Drinks and Appetizers at the Boathouse in Disney Springs
The Boathouse is one of the new places to dine at the seemingly ever-expanding, never-completed Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Situated right in the heart of the action, the restaurant gets its name both from the boats docked in the surrounding water and from the fact that you sit outside and watch the Disney Springs transportation boats float guests to their destinations. Fittingly, the menu features loads of fresh cooked fish and cold seafood options like oysters and shrimp, garnering it as a top spot to enjoy a fresh catch!
A friend and I recently visited Disney Springs to do get some drinks and do a little shopping. We weren’t sure we were hungry enough for a full table service dinner, so we started the night with some light window shopping and shared a krispie treat from Goofy’s Candy Co while we decided where we wanted to park ourselves for the evening.
Open Air Atmosphere? Yes Please!
It’s no easy task choosing a single bar or restaurant at Disney Springs! As we walked around I was reminded just how many options there are…and it seems endless. We walked past the Boathouse on that beautiful night, and the open air design caught my eye. My friend must have been equally enticed by the smell of fresh cooking fish and outdoor vibes, because she suggested we stop in! I wholeheartedly agreed, and we were on our way!
We were debating where to sit at the bar inside when I saw a table on the back deck that was empty and basically had our names written all over it! We went outside…and thank goodness we did, because the view was absolutely breathtaking. Overlooking a beautifully lit Saratoga Springs Resort, boats were lazily floating along the river and the hustle and bustle of Disney Springs suddenly seemed far, far away.
We sat down and promptly placed orders for one of the Boathouse’s specialty drinks: two Blueberry Lemonades. The name can be deceiving; this is not a drink you should order for your kiddos! The combo of Stoli blueberry, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, house made lemonade, and fresh blueberries was a perfectly refreshing combination on a warm Florida evening. Presented in a tall glass, the lemonade mixture was complimented perfectly by waterside lighting and floating blueberries. My friend ordered a second, but one of these sweet drinks was certainly enough for me- but trust me, I was tempted!
Fresh is Best
Like I said, we weren’t in the mood for a full-blown meal, but when our waitress presented us with a daily fresh fish menu, I knew I couldn’t leave in good conscience unless I tasted something from that menu! Everything featured on this daily menu has been caught no more than 36 hours ago, and the menu changes daily to ensure freshness (note the date at the top of the menu!)
My friend and I decided to share the peel and eat Texas shrimp. The big shrimp were served with melted butter. The shrimp was good, very fresh and obviously prepared well, and the butter served as nice creamy- albeit very very rich- dipper. Really though, these shrimp weren’t anything extraordinarily amazing, especially given the price.
My friend was ready to call it a night, but I wasn’t so keen on leaving just yet! Parties at three tables nearby had placed orders of oysters, and the smiles on their faces after they ate them helped me make my decision. There is a whole list of oysters you can choose from, but I opted for the oysters specifically grown and harvested for the Boathouse! Hey, when in Rome, right? My oysters came served in a metal bowl loaded with ice and the appropriate accoutrements. Really, the freshness of the oyster is what stuck out to me, and the smooth and not at all fishy finish after I swallowed was a nice way to cap off a great evening at the Boathouse!
The Verdict?
The food and drinks we ordered were really good, and after our experience, I would definitely go back for a full table service meal at the Boathouse. Really though, the waterfront views are what enticed me to choose the Boathouse on that night. The lighting along the water, watching the Amphicars launch and re-dock, seeing the far off crowds walk through the Springs…there couldn’t have been a more peacefully relaxing and enjoyable place to spend a night. The next time you find yourself at Disney Springs, go get yourself a waterfront table at the Boathouse, and let your troubles melt away.
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer/musician thrilled to be bringing you all things Disney! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!
