Boatwrights at POR yay or nay?

[HappyGal]

My 13year old daughter and I will be staying at POFQ for spring break. I'm all about trying every restaurant at WDW but I've heard mixed reviews about Boatwrights (specifically Pete's opinions on the Dis podcast). So should we give it a whirl or is it really not worth it?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Boatwrights is at POR, and I do like this restaurant.

 

[DisneyDad2015]

If you want to eat there, then I say go ahead and try it. Dont let Pete's opinion keep you from trying something. I believe I've read negative things about every Disney restaurant (with the exception of Victoria and Alberts).

 

[goofyintoronto]

I agree with the poster above. Many value Pete's opinion BUT that shouldnt stop you from trying it out. Give it a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised. If all you want to do is try it out, at the very least the two of you could share a meal.

 

[AngiTN]

I think the food is spectacular at Boatwrights.
Personally, I think reviews are almost useless and no longer seek out any, for 1 simple reason.
Look up every single ride, resort, restaurant, etc, at Disney and tell me if you find 1 with 100% agreement on it. Every one of them have raves and every one of them have detractors.
I've learned if it's something I want to try, I try it. Mine is the only opinion that matters.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I don't agree with Pete on this one.
And as he always says you shouldn't base your decision on his opinion alone. (Which is why you came here )

My sister and I ate there for the first time in September 2016.
We absolutely LOVED it.
It was not too crowded.
Our waitress was very friendly.
One of the chefs even came out to ask how our meal was!
I got chicken and waffles. It was so tasty! Only problem was I could have one with just one piece of chicken so I did waste some food because I was getting full.
I would definitely eat there again!

 

[AngiTN]

I don't agree with Pete on this one.
And as he always says you shouldn't base your decision on his opinion alone. (Which is why you came here )

My sister and I ate there for the first time in September 2016.
We absolutely LOVED it.
It was not too crowded.
Our waitress was very friendly.
One of the chefs even came out to ask how our meal was!
I got chicken and waffles. It was so tasty! Only problem was I could have one with just one piece of chicken so I did waste some food because I was getting full.
I would definitely eat there again!

I've come to realize when it comes to dining, I am just about 90% opposed to Pete and his opinions.
For instance on his recent video, we do agree on Rainforest Cafe. Not so much that it's bad. While it is far from good my reasons for skipping it are it's not unique to Disney. It's a nationwide chain. The fact that the food is just avg does it no favors.
But like Boatwrights I disagree with him on San Angel Inn. It's really yummy. We've been multiple times and enjoyed it every time.
And I'm not as keen on BOG as he is. It's alright but far from glowing. It's skipable for us.
So maybe I do need to read/listen to his reviews and plan to hit up those he dislikes.

 

[Mousetopia]

I think the food is spectacular at Boatwrights.
Personally, I think reviews are almost useless and no longer seek out any, for 1 simple reason.
Look up every single ride, resort, restaurant, etc, at Disney and tell me if you find 1 with 100% agreement on it. Every one of them have raves and every one of them have detractors.
I've learned if it's something I want to try, I try it. Mine is the only opinion that matters.

YAY YAY YAY for Boatwrights! I have only been once and hesitated since reviews were so mixed..I have learned if they are but the menu appeals I should try it, usually love it. If the reviews are all great then suddenly a LOT of negative then there is something changed or going on and I often skip. Boatwrights was awesome.! Service was great, didnt wait long for table or food, and OH THE FOOD. The shrimp and grits made my eyes roll back in my
head!

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

We've been to there twice and enjoyed both times. We wouldn't go out of our way to eat there, but, if we were staying at either port Orleans resort, and wanted to have dinner at the resort, I would happily eat there again.

From what you posted, as you are already at PO, unless you wanted to travel to a destination restaurant at another resort (like a dinner show or character meal) I would choice boatwright over most other resort restaurants.

However, I will through out the idea that, if you have a whole evening available, you could take the boat from POFQ to DS and spend the evening there, and pick a restaurant there. I would NOT go to DS just for dinner, though. I'd pick Boatwright over traveling to DS solely for dinner.

 

[magicalcouple]

Never had a bad meal @ Boatwright's! The cornbread is like CAKE.... Give it a whirl!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We have eaten at Boatwrights twice and had a very delicious meal both times. But we were staying at the resort, so that made it an easy choice. I would absolutely eat there again the next time we stay at POR.

 

[hildarumpole]

It's one of my family's favorite Disney restaurants. Food is always good and service is terrific. Definitely worth trying, especially since you'll be only a short walk away.

 

[Chrelaine]

I try to take the opinions of others lightly. We liked Portobello at DS and didn't particularly like our stay at the Poly. If it's something I think we would enjoy, we give it a shot. It helps that none of us are overly picky. Sometimes I read reviews and laugh to myself that the author really shouldn't eat out, nothing will please them. With that said, we are staying at POR this summer and I plan for us to try Boatwright's.

 

[AngiTN]

I try to take the opinions of others lightly. We liked Portobello at DS and didn't particularly like our stay at the Poly. If it's something I think we would enjoy, we give it a shot. It helps that none of us are overly picky. Sometimes I read reviews and laugh to myself that the author really shouldn't eat out, nothing will please them. With that said, we are staying at POR this summer and I plan for us to try Boatwright's.

Truer words have never been spoken (or typed)

 

[farrahalex76]

When we stay at POR if we are going to pick up supper at the food court my DH always steps in Boatwrights to check if they have seating available. He would rather eat here than the food court. And we have always had a good meal here.

 

[MrsGoofyMitchell]

We went for our first time last year - 2 adults, 3 kids and we all loved it! So good, great service!

 

[lovin'fl]

Been twice. First time was our very first TS meal at WDW and we were on DP which, then, included appetizers and dessert. It was really good.

Second visit was Aug 2015 and with in laws, 4 adults and 4 teens. Everyone really enjoyed it then too... except me. I was just meh about it. Just wasn't feeling it. But DH talks about it all the time and wants to book it every trip but I say no. I will say it was super easy to get to from where we were staying, SSR. There is a boat at that Congress Park dock/bridge.

 

[Rusty2rules]

I've got to chime in here. It's funny, I've seen a couple of people here say they heard Pete's slam on Boatwright's and disagreed. Me, too! At that point I kind of discounted his opinions on the rest of the restaurants in his review. It's been a long time since we last stayed but I just booked my vacation and am staying at POR for 3 reasons; (A) the pool area - love it, (B) the boat ride to Disney Springs, and (C) Boatwright's. My wife and I ate there and had one of the best pieces of prime rib we've ever had. I would highly recommend it.

 

[flyergrad09]

We stayed at POR for our Disneymoon back in 2014, and Boatwright's was our dinner on our first evening. We loved it, but we also really like southern/Cajun style food, so I say if the menu is something that interests you, go ahead and take a chance! You'll never know for yourself until you try it.

 

[alex9179]

I've come to realize when it comes to dining, I am just about 90% opposed to Pete and his opinions.

I'm in agreement, here. I seem to recall that he didn't like Sanaa, from an old review, with his caveat that the flavor profile wasn't his thing. My mom and I thoroughly enjoyed our meal there and at Boatwrights (way back in 2013). I have plans to take my family to both this year.

However, his recent Homecoming review makes me want to try to fit it in on arrival day! He was "it's fine but expensive" and now "delicious and recommend it". If I like the cuisine, it's worth a try.

When we stay at POR if we are going to pick up supper at the food court my DH always steps in Boatwrights to check if they have seating available. He would rather eat here than the food court. And we have always had a good meal here.

Me too!