riverboat at disney springs

• 1620 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830

407-939-2628

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Friday and Saturday night from 8p.m. til midnight, listen to live music at The BOATHOUSE, while you relax watching the most beautiful sunset in Central Florida. Call 407-939-2628 for booking inquiries.

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The BOATHOUSE® offers private dining for special events & large groups. Our team of culinary experts will design a menu and create a celebration for memories that last a lifetime.

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Join us every Saturday and Sunday for the best sing along brunch in Central Florida! The Captain will be taking song requests for your favorite sing along songs while you dine on Chef Bobs famous Brunch menu!

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Disney Springs 1620 E Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

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Disney Springs® Walt Disney World® Resort 1670 Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 407 . 934 . 2628

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Boasting 360 views of Lake Buena Vista, aboard a reimagined, modern, and luxurious steamboat, the Paddlefish dining experience is unmatched in Disney Springs. Serving guests with genuine hospitality and 360 degree waterfront views, Paddlefish has earned multiple Diners’ Choice badges and praise from locals to guests from around the world for good reason. Led by Executive Chef Steve Richard, the seafood menu features a Daily Catch, Whole Maine Lobster, King Crab, Scallops, and even Filet Mignon for those that prefer with their surf. With an international wine list and craft cocktails to boot, Paddlefish is the perfect vessel for an unparalleled dining experience, post-dinner roof deck libations, or a crisp refresher to pair with your meal. Welcome aboard.

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The BOATHOUSE ® : Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats ™

Disney Springs

The Landing

American, Seafood, Steakhouse Cuisine

Fine/Signature Dining

Set sail for upscale waterfront dining at Disney Springs—complete with retro dream boats, from vintage American Amphicars to romantic Italian Water Taxis.

Surf and Turf, Florida Style

Savour the best of land and sea with fresh seafood, a raw bar, premium steaks, chops and a kids' menu. Serving day-boat, line-caught seafood and USDA-Certified Gibsons Blue Star Heritage Angus Beef, the Boathouse also features a more casual outdoor menu with an emphasis on sandwiches, burgers and of course lobster rolls! Sweet endings include key lime pie in a mason jar and the gargantuan Gibsons s'mores baked Alaska for 4.

Looking for a brief interlude? Enjoy classic craft cocktails, an extensive wine list and oysters on the half shell at any of 3 bars: the Captain's Raw Bar, the Admiral's Club Bar or the Dock Bar, built overlooking the water and 91-plus metre of boardwalk connecting all areas of the restaurant. Inside, 3 beautiful, nautically themed rooms and 2 private dining rooms seat up to 600 Guests.

The Boathouse is managed by the award-winning Gibsons Restaurant Group, internationally celebrated for exceptional food and extraordinary service.

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Paddlefish: Riverboat Dining at Disney Springs

Was not expecting it to be this good.

This seafood restaurant really satisfies in every way. I’ve passed by here over the years when our family has come to visit and it looked cool – how could it not? A restaurant inside a paddleboat? But usually these places are over-costed and overly hyped. Paddlefish was not. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. The service was A+! And I walked out feeling it was worth every penny.  If there was one thing I might have criticism about was the interior ambience of the place was lacking. Although easy to clean and probably way more hygenic, it didn’t have the look of a Southern river boat decked out in all its glory. However, who’s looking anyway? The view of Disney Springs out of every window was beautiful.

FOOD: Ordered the miso salmon and fried green tomatoes. It was a little too much miso for me but that’s a “me” thing. The salmon itself was cooked perfectly. If you order seafood regularly like I do you know the danger is overcooking it or putting too much sauce to make up for overcooking it. Here they were able to give the outside a nice crispy texture while still making the inside perfectly medium. Yum. The potatoes were terrific too. I was a little leery since they were a wasabi mash and sometimes they can go overboard on the wasabi. Not here. What a perfect balance. Just a hint of heat to make it different but not overpowering. The fried green tomatoes were also cooked perfectly so they had some “meat” to it and still come out crispy and tender. The remoulade was the best. And I loved the sprinkling of queso fresco over the top. I was so full, I didn’t bother with dessert, but I’m sure it would have been great – especially that key lime pie. There were so many things I would have liked to have tried from the stuffed cod to the corn meal crusted catfish to the crab cake BLT! They also had whole lobster, crab, shrimp and other dishes for your palette. For the non-seafood people among you they do have a selection of rib eye steak, filet mignon, burgers, and a caprese sandwich among salads and soups, but it’s the seafood you need to come here for.

SERVICE: I can’t really say enough about how great the service was. Attentive yet genuine and made you feel truly welcome. Helped me navigate the menu to find what was right for me. Seriously It was some of the best service I’ve had. They were friendly and made you feel such great hospitality. I’d go back just for the service.

COST: Is it pricey? Yes. But worth it. I walked away so full. You always spend more at a resort but you hope they make it worthwhile and Paddlefish did just that. Would recommend to anyone looking for a nice place to eat. (Just a tip the sound does reverberate so if you want a quiet dinner you may not find it here but the quality of food and service can’t be denied).

Location: Disney Springs Type: Table service Specialty: Seafood done fresh! Cost: Expensive but worth it! (on average $30-$40 although they have some dishes both lower and higher) Craig’s Favorite: The awesome service – and that perfectly cooked salmon

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The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats

The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats sits along the water in The Landing at Disney Springs. Guests enjoy day-fresh seafood, steaks, beach buckets and sandwiches.

The large restaurant offer guests 200 outdoor and 400 indoor seats. There are several bars – a main bar as you enter, a small bar in the second dining room and bar located outside on the water. The decor is beautiful with rich colors and plenty of boating decorations, include life-size boat motors.

There menu is expansive with choices like oysters on the half shell, yellowfin tuna poke, coconut frog legs, broiled Georges Bank sea scallops, dry aged Tomhawk rib chop and grilled line caught Florida Mahi tacos. There is also a surf and turf, and beach and lobster bake available for two. Beef connoisseurs will be happy to hear that they serve Certified USDA Gibsons Blue Star Heritage Angus beef. If there are four or more of you, you’ll want to save room for the Gibsons s’mores baked Alaska.

Service:  Signature Dining/Unique Dining

Cuisine:  Seafood/Steakhouse/American

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Location:  The Landing, Disney Springs

Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm

Reservations: Recommended

Disney Dining Plan:  Two table-service credit

Tables in Wonderland:  Not accepted yet

Book online or call (407) WDW-DINE

Lunch Dinner

Dining Tips

• Live music is performed every night near the main bar.
• The bar located in the second dining room can get a bit loud. If you want things to be on the quiet side, you may want to request to not be seating in this dining room.
• The seafood is caught the day before you eat it. They have theirs delivered daily.
• Take a evening stroll through the marina, or bet yet, enjoy an Amphicar ride.
• Check out our review of The BOATHOUSE !

The BOATHOUSE®: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats™

• Fine/Signature Dining
• Reservations Strongly Recommended

Meal Pricing

Dockside delights.

Indulge in delish dishes from land and sea! Head to The BOATHOUSE for waterfront dining at its best—from extra-fresh fish and an exceptional raw bar to steak, chops, pasta and other options. Craving more casual fare? The eatery also offers sandwiches, burgers, lobster rolls and decadent desserts.

Stop by any of the 3 outdoor bars and relax over craft cocktails or a rare vintage from their extensive wine list while soaking in some coastal charm. Afterward, take a stroll along the boardwalk that connects various areas of the restaurant, including its private and nautically themed dining rooms.

Reservations Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made. Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Dream Boat Experiences

Want an incredible post-meal adventure? Enjoy a 20-minute guided tour on the waters of Lake Buena Vista while riding in a vintage Amphicar—those rare amphibious vehicles that drive on land and float on water.

Learn more about the vintage Amphicar .

Live Entertainment

• Saturdays and Sundays during brunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Fridays and Saturdays during dinner from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Cancellations and Modifications

Dining plans.

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Sneak Peek of Paddlefish Restaurant at Disney Springs 

Paddlefish restaurant had a media preview tonight showcasing their brand new restaurant. This is the former giant riverboat that used to be Fulton’s Crab House. They gutted the whole place and did a complete overhaul with a rebrand to Paddlefish.

Still specializing in seafood this will be an excellent edition to the Disney Springs restaurants. While we didn’t see the full menu they showcased many of their signature dishes and definitely put on a great event while wining and dining all the guests for this preview night.

The restaurant is three floors with open air areas that feature fantastic views of Springs.

  I’m really looking forward to trying their normal dinner menu. But so far I was very impressed with the food and their team did a fantastic job with the event.

Paddlefish opens tomorrow, February 4th, 2017.

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Walt Disney World® Water Transportation

All aboard.

Turn your travel into a treat on our fleet of boats that’s an attraction in itself.

Take in the scenery and relax with welcome breezes as you sail around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Feel the wind in your hair and the magic in the air as you cruise Crescent Lake and Lake Hollywood. Water taxis and ferries sail to and from Magic Kingdom park. Most routes run on 15- to 30-minute intervals.

Magic Kingdom Park and Magic Kingdom Area Resorts Accessible by water launch (also known as water taxi) from:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Ferryboats connect Magic Kingdom park to the Transportation and Ticket Center. You can also hop aboard a water taxi to travel between the following Resort hotels:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort

EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios These parks are accessible via the FriendShip Boat from the following locations:

• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

Disney Springs Disney Springs is accessible via the Sassagoula River Cruise from the following locations:

• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter

Important Information

Hours of operation vary subject to water and weather conditions. Please note that no luggage or alcohol of any type is permitted on Disney watercraft. All strollers must be folded and stowed out of the aisle. Medical strollers for Guests with disabilities will be treated as wheelchairs.

How to Use Walt Disney World Water Transportation

Getting where you want to go is easy when riding aboard Walt Disney World Water Transportation—including water launch, boat and ferryboat service to Magic Kingdom park and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Simply wait at one of the convenient and well-marked pickup points throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Your ride will then arrive—usually within minutes—ready to transport you to a variety of destinations. Keep in mind that certain destinations are not direct; you may be required to take a connecting mode of transportation to reach your destination.

For more information or further assistance, just ask a Cast Member!

When parking at Disney Springs, please arrive at least 60 minutes before any scheduled event, show or reservation.

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Best Waterfront Dining at Walt Disney World

There’s just something so relaxing about dining on the water’s edge, an expansive waterside view sprawled out before you. Florida is a subtropical climate and sometimes the humidity makes it rough to be outside, but a nice breeze off a lake can make all the difference. Florida fall and winter weather are on their way (I promise), so enjoying a meal al fresco by the water is a must-do before summer shows up again. Here are my picks for the best waterside dining at Walt Disney World.

Boathouse – Disney Springs

It’s hard to think of any other waterfront experience at Walt Disney World that tops The Boathouse. The restaurant itself sits along the water’s edge, granting diners with a lovely view. Nautical decor is just the beginning as full-size boat fixtures line the walls. For the ultimate waterside dining experience go for sitting outside. A pier juts out into the lake, affording diners not only the joy of dining along the water, but being surrounded by it. If you don’t desire a full meal, you can grab a spot at the Dockside Bar and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and fresh seafood appetizers, all while watching those curiously cool amphicars. 

Paradiso 37 – Disney Springs

This restaurant was one of the first to open when Downtown Disney became Disney Springs. The vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine are showcased here. From Mexican to Peruvian to Caribbean, you can sample the varied tastes of exotic tropical destinations. Many of the tables in the dining area face the interior of the restaurant, but there is a back porch that wraps around all the way to the the side of the building and overlooks the water.

Paddlefish – Disney Springs

The building that Paddlefish occupies is an icon. This riverboat has stood at this spot since the beginning of Lake Buena Vista Village, then Downtown Disney, and now Disney Springs. Paddlefish has a bountiful menu of classic seafood dishes. The interior seating has water views, but the deck is the place to be for the best experience, and there is live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Disney Springs

My Florida Native heart rejoices every time I set foot inside this Florida-centric restaurant. The mural on top of the kitchen makes me swoon. Traditionally this Florida fare eatery is not considered as a waterfront dining option. But there is a porch and outdoor seating which have great views of the fake, but beautiful, Disney “springs”. When the weather is right you’ve got to grab some sweet tea moonshine and some appetizers, and enjoy this view.

Le Cantina de San Angel – Epcot

No other counter service restaurant in Epcot offers ample outdoor seating like the cantina at the Mexico pavilion. Enjoy traditional, casual Mexican food with an unbeatable view of World Showcase lagoon. You might be tempted to siesta here.

San Angel Inn – Epcot

Okay, admittedly this one is an unconventional addition to this list. After all, San Angel Inn’s seating is all completely indoors. Yet, most of its tables have some of the best water viewing of any Disney restaurant because it overlooks a delightful boat ride: the Grand Fiesta Tour. Grab a margarita and some delicious chile rellenos and savor that view that only Epcot can offer.

Spice Road Table – Epcot

When Disney announced they were adding another full-service restaurant at the Morocco Pavilion it raised many an eyebrow. The dining in this pavilion isn’t all that popular with the average guest. However, this lagoon-side restaurant should not be overlooked. Its expansive patio allows for wonderful views of World Showcase Lagoon. Their menu pairs perfectly with watching a sunset or Epcot’s fireworks right from your table.

Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room – Epcot

This popular spot for grabbing a drink also has more than just pub grub. The bulk of the seating is indoors, but there are side and back patios, the back offering relaxing views of World Showcase Lagoon. This area is very popular around fireworks time. 

Flame Tree Barbecue – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Before the days of Tiffins and Nomad Lounge, my go-to meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was always Flame Tree Barbecue. Even though the park’s dining options have expanded a lot recently, Flame Tree is still a solid choice and if you go to the seating pavilion that faces the lagoon on which Rivers of Light performed, you’re in for a memorable meal. The lagoon is lovely anytime of day.

Nomad Lounge – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

My absolute favorite Lounge in any theme park is Nomad Lounge. It’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, and has a great menu. The wrap-around patio overlooks the park’s Discovery River and has a view of the bridge that leads guests to the wondrous land Pandora – World of Avatar.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

You can’t get more waterside than being surrounded by water. The Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of many new additions to this thoroughly re-imagined resort. This spot is fantastic for relaxation or socialization, with appetizers meant to be shared. The drink menu is larger than most Disney hotel lounge menus. The views are spectacular, but are made all the better when a soft breeze crosses over the lagoon. 

Geyser Point – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This lakeside Lounge-style eatery has found a place in my heart as one of my favorites. I love the relaxed seating. I love the completely open air. And I cherish the lakeside views. The menu is great too! The brisket dip appetizer is packed with flavor, the salads are fresh and bountiful, and a great beer and wine menu add to the delights.

Tips and Information

• Reservations are recommended for most of the full-service restaurants in this guide. Be sure to make note of your desire to sit outside when making your reservation.
• Arrive early for outdoor seating as it is often desired by most guests.
• If you wish to view sunset or fireworks from the applicable restaurant or bar, arrive early and be patient.
• Enjoy the view!

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Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando Native who loves sharing her hometown with others. She's worked in nearly all of Orlando's theme parks, on board Disney Cruise Line, and in hotel management. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @thisfloridalife