*This dining experience took place in February 2015.
Ah, Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Every time I go I am treated to a great meal, and this time my meal was epic. That’s because I finally got to indulge in a little thing called chicken and waffles. Yes, honest to goodness deep fried chicken and waffles. But before I get into all that deep fried goodness, let me back up with my entire meal experience.
On this particular occasion, I was celebrating (a bit belatedly) my birthday. Last year, I went to Boatwright’s Dining Hall for the first time on my birthday, so it seemed fitting to make it a part of my birthday tradition. It was great too because almost all of my friends who dined with me the year before were able to come to dinner this year. Many of them also have special dietary needs, so it’s fun to see what everyone gets. You can read Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando’s review of our dinner on her website.
Alexis had ordered chicken and waffles on a previous visit to Boatwright’s, and while I also got the fried chicken, I didn’t get the waffles (huge mistake on my part), and for this visit I wanted to make sure I ordered this for the birthday celebration. Because of this I requested the chicken and waffles in advance. The restaurant asks that you request at least 2 weeks in advance through Disney’s Special Diets Department. This ensures that they have all the ingredients on hand and everything will be ready for you when you arrive (trust me, you don’t want to go and be disappointed you can’t order this or the crawfish bites).
After we arrived at the restaurant, we were greeted by Chef Paul who came prepared with a huge basket of GNI brand rolls and extra virgin olive oil. This restaurant consistently heats the GNI rolls really well, so they make for a terrific pre-dinner starter. My gluten-filled eating family and friends enjoyed the house-made cornbread, and I have to admit I secretly hope that one day Boatwright’s will also make a gluten free and dairy free version for special diets guests.
For an appetizer, I ordered the crawfish bites — of course! This time, I was pleasantly surprised to taste some new spices on the crawfish bites. The new seasoning added even more of a cajun/creole feel to the dish, and I really enjoyed the bit of spice it added. Of course, how can you really go wrong with anything that’s deep fried and seafood? The remoulade with its creaminess mellowed out the spice of the crawfish bites. Luckily, I split these with other diners, which is a good thing because I am pretty sure I’d be able to eat the entire plate myself.
And good thing I saved room because I needed it for the deliciousness that is chicken and waffles. I have to say that this dish totally exceeded my expectations (which I have to admit were pretty high after hearing Alexis rave about it). The chicken itself was super crispy (Chef Paul used a batter that included an egg wash and Namaste all purpose gluten free flour) and very well seasoned. I’ve said it before, but I will say it again – Chef Paul is an expert at seasoning fried foods!
The waffles were also extra crispy on the outside. When combined with the sweetness of the maple syrup and the salty fried chicken – the combo was just out of this world. It’s been years since I’ve had proper chicken and waffles, and I am so excited that I can now order it at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. I’m pretty sure this will be a regular on my entree rotation along with the sweet tea brined pork chop (another favorite).
When it comes to dessert, I’m always too full to get dessert here. Of course, if I had room I would probably run over (or maybe slowly stroll depending on how full I am!) to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Port Orleans French Quarter for the gluten free and dairy free beignets. They are so good. Boatwright’s does have several options, so if you’re looking for dessert you’ll definitely have a few items to choose from (if you’re gluten free, you have to check out the bananas foster – it gets rave reviews!).
One again, I have to say a big thanks to the Boatwright’s team for making my birthday dinner wonderful. I can’t wait to visit again soon!
Have you been to Boatwright’s Dining Hall? What is your favorite menu item to order there?
The rolls come frozen and are microwaved for 30 seconds in the package. Not so magical!
That may be true, but not every restaurant does a great job of this. I often get them and they are very crumbly and inedible.
I haven’t seen the Chicken and Waffles on any of the listed menus. Are they a sometimes thing, or only special request. I know you have to ask in advance so that they can make them allergen free (I would need that too), but I’m wondering if my non-allergic family members want them..do they have to ask in advance?
It’s not on the current menu, but I’m told the chicken and waffles (non-special diets version) will be on the new menu coming out in April. Hope that helps!
Excellent! Thank you!!
I visited in March, sent an email requesting this dish to the special diets department. When I arrived, I was told they had never received the email and it would be a 45 minute wait. I had an early reservation and the restaurant was not crowded but the chef assisting me seemed irritated and basically offered me fish, steak, or the ribs with no bbq sauce. It was a terrible experience. I ended up just leaving. I did complain to the Special diets department and they did assist with the rest of my adr’s.
I’m sorry that you did not have a great experience at Boatwright’s. Sometimes things happen and Special Diets don’t forward the requests along. I always recommend double-checking with them and also asking to be put in touch with the restaurant if you feel that the message might not be relayed properly to the dining location. I can highly recommend many of the other dishes on the menu, including the ribs (sans bbq sauce).
Just wanted to say, I had the same experience. I had even asked about the crawfish bites earlier in our trip (We arrived on Saturday, dined there on Tuesday) and was told that they don’t do special requests for this or the chicken and waffles.
I’m sorry to hear that you weren’t able to get the crawfish bites or chicken & waffles there. I know that the culinary team there is working hard to provide consistency for guests. I think the new allergy-friendly menus will be helpful for guests wanting to know what options are available in the restaurant and hope they come out to other locations soon!
Just wanted to say, your tips were invaluable during our trip! Thanks! I also have to add that my experience as a special diets diner at both Boatwrights and River Mill (and other on property locations) was vastly different than yours!!! We dined at Boatwrights for our anniversary, early in the evening, and the chef was less than enthused about helping me find something. (He was also the one who helped me the first day of our trip, and when I asked for a chef he greeted me with “What do you want” I said I had no idea what the offering were (for lunch) and he just kind of shrugged and told me to pick something and he would tell me if he could do that) The chef that was there later in the week was SO much more helpful!! I don’t eat gluten or dairy, and pretty much other than at Raglan Road was offered sorbet or rice dream for dessert. Thank you for all you do! You would think with Erin McKenna’s place on site Disney could offer a little better dessert options!
I’m so glad to hear that you found the tips helpful for your trip! I’m sorry the first chef you met at Port Orleans wasn’t super helpful but that the second one was better. I know desserts gluten free & dairy free can be a challenge (I struggle with the same problem of only getting sorbet or non-dairy ice cream offered). There are a lot of locations that are working to improve the offerings. I just had a berry cobbler that was gluten free & dairy free at Artist Point a few weeks ago!