Paddlefish is a newly converted restaurant from the former Fulton’s Crab House, and before that Empress Lilly. This location actually dates back to 1977, when it originally opened as Empress Lilly, named after Walt’s wife. The restaurant is inside an impressive, converted iconic boat that is docked on the water at Disney Springs. This is the only location at Disney Springs that features rooftop dining on the water, and it is stunning to take in. Paddlefish features a modern design and a unique menu that won’t leave you disappointed. Here you will find lots of options for fresh local seafood and savoury steak options as well.
Each floor of this towering boat features a bar as well as seating.
TIP: If you are trying to sit on an upper deck of the boat try going later in the day. They first start their seating on the first floor and then as it fills up they move up.
Quick Paddlefish Breakdown
Service: Table-Service – Signature Dining
Type of Food: Steaks, Seafood, Vegetarian-Friendly, Allergy Options
Price: $$$$
Location: The Landing, Disney Springs
Disney Dining Plan: Yes, 2 Credits
Discounts: Annual Passholder, Tables in Wonderland
Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Alcohol, Full Bar
Good For: Groups, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, View, Kids, Child-friendly, Bar Scene, Romantic
Menu: Official Disney Lunch Menu Official Disney Dinner Menu
Our table at Paddlefish featured an amazing view of the water. We were constantly able to watch amphicars drive by.
Paddlefish Dishes
The menu here offers you a wide selection of fresh seafood. We were in love with the table-side lobster guacamole! It was fresh and a healthy portion that the three of us were easily able to share and felt like each of us had plenty to eat. If guacamole isn’t your thing we recommend trying out the lobster corndogs. Such a unique menu item that is just what you imagine and every bit as delicious as it sounds. Other standout dishes at this location include the Lobster Roll (lunch exclusive) and Oysters.
FISH & CHIPS – Beer battered flounder, sweet potato fries, malt vinegar aioli
Rainbow trout catch of the day covered with a bernaise sauce.
PRIME STRIP – 12 ounce, caramelized onions, crimini mushrooms
HAWAIIAN OPAH -Macadamia nut crust, red curry, crab fried rice
Tableside Lobster Guacamole
BREAKFAST BURGER – a 9 ounce proprietary blend, fried egg, hash browns, candied bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet onion jam, shredded lettuce, tomato, brioche
Fried Clam Roll – Ipswich whole bellies, lemon-caper aioli, pickles, split top bun
CRAB CEVICHE – Blue crab, avocado, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, lime, tortillas
Shrimp Caesar Salad – Watch out for the whole anchovies
Paddlefish Recommendation
Overall, I would say Paddlefish offers great service and atmosphere, but the value for your money is poor. You get very small portions for premium prices. For example, I was charged an extra $10 to add shrimp to my already $11 Caesar salad. The shrimp was amazing (although limited, as I was only given four) but the salad was pretty underwhelming.
We were stunned by our fantastic seats that overlooked the water. The whole party agreed next time we would prefer just to go to the top deck for appetizers and drinks versus dining in again. As this location is brand new I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a price drop in the future, as we saw shortly after other restaurants in Disney Springs opened, such as the Boathouse and Splitsville.
It’s a nice complement to Boathouse which sits directly next door. I would say on your trip, either go to Paddlefish or Boathouse as the menus are too similar to do both in one trip, without feeling like you lost out on trying new cuisine.
If you are interested in booking a reservation for Paddlefish you can do so through My Disney Experience or Open Table.
Want more dining tips? Check out our Best Disney World Restaurants recommendations along with Worst Disney Dining Sit Down Restaurants. If you are visiting with young ones read our Best Places to Eat with Kids at Disney World.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
Peg P
Saturday 16th of September 2017
One thing to watch out for if planning to dine at Paddlefish using your Disney dining plan. Both lunch and dinner use two dining credits, but unless you order the crabs, lobster, or seafood boils, you'll be using two dining credits for meals that cost what one dining credit would cost.
Unlike at Morimoto Asia, there is no difference between lunch and dinner. At Morimoto, lunch is one dining credit while dinner takes two. Not at Paddlefish. So you're wasting your dining credits if you dine there for lunch, unless (again) you get one of the few expensive items. The lobster roll is nice, but it's charged at two dining credits but is priced at a one-dining-credit price. You'll even still be charged two dining credits if you order the burger!