Boatwright’s Dining Hall Dinner Review
*This gluten free dining experience took place in March 2022. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Boatwright’s Dining Hall, located at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, used to be a family favorite — with a relaxed atmosphere and great food. The chefs who used to work at Boatwright’s (including Chef Tony and Chef Paul) really went above and beyond to make sure that guests with special dietary needs were treated to delicious Cajun inspired food. Unfortunately, after those chefs left, we found Boatwright’s to be a bit lacking in options and food quality. So, it’s been years since we’ve been. On this visit, we decided to make a trip after learning about the restaurant being able to make gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters with advance request from Gina at Gluten Free Disney World. So, you know we had to give it another try!
Atmosphere
Boatwright’s Dining Hall will make you feel like you’re dining on the Louisiana bayou. There are fireplaces, hanging lanterns, and even a frame of a river boat inside the restaurant.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Of course, don’t forget to walk around the beautiful Port Orleans Riverside resort. It’s perfect for evening strolls, and they even have carriage rides (for a fee). We enjoyed the boat docks and a quick stroll before our dinner.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Inside the restaurant is several different smaller dining areas that make up one large restaurant. Everything feels cozy, homey, and generally pleasant. That being said, both Brandon and I agreed that the restaurant could use a bit of a refurbishment. The restaurant has looked the same as long as I can remember, and it feels a bit dated at this point.
Still, you’ll find ample seating and a welcoming atmosphere when you dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
The Food
Like most restaurants owned and operated by Disney, Boatwright’s Dining Hall does have an allergy-friendly menu. Of course, you can always speak to a chef to discuss options too. On this visit, we not only spoke to a chef when we arrived, but I also contacted Disney’s Special Diets Department in advance via email to inquire about making a special request.
Because we had heard about this from Gina at Gluten Free Disney World, we felt pretty confident that the request in advance of our dining reservation for gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters could be accommodated. Here’s how I made the request.
I contacted Disney’s Special Diets Department by email at: special.diets@disneyworld.com 2 weeks before our dining reservation. I explained that we had an upcoming reservation and the request we were interested in. The team at Disney’s Special Diets replied back in 24 hours and asked me to fill out a form. This form is a standard reservation form that has been floating around since before 2009 when I first started going to Disney World with special dietary needs. Back then, when you went on vacation, you were asked to include all of your dining reservations on it and your special dietary needs along with any notes or requests. Though I know some guests still use this form, it’s not used as heavily as it used to be because of the updated reservation system and allergy-friendly menus.
On the form, I indicated our reservation number and other pertinent information. I also included our specific requests. From there, Disney’s Special Diets replied, letting me know they had share the information with Port Orleans Riverside’s culinary team. I have been told that they need at least 7 days in advance to request the GF Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters.
Once we arrived at the restaurant, Chef Zach came to our table, and he noted that he was already ready for our order, which was great!
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free & Allergy-Friendly Cornbread / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Prior to our meal arriving, Chef Zach did say he would give us both cornbread. I received the gluten free, dairy free & allergy-friendly cornbread along with a honey butter. The restaurant does also carry non-dairy butter options if you have a dairy allergy or are vegan.
Overall, this was the only thing we ate at Boatwright’s that I cannot recommend. The cornbread was super sweet. More sweet than the cornbread I have had at Whispering Canyon Cafe. It tasted nearly like cake, and a lot less like cornbread (even sweet cornbread). It was also a bit on the dry side, so I think it was made in advance.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - French Onion Soup (Can be Made Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon ordered the French Onion Soup which is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies. Brandon was super excited because they make the soup with beef stock instead of chicken stock, which he is allergic to, so he could enjoy soup. If you have a chicken allergy, soup’s can definitely be challenging.
Brandon absolutely loved this soup. He said if we hadn’t had so much other food, he probably would have been tempted to order a second serving. On this visit, the chef did modify his soup and gave him gluten-filled bread because he can have gluten, but it’s normally served with GF bread for GF guests.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free Boudin Balls & Mardi Gras Fritters / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
But, the real reason we were at Boatwright’s Dining Hall were the pre-ordered gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters. Both dishes do contain dairy, though I didn’t ask if the Boudin Balls could be made dairy free with modifications. On the allergy-friendly menu, they are marked safe for Fish/Shellfish and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies, and we made sure they were also safe for Brandon’s other allergies.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free Boudin Balls / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Up first are the gluten free Boudin Balls. Goodness gracious! These are those classic sausage balls taken up quite a few notches. The menu describes them as a: Mix of Andouille Sausage, Smoked Sausage, and Dirty Rice Breaded and Fried served with Rémoulade.
Both Brandon and I were wowed by these. The sausage was super flavorful and a bit on the spicy side. The rice added some nice texture. And, of course, the remoulade, tiny bit of pimento cheese, and some house-made pickled vegetables added lots of flavors and textures. Watch out for the pepeprs on top though. Those were quite spicy!
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free Mardi Gras Fritters / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Now, we’re onto the gluten free Mardi Gras Fritters. These are House-made Pimiento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly. Of course, these do contain dairy and cannot be modified. So, if your’e dairy free, this will be a skip.
If you can have dairy, this is a must order. The rich house-made pimiento cheese combined with the sweet & spicy red pepper jelly made for the perfect combination. I personally couldn’t decide which of the appetizers that I liked best, but these were pretty phenomenal. And, of course, Brandon - ever the cheese lover - said these just edged out the Boudin Balls as his favorite.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall - Gluten Free & Dairy Free Jambalaya / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For my entree, I ordered the Boatwright’s Jambalaya with Slow-cooked Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and Chicken in a Spicy Sauce served with Rice. This dish was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, they also have a veggie jambalaya which can also be made gluten free.
Overall, I thought this entree was just fine. The shrimp was cooked well and very flavorful. The sausage was also great. The rest of the dish components were just OK. I wouldn’t probably order this again, but if you like jambalaya it’s not a bad option.
Although we forgot to take photos, Brandon ordered the prime rib. This was served with Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.
A few notes to consider for gluten free and dairy free guests. First, you can easily swap out the mashed potatoes for roasted potatoes for a dairy free option. If you’re gluten free, make sure to check with the chef, as they cook the green beans in the same water as the pasta. They will need to make a fresh batch to avoid cross-contamination, and can be made dairy free too.
Like my entree, Brandon thought his was just OK. We both agreed that on our next visit, we’ll just come for appetizers and maybe desserts…or head over to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort next door for the amazing gluten free and allergy-friendly beignets.
If you want to hear more about our experience at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, check out the vlog we did for our YouTube channel for more information.
Overall
We were absolutely impressed by the gluten free Boudin Balls and Mardi Gras Fritters. Brandon also absolutely loved his French onion soup. We think that Boatwright’s really shines with their appetizers. Though contacting Disney’s Special Diets Department can take some extra time and pre-planning, we both agreed that it was well worth the effort. Huge thanks to Chef Zach for accommodating us and making such delicious appetizers. We cannot wait to go back and order them again!
Have you been to Boatwright’s Dining Hall? What was your experience dining there?