Nautical Dining Experience: The Boathouse in Disney Springs

Nestled in the heart of Disney Springs lies a waterfront dining experience that is as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate: The Boathouse. With its nautical-themed décor and an impressive fleet of vintage boats on display, The Boathouse isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an attraction in itself.

The moment you step into The Boathouse, you’re transported to a classic boathouse setting with an upscale twist. The interior boasts rich wood finishes and maritime accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Outside, the deck offers panoramic views of the lake, making it the perfect spot to enjoy Florida’s beautiful sunsets.

The Food

The menu at The Boathouse is as deep as the ocean, with a focus on fresh seafood and premium cuts of steak, however there is a nice balance of comfort food that actually brings this restaurant into a lot of peoples budgets. The raw seafood bar is a standout, featuring an array of fresh oysters, shrimp, and the decadent lobster cocktail.

We chose some comfort food dishes: Grilled Mahi Tacos, Shrimp Andouille, Mac, and Cheese. Both dishes were tasty. The Mahi tacos are in the style of Al Pastor. The seasoning is perfectly balanced, and the chili purée they serve with it compliments the tacos and the chips!

The Shrimp Andouille, Mac, and Cheese were simply fantastic! We always gravitate towards mac and cheese, so we must try this one. It reminded us of a dish in Downtown Disney in California that we miss. Let’s start with the Cajun cheese sauce; this brings it all together! It’s nice and cheesy with a beautiful spice.

Of course, we had to try one dessert while we were here. A word of caution on the desserts: if it says it serves two, you probably want at least four people in your party. We watched the Triple Chocolate Layer cake go to our table a couple of times, which is enormous. The faces of the couples who received it were priceless. That dessert is humongous! We ordered the Caramel Apple Bread Pudding which is a great balance of all ingredients involved. The Apples play nicely with the caramel and the bread pudding and pecans are warm. It was all so perfect.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts on the Boathouse

What sets The Boathouse apart, aside from its cuisine, are the additional experiences offered. Guests can take a romantic ride on one of the vintage amphibians that launch from land into the water. Or, for a larger group, the Venezia, a breathtaking 40-foot Italian wooden boat, can be booked for a guided tour of the waters of Lake Buena Vista. We dined here late at night, so we didn’t experience the amphibians, which are an upcharge of $125

Overall, The Boathouse was a pleasant surprise to us. Not only does it offer higher-end food and raw seafood, but it also offers comfort food on multiple budgets. Whether you’re a Disney fan, a foodie, or someone who appreciates a great view, Will you try this spot? Let us know! Also, below, check out the bathroom doors…. What is that?!?!? If you liked this review, check out another spot to eat that is easy to dine at Sanaa!