The BOATHOUSE and Disney Springs Update

The ongoing Disney Springs project recently took a major leap forward with the opening of The BOATHOUSE.This upscale waterfront dining location is a new "must do" for anyone coming to Walt Disney World. Not only does it have amazing food but it also is one of the most breathtaking locations to see a sunset in Orlando. With its huge windows that open out onto the dock to the classic boats tied up outside, The BOATHOUSE is not just a place to eat, it is a place to enjoy.The BOATHOUSE — which actually takes up the space formally occupied by both Rock 'n Roll Beach Club and Motion, for those old school Pleasure Island fans — offers 600 seats, all with prime view of some of the best seafood and steaks along with other tantalizing food offerings.

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As someone who has a small seafood allergy, I was very hesitant to try any of the options... but I am really glad I did! The foods, from the shrimp mac 'n cheese to the succulent meats, were amazing. Each menu item is a piece of art ready to be devoured. The soft shell crab is flown in when in season and The BOATHOUSE is one of the very few locations in Florida that it is available. But, as good as the main courses were, the thing that stood out — and a reason I will go back more times then I should — is the baked Alaska. This dessert is one of the most tasty things I have ever had; just the sight of it alone is enough to make your mouth water.Now you will notice this is not one of those perfectly taken food pics where there is nothing in the background. Well, that is because I had to stand up just to get it all in the photo! If nothing else, plan to make a trip to The BOATHOUSE on your next trip to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs just for the baked Alaska... and save me a slice!

As I mentioned, not only is the food amazing but the location itself is a testament to the team at Walt Disney Imagineering who took this space and made a restaurant location you will want to visit over and over again.From the beautiful indoor bar to the perfect-for-an-amazing-afternoon Dockside Bar, The BOATHOUSE is the perfect location to get away for some time without the kids.If you are looking to sample some (or all... we don't judge) of the menu, the inside of The BOATHOUSE has more to look at then can be seen in one visit. Plus, add in live entertainment and you have the perfect location to escape the parks for a few hours.

Once you are done with your meal and you want to take a nice walk, the bridges around the dock offer a great view of Lake Buena Vista along with some beautiful "floating art" — classic boats that will have you really wanting to set sail on the water.

And if all of that wasn't enough to draw you to The BOATHOUSE, where else will you have a chance to take a spin around the waterways in your very own Amphicar? You may be asking what an Amphicar is and you would not be alone: An Amphicar can drive on both land and sea. For an additional charge, your Captain will take up to 3 guests on a tour of the lake and offer a beautiful view of Downtown Disney.

For a look at the full menu and information about reservations, visit The BOATHOUSE page.

Of course that is not all that is new at Downtown Disney... time to jump to the next page!As seems to be the norm, another new store opened in the Disney Springs area just a few days ago. The Erwin Pearl shop adds an affordable jewelry location to Disney Springs that will be a must for anyone who likes beautiful things. But the new shop I am most excited for also just opened: the Super Hero Headquarters – a one stop shop for all your Marvel needs.

Located on the Westside next to D Street, this locationhas been a busy place from the minute it opened. Ranging from Spider-Man to Avengers merchandise, there is not much you won't find here.

While the store has everything you could possibly need, it also has the one thing you never knew you needed...the Dancing Baby Groot is here!The shop also gives you a opportunity to become your favorite Avenger.One of the things I love about the shop is some of the great "easter eggs." For example:There you go: If The BOATHOUSE didn't give you enough reason to head to Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney, I hope these shops do! Remember it's almost time for the Coolest Summer Ever at WDW so make your plans now.