Some of the most memorable Walt Disney World table service restaurants are located in out-of-the-way spots, especially when they’re at resort hotels that can be tricky to visit if you’re not staying overnight there. We recently stopped by one of those resorts to dine at a unique eatery.
We tried everything on the menu at an overlooked Disney World table service restaurant. We have photos and thoughts on the food, what we’d order again, what we’d skip, and how to get to this restaurant even if you aren’t staying at the resort it’s located at. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a change for Disney World’s Early Entry and the permanent closure of a Magic Kingdom dining location.
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Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a table service restaurant at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside at Walt Disney World. This resort is known for its laid-back atmosphere, and the restaurant’s rustic design and calm lighting match that aesthetic.
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This restaurant feels old school. We tried everything on the menu besides the iconic all-you-care-to-enjoy platter. Here’s a look at the full menu.
The menu is à la carte, so there is no buffet. There is one all-you-care-to-enjoy option, which we explain below.
To start off, French bread with fancy butter comes complimentary at every table.
This is somewhat controversial in the world of recent Disney food news, as Boatwright’s previously served complimentary cornbread instead. Our waitress told us that many guests have been requesting the cornbread, but we still enjoyed the French bread and didn’t feel like this change was a dealbreaker to enjoying the meal.
For our appetizers, pictured above starting at top left and continuing clockwise, our group ordered the fried Pimento Cheese Fritters, Citrus Shrimp Cocktail, Wedge Salad, and French Onion Soup Au Gratin.
Among these, the Pimento Cheese Fritters were our least favorite menu item of the whole meal, but we enjoyed the other appetizers.
Entrées range from $28 to $44. For our main course, we shared samples of multiple dishes among our group, and every item we tried was great.
Our favorites were the fish and the meat. Pictured above, from top left and continuing clockwise, are the Roasted Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon, Char-grilled Butcher’s Steak, and Shrimp Pappardelle.
One of the more unique and on-theme entrées on the menu is Boatwright’s Jambalaya, which comes with rice, shrimp, sausage, and chicken.
The vegetarian/plant-based option at Boatwright’s is the Creole Lentils and “Chorizo” dish. It’s comprised of lentils, okra, peppers, rice, fake chorizo sausage, and fake cheese.
We didn’t care for the spiced smoked gouda potatoes, which can be added to an entrée as an “enhancement” for $6.
There is an all-you-care-to-enjoy option available at Boatwright’s: the “Taste of the Bayou” platter, priced at $38 and coming with ribs, chicken, brisket, mashed potatoes, macaroni, and corn. This is a good value compared to the individual prices of the meat-based menu items, but leaves out some of the unique dishes found elsewhere in the menu.
The desserts were our favorite items of the meal. We tried the Bourbon Chocolate Cake, Banana Cream Pie Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter Pie, and they were all delicious.
The Bourbon Chocolate Cake is a milk chocolate mousse and dark chocolate ganache. This was delicious and very photogenic.
The Banana Cream Pie Cheesecake comes with toasted merinque, caramelized bananas, and banana liqueur-caramel sauce.
The Peanut Butter Pie comes with chocolate cookie crumbs and chantilly cream. All three of the desserts delivered and were worth the cost.
Overall, we found the Boatwright’s Dining Hall restaurant to be a welcome change of pace from eating at one of the theme parks or Disney Springs. It captures the relaxed nature of the Port Orleans Resorts and delivers a wonderful experience for the entire family. It’s a great restaurant off the beaten path that is worth your consideration. To make it extra special, get here via the boats from Disney Springs and the other nearby resorts.
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Boatwright’s Dining Hall qualifies for one credit on the Table-Service Dining Plan. Walt Disney World annual passholders and Disney Visa card members receive 10% off at this restaurant.
If you’re not staying overnight at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, you can access the resort via bus from any Disney World theme park. However, we recommend the scenic route: taking a boat from Disney Springs. You’ll enjoy a picturesque journey along the Sassagoula River, much of which is surrounded by trees. The voyage is quite relaxing. Make sure to note the distinction between Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside as you make your travel plans.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is the only table service restaurant at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Other dining options at the resort include the quick service Riverside Mill Food Court and the River Roost bar, home to nighttime entertainment by Yehaa Bob.
Continue your Disney World foodie research with our recent reviews of other table service restaurants, including Sebastian’s Bistro and Rainforest Cafe. We also have reviews of overlooked but fantastic quick service options like Geyser Point Bar & Grill and EET by Maneet Chauhan.
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