Looking for good Southern food at Disney World? As someone who has visited Disney resorts over 50 times and tested dozens of restaurants, I can tell you Boatwright’s Dining Hall offers solid comfort food with authentic Louisiana flavors.
Located inside Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, this shipyard-themed restaurant serves hearty meals that satisfy hungry families after long park days. I’ve eaten here multiple times with my family and tracked menu changes over the years.
The prices stay reasonable for Disney standards, and the portions fill you up without breaking your budget. This honest review covers everything you need to know about food quality, service, and value based on real dining experiences.
Dining Overview & Reservations
Boatwright’s works as a full-service restaurant with table seating and waiters. The Louisiana bayou theme shows up in both the food and the decorations around you.
Do You Need Reservations?
Making advance dining reservations helps, especially when Disney gets busy during holidays and summer months. You can book these up to 60 days ahead of your trip.
Walk-in guests often get tables too, since this restaurant doesn’t pack as tightly as others. Most people wait only 5 to 10 minutes without reservations on regular days.
Atmosphere & Theme
The restaurant looks and feels like an old boat-building workshop from the South. Dark wood, dim lights, and nautical items create a cozy space that helps you relax after park visits.
Interior Design Details
A real fishing boat frame hangs from the ceiling as the main focal point. This skeletal boat structure gives the room its shipyard feel and makes for good photos.
Old boat-making tools cover the walls, including clamps, saw blades, and wooden handles. These authentic pieces add to the workshop atmosphere and tell the story of Louisiana’s fishing history.
Dining Ambiance
Soft lighting and a warm fireplace make the space feel homey and comfortable. The rustic wooden tables and chairs fit the Southern workshop theme perfectly.
After spending hours walking around Disney parks, this quiet restaurant gives families a calm place to sit and talk. The low lighting helps everyone wind down from the day’s excitement.
Menu Highlights
The kitchen focuses on Southern comfort dishes with spicy Cajun and Creole flavors. Most plates come with generous portions that satisfy hungry park visitors.
Starters Worth Trying
The Mardi Gras Fritters stand out as a unique appetizer option. These fried cheese balls come with sweet pepper jelly that balances the rich, creamy inside.
Every table gets free cornbread with Mickey Mouse-shaped butter pats. This warm bread tastes fresh and comes with honey butter that makes it even better.
Signature Entrees
The Taste of the Bayou platter lets you try multiple meats on one plate. You get ribs, Cajun chicken, smoked sausage, and brisket with your choice of two sides.
Deep South Shrimp & Grits brings authentic Southern flavors to your table. The dish includes sustainable shrimp, Tasso ham, mushrooms, and creamy Charleston-style grits that taste rich and filling.
The Prime Rib comes in large portions that most adults can’t finish. This tender beef gets served with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
Seasonal & Prix Fixe Menus
Sometimes the restaurant offers a special 4-course prix fixe tasting menu for about $58.99. This option changes based on the season and gives you smaller portions of several different dishes.
Dining Experience
The overall experience at Boatwright’s feels relaxed and family-friendly. Service moves at a comfortable pace that lets you enjoy your meal without rushing.
Service Quality
The waiters and waitresses know the menu well and help guests choose dishes that match their tastes. They keep water glasses full and check on tables regularly without being pushy.
Many servers offer to pack up leftover cornbread for guests to take back to their rooms. This small touch shows the staff cares about making your visit special.
Food Quality & Portions
Most dishes come in large portions that provide good value for the money. The flavors taste authentic to Southern cooking, though some meat dishes can be a bit fatty.
The side dishes like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green beans complement the main courses well. These classic Southern sides taste homemade and fill out the plates nicely.
Wait Times
Resort guests usually get seated quickly since many people don’t know about this hidden gem. Peak times like Christmas week and spring break might mean longer waits.
Most families find the wait times reasonable compared to other Disney restaurants. The bar area provides comfortable seating while you wait for your table.
Value for Money
Boatwright’s prices fall in the middle range for Disney table-service restaurants. You’ll pay more than quick-service but less than signature dining locations.
Pricing Overview
Most main dishes cost between $20 and $35, which is typical for Disney resort restaurants. The prix fixe menu at $58.99 offers good value if you want to try multiple courses.
Appetizers and desserts add to the total bill, but the large portions often mean you can share dishes between family members. Kids’ meals provide good options for smaller appetites.
Guest Reviews & Rankings
Online review sites show mixed but generally positive feedback about the restaurant. Yelp gives it about 3.5 stars while TripAdvisor rates it 4 stars out of 5.
Among all Disney World restaurants, it ranks around #117 out of about 300 options. Most guests staying at Port Orleans recommend it, but visitors from other resorts might find better Southern food elsewhere.
Conclusion
After dining at Boatwright’s multiple times over the past five years, I recommend it primarily for Port Orleans Riverside guests seeking convenient, quality Southern food. My family consistently enjoys the generous portions and authentic Cajun flavors.
Based on my experience testing Disney restaurants, the cornbread, shrimp and grits, and Taste of the Bayou platter deliver the best value and taste. Make reservations during busy seasons to avoid disappointment.
For guests staying elsewhere, this restaurant ranks as optional unless you specifically crave Southern cuisine. Having reviewed over 100 Disney dining locations, I can confirm that closer alternatives often provide similar quality and better convenience for your vacation budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for dinner at Boatwright’s?
Plan for $25-35 per adult entree, plus $8-12 for appetizers and $6-9 for desserts. A family of four typically spends $80-120 before tip.
Can I get the cornbread without dining there?
No, the complimentary cornbread only comes with table service meals. You cannot order it separately or get it to-go without purchasing an entree.
Is Boatwright’s good for kids with picky eating habits?
Yes, the kids’ menu includes familiar options like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and burgers. The mild flavors work well for children who don’t like spicy food.
How far in advance should I make reservations?
Book 60 days ahead for peak times like holidays and summer. Regular season visits often allow reservations just 1-2 weeks prior, and walk-ins frequently get seated within 10 minutes.
Does the restaurant accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions?
Yes, servers can modify most dishes for common allergies. They offer gluten-friendly options and can prepare vegetables without butter for dairy-free guests. Always inform your server about specific needs when ordering.
