Disney opened The Boathouse last month, a new steakhouse and seafood restaurant in the popular Disney Springs (previously Downtown Disney) area of Orlando. As part of the area’s renovation, the new Boathouse harbors a fleet of 19 modern and antique vessels that range from racing crafts to a vintage steamboat—it’s all very Disney. In addition to a bit of a history lesson and a great lakeside view, guests can dine on some of the best dishes at Disneyworld including steaks and crab cakes for the parents and a few Mickey-shaped items for the kiddies.
While waiting for a seat, or after your meal, stroll over to view the restaurant’s collection of watercrafts which include The Venezia, a 40-foot Italian water taxi and the Lady Rose, an 1880’s replica steamboat. Both of these boats are available for private tours and include chocolate-covered strawberries and a Champagne toast—naturally. When the kids are in tow, try the Amphicars, “boats” that drive on land and float in water. They’re nowhere near as chic as some of the other crafts in the harbor, but trust us, your kids will love them. The remainder of the fleet includes a multi-million dollar collection of boats curated from boat shows, private collectors and museums around the world.
If you’re more of a landlubber, then you can enjoy the view from your seat inside the restaurant. Dine on favorites like the $115 dry-aged, long-bone rib chop, the beach and sea lobster bake, Anastasia gold caviar or coconut frog legs. If your children aren’t fans of frog legs, there is a special menu just for them that consists of popcorn shrimp, macaroni and cheese, and an Icee brain freeze float.
