Returning to Paddlefish at Disney Springs this year was something that was on our itinerary after such a great meal there last year. There’s something really special about the setting and the theming here at this landmark location that makes it stand out from many of the other dining options at Disney Springs.
Dining on an old paddle steamer with views of the water is unbeatable, and we found that Paddlefish provides that perfect combination of ambiance, food, and service.
Set over three dining floors, it’s a large restaurant and the closest you can come to dining on a luxury ship without setting sail. I particularly love the interiors here which wouldn’t look out of place on a luxury yacht with a colour pallete of cool grays and whites and although its one of the more upmarket dining venues at Disney Springs, it’s also family friendly, which is one of the reasons why we continue to come back here.
I was really happy that our table was on the lower level as this provides some of the best water side table seating and we had gorgeous views through the floor to ceiling windows out over the water and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
As a seafood lover, Paddlefish is my go-to spot for seafood in Disney Springs, or anywhere in Disney, really. I started with the crab cakes, which were absolutely delicious—crispy on the outside, tender and packed with flavour inside.
For my main, I couldn’t resist ordering the lobster roll which was served with fries. I can now see why this dish is one of the most popular at Paddlefish and brought back memories of my fresh seafood from our recent visit to Boston, New England.
My husband, on the other hand, doesn’t share my passion for seafood, but that’s one of the things we love about Paddlefish—their “from the land” options are just as impressive as their seafood. He decided to try the fried green tomatoes for the first time, and we were both pleasantly surprised. They were crispy and flavourful, a great introduction to a Southern USA classic. For his main, he went for the 16-ounce ribeye similar to our last visit and once again it was delicious and cooked to perfection
Our two teenage daughters chose the linguine with marinara sauce from the kids’ menu, which came with a side of fries. Even though they’re older now, the portion sizes were more than enough for them, and honestly, it could easily pass as an adult meal here in the U.K.
I can’t forget to mention the complimentary hot bread that was served to the table—it was warm, soft, and so good that we may have asked for an extra basket.
Although the key lime pie was highly recommended to us for dessert by our server, 2 courses here were more than enough for us all, when we return we might skip or share a starter to ensure we have room to try the desserts on offer, which did look incredible.
When it comes to drinks, Paddlefish offers an extensive selection. My husband opted for the Paddlefish blonde beer, which he enjoyed, while I went for the strawberry basil lemonade. If you’re looking for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option, I highly recommend it.
After our meal, we headed up to the top deck of the paddle steamer. This is one of the hidden gems of Paddlefish, and it’s an experience that is well worth checking out. The views over Disney Springs and Saratoga Springs from up there are some of the best anywhere in Disney Springs, especially at sunset.
It’s the perfect place to take a moment and soak in the beauty of the area. We were even lucky enough to catch the Disney Dreams drone show from the top deck. The vantage point was incredible with no crowds and we had a fabulous view of the sky lit up with drones. It was the perfect way to cap off our evening.
Overall
If you’re planning a trip to Disney Springs, I can’t recommend Paddlefish enough, it was so good to be back again. Whether you’re a seafood fan or prefer something from the land like my husband, there’s something for everyone. The food, the setting, and the overall experience make it one of the best dining spots at Disney Springs.