The BOATHOUSE Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in December 2018. It includes notes about dairy free options and modifications.
Dinner at The BOATHOUSE
The BOATHOUSE, a table service restaurant in Disney Springs, quickly rose in the ranks as one of our favorite restaurants in the Disney Springs area at Walt Disney World. Though not owned and operated by the Disney Company, both Brandon and I have been impressed by the level of service and quality of food served there. About a month or so after my resection surgery for Crohn's disease, we ended up attempting to get dinner there for my first dinner eating out at Disney post-surgery. Thankfully, the chefs there were able to customize a dish for me and serve me something I could easily tolerate while my body was still healing.
Atmosphere
Both Brandon and I love the atmosphere of The BOATHOUSE. It's nautical theme reminds me of restaurants I might dine at in an East Coast coastal town.
The BOATHOUSE Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The BOATHOUSE includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Because we did not have a reservation that night, we ended up getting a walk-up table for outdoor seating only. That was OK by us because the temperatures were really pleasant when we visited, making outdoor dining perfect.
The BOATHOUSE Water View / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Plus, the views of the lake here were pretty spectacular from where we were seated. So, we enjoyed watching the ferries and boats sail on by.
The Food
Because The BOATHOUSE isn't owned and operated by the Disney Company, they do not currently offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, a chef will always come talk to you about options.
The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While we were waiting for the chef to come out, our server brought our drinks. I am a huge iced tea drinker, and I have to shout-out the iced tea at The BOATHOUSE. It's some of the best iced tea on property.
After the chef arrived, I mentioned that I was interested in the Cedar Planked Norwegian Salmon entree, figuring that fish would be easy for my stomach to tolerate. However, the dish came with a salad and green beans. Because I knew my stomach wasn't up for this yet, I asked the chef if he could make me something super simple. He offered to bring some plain vegetables and plain potatoes for me to try. He also noted that the only seasoning on the fish would be salt, pepper, and olive oil.
The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
While the chef was preparing my entree, I was brought a gluten free roll with butter. This roll is both gluten free and dairy free the last time I checked, but they do not have Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread available for dairy free guests. If you're dairy free, I would recommend asking for extra virgin olive oil as a dipping sauce.
The roll that they bring out is really just their gluten free bun. I'm pretty sure it's Udi's brand from the taste and texture. It's not something I always eat. But, I'm glad they bring out some type of "bread" service for special dietary needs guests.
The Boathouse / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When my entree arrived, I was really pleased to see a super simple meal. The salmon was the best part of the entree and was so full of flavor and freshness. Being prepared simply really brought out how high quality the seafood is at The BOATHOUSE.
The roasted potatoes and sauteed green beans were also nice. I didn't much of the green beans, mostly because they were just a little too crunchy for my taste. This dish was both gluten free and dairy free too, so this might be a good option for those with multiple dietary needs.
Overall
I really enjoyed my salmon entree, even if I couldn't eat all of it at the time. I would definitely order it again. I also really appreciated that the chef was willing to customize and be flexible with my special dietary needs and needs post-surgery. This will definitely continue to be a go-to restaurant for us in Disney Springs.
Have you been to The BOATHOUSE? What was your experience dining there?