings, I can assure you that The BOATHOUSE Orlando is at the top of my list and it should be at the top of yours.

It’s no wonder that it is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Disney.

Boathouse at Disney Springs Orlando
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Final Score for The BOATHOUSE Orlando

  • Ambiance: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Prices: 8
  • Drinks: 9
  • Service: 10

I give this restaurant a 9.2 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and I know you will definitely enjoy it too!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

UP NEXT: Why You Need to Visit Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs

(Original Article Date: April 19, 2015/Updated June 24, 2020)

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