Paddlefish Restaurant in Disney Springs

For this week’s Disney review, we’re headed over to Disney Springs to to dish on our dinner at Paddlefish.

Board an iconic paddleboat anchored on Lake Buena Vista to feast on fresh seafood and savory steaks. Anticipate fan-favorites such as Maine lobster, jambalaya and ceviche—as well as eclectic dishes like tableside lobster guacamole made right before your eyes.

I wavered back and forth on whether or not to even write this review (I try to keep things positive over here) but I figured I owe it to you.   Paddlefish is a signature restaurant and is quite expensive (2 credits on the dining plan, even).  The very best part of our meal was the bread and the cocktail (Prohibition Mai Tai).  And that, my friends, is just plain sad.

The restaurant itself is beautiful and has a prime location on the water.  For nostalgias sake, I also love that it is the reimagined Empress Lilly where Sister and I had character meals as kids.  But, inside it was extremely loud and busy and did not have the kind of atmosphere I want when paying for a fine dining experience.

The lobster corn dogs have received such rave reviews by other Disney fans that I was so looking forward to trying them.  They were good, but I realized if I’m going to eat lobster I really want to taste the lobster.

For the really disappointing part, I ordered the crab cake sandwich for my entree.  It was so awful that I only had one bite.  I didn’t say anything to the waitress because I figured it was my bad choice in ordering it.  When she came by the table later in the meal, she noticed it sitting there and asked if I didn’t care for it.  I told her that I did not and left it at that.  Well, to their credit, when the bill came they had taken it off.  We did not ask them to, nor did I even complain other than to answer her question honestly in about 5 succinct words.  That was very much appreciated and a surprise as well.

If you go… haha… just don’t :-)  There are tons of other great dining choices in Disney Springs.  If you are looking for signature dining, try The BOATHOUSE or Morimoto Asia.  For casual dining, do Wolfgang Puck Express.  And, for a unique experience that the family will love, consider Bongos Cuban Cafe,  SplitsvilleT-Rex Cafe (impossible to get a reservation for so go early and walk up) or Rainforest Cafe!

There are so many other new places I am anxious to try at Disney Springs as well!!  As I said a few weeks ago, do not plan to arrive in Disney Springs and walk up to a dinner reservation.  You will definitely want to have an advance dining reservation.

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13 thoughts on “Paddlefish Restaurant in Disney Springs

  1. Thank you for the honest review and although I am not planning a trip to Disney anytime soon its nice for others who might be to know this restaurant did not live up to your expectations considering it was rather on the expensive side.

    I love a good crab cake but have been disappointed on many occasions when I order them and they have lots of breading (filler) and are not lump crab meat or have too much seasoning. Believe it or not, some of the best crab cakes I have ever eaten where at a diner in Hanover, PA! They were all lump crabmeat, no filler with the perfect amount of bay seasoning and Hellmann’s mayo. They were melt in your mouth delicious and I have been hard pressed to find them anywhere that good.

  2. My husband and I ate there several months ago, and we were really excited about the new decor and the rave reviews we had heard. We expected a top-notch seafood dinner. Unfortunately, our experience was pretty much the same as yours. I ordered the lobster corn dogs (I thought they were tasty but not $16 tasty!) and the seafood boil. The boil was supposed to be their special signature item (with a price tag to match), and it was skimpy, bland, and unsatisfying. I forget what my husband ordered, but he was not thrilled with his meal either. The atmosphere was so loud that we found it difficult to even carry on a conversation. We do not plan to eat there again! You are right–there are so many good places to eat in Disney Springs! We just ate at Maria and Enzo’s a few days ago and loved it!

    1. Yes, exactly my thoughts on this restaurant!!! Way, way over priced for a fine dining experience. Oh well, moving along :-) We tried to walk up to a table at Maria and Enzo’s the night before but it was a long wait. It smelled SO good!

  3. Thanks for the honest review!!!! It has been on our list to try, but I think we will skip it. We’ve had terrific meals at the Boathouse and we never miss Homecomin’! That one’s our favorite!

  4. Loud seems to be a theme at Disney Springs restaurants. We ate one night at T-Rex and it was loud with some dinosaur screeching at us every so often. Then the next night we ate at Planet Hollywood. It was really loud too. We had thought about eating at Bongos but again so loud!

    1. Yes, most Disney restaurants are loud. I expect that at T-Rex, Rainforest, and even character dining. I just did not expect it at a fine dining seafood restaurant!

  5. I wish your review had come a little sooner than the visit we just made to celebrate Hub’s BD. Overall, we were underwhelmed with the food. My filet was overcooked and the signature boil was less than stellar. Another in our party went with the signature shrimp and grits only to find the grits cold. On a positive note, we had great seating with a wonderful view, and before we left , we walked the entire restaurant. The rooftop seems to be where we will land in the future for apps and drinks. It can be accessed without a reservation . I mentioned to the hostess we were celebrating a BD, and the staff was very gracious to bring an unexpected dessert for our party to enjoy. I had high hopes that it hwould rival The Boathouse, but that was not to be.

    1. Yes, the staff was very nice!! I really had hoped to go up on the roof but it was so so cold the night we were there. The boathouse has those wonderful dock seating areas as well as great food. It is definitely the better choice for seafood :-) HBD to your Hubs!

  6. You must try our favorite restaurant at Disney Springs: Ragland Road. Go on a night with nice weather and listen to a live Irish band on their patio. The food is delicious (especially their pot pies). You will not be disappointed.

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