About as soon as in line with yr, Walt Disney Global has a culinary controversy so contemptible that it borders on legal. We concept that would possibly’ve shifted to the opposite coast for 2026, as Disneyland was once embroiled in its personal French Fry Fiasco, however we wager no longer.
It’s in fact been a somewhat uneventful couple of years for Walt Disney Global’s meals scene. There were minor menu adjustments we haven’t cherished, however not anything like the Sleepy Hole Scandal of Summer time ’24. I nonetheless remember the fact that bombshell find it irresistible was once the day past. Some brainiac at Walt Disney Global majorly tousled the one Magic Kingdom counter carrier menu that didn’t want adjustments.
Out went the waffle sandwiches, in got here Mickey Mouse formed waffles that have been shadows in their predecessors. In spite of fierce and instant fan pushback, the unhealthy waffles have been allowed to exist for a complete yr. After which all at once, simply as the talk has been all however forgotten (however by no means forgiven), the previous waffles have been again.
I might argue they’re handiest about 80% as just right because the OG waffle sandwiches, however possibly that was once exactly the purpose. Perhaps this was once a New Coke caliber conspiracy, both for the sake of selling or the ulterior reason of cost-cutting by way of inexpensive elements with out someone noticing.
What spread out at Sleepy Hole was once an unlucky tournament. Had it came about in Global Show off, it will’ve even risen to the extent of world incident. The backlash was once so fierce that I believed definitely Walt Disney Global would acknowledge what a horrible resolution it was once and undo the wear.
In spite of everything, it wasn’t that way back that the ‘Ohana Noodlegate Scandal of Fall ’21 had roiled the Seven Seas Lagoon house. That unhealthy resolution was once in no time walked again, earlier than the primary visitors have been even subjected to a noodleless ‘Ohana. It was once a large win for fanatics, and showcased Walt Disney Global’s responsiveness and willingness to right kind ill-advised choices, a minimum of every so often.
In the meantime, there’s the Turmoil of the Toppings Bars at Cosmic Ray’s and Pecos Invoice, the Plastic Cheese Incident at Casey’s Nook, and numerous different culinary controversies that experience emerged within the shadow of COVID. On that checklist, I’d come with the loss of counter carrier breakfast and lunch at Be Our Visitor (and simply the full downfall of that eating place), Brunch at California Grill, and numerous different cuts. Which brings us to the most recent: Cornbread-Gate at Boatwright’s Eating Corridor.
Boatwright’s Menu Adjustments
A few months in the past, Boatwright’s Eating Corridor made a large menu overhaul that changed a large number of pieces. Should you weren’t paying consideration, and I’ll admit that I actually wasn’t, chances are you’ll’ve misconstrued this as menu additions. To start with look, it appeared like a internet sure, particularly because the entrees and dessert choices expanded.
However as at all times, the satan is in the main points. There have been a few notable entrees that have been got rid of from the menu, with the fan-favorite Deep-South Shrimp & Grits and Seafood Boil each being minimize. Now not handiest that, however a couple of entrees have been tweaked in ways in which arguably worsened them, such because the Style of the Bayou All-You-Care-To-Experience Platter.
Oh, and the cherished Praline-Bourbon Bread Pudding additionally were given minimize, along side a few much less noteworthy cakes.
Distinctly Unpatriotic Cornbread-Gate Rocks Country
The most important bombshell of all was once no longer mirrored at the new menu. In a distinctly unpatriotic transfer made when converting the menu, dinner at Boatwright’s Eating Corridor now not begins with the complimentary house-made cornbread. And at the eve of our country’s 250th anniversary!
This were a staple for so long as I will be able to take note, going again to when the resort was once named Dixie Landings! (There are studies that it dates again to 1992, however I can’t corroborate.)
If there’s something you’ve heard about Boatwright’s earlier than, it’s most probably that they’ve very good cornbread. That is in part as it’s the one factor everybody who dines right here has eaten for the ultimate a number of a long time, but additionally as it’s a standout merchandise. From our ultimate two evaluations of Boatwright’s:
Heat, candy, and melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious, it is a must-try. In reality, if Boatwright’s served <$10 “bottom-less” cornbread, I’d be tempted to spend the easier a part of the afternoon striking out right here.
The presentation has modified a little bit right here–arguably for the easier–nevertheless it’s the similar outstanding cornbread. I’m no longer going to supply any probably debatable takes about whether or not this or the Path’s Finish cornbread reigns ideal–each are best tier. The entirety about this–texture, density, sweetness, freshness–is a house run. We completed this with out even breaking a sweat.
The debatable take that I declined to supply, as an ardent Path’s Finish recommend, was once that Boatwright’s in fact had the higher cornbread. No less than the cornbread at Path’s Finish survived the conversion of our cherished buffet right into a counter carrier eating place.
All of for this reason cornbread-gate (technically cornbreadgate, however that’s a mouthful) is roiling the country. It’s one of the crucial extra iconic Walt Disney Global dishes, and the factor that put Boatwright’s at the map. With out searching, I’ll wager it’s in a couple of Walt Disney Global cookbooks, professional and unofficial.
It’s wild to me that Boatwright’s would discontinue its cornbread. It’s the culinary an identical of remaining MuppetVision or razing the Rivers of The usa. It will make infinitely extra sense to, as our earlier evaluate instructed, price for the cornbread a l. a. Sanaa. (This transfer makes about as a lot sense as it might for Sanaa to discontinue its bread carrier.) Monetizing one thing that was once as soon as unfastened? Now that’s the Disney method; it’s the American method.
This can be a mid-tier eating place that, if we’re being truthful with ourselves, time has in large part handed through. This isn’t intended to be an indictment or grievance of Boatwright’s such a lot as an acknowledgement of the whole lot new that has opened, together with fan-favorite eating places over at Coronado Springs and Caribbean Seaside, two different Reasonable Lodges.
Boatwright’s is a staple of deep Solid Member reductions, and is these days providing 40% off to Annual Passholders. (That’s why we ate there!) In spite of that, it’s by no means all that busy. It’s good to get an ADR right here for this night or the next day to come, regardless of while you’re studying this, with out factor.
Despite the fact that Boatwright’s makes our checklist of Underrated Desk Carrier Eating places at Walt Disney Global for 2026, it doesn’t actually get a large number of consideration amongst Walt Disney Global fanatics. The eating place has its diehards, however they’re most often additionally large fanatics of Port Orleans. That’s what makes this this type of perplexing resolution–it alienates the individuals who love Boatwright’s, which wishes the ones fanatics greater than the typical eating place!
Instead of the freshly-made cornbread, Boatwright’s now serves not-so-freshly bagged ciabatta bread, which arrives on the eating place premade and frozen. The ciabatta bread is served with a chimichurri butter unfold. Ah, not anything says homestyle Southern Louisiana cookin’ at the bayou like (exams notes) bagged ciabatta bread with (exams notes once more) chimichurri butter.
The distinction in high quality is so stark you’ll style it. The ciabatta bread is okay as unfastened filler, I assume, nevertheless it’s completely not anything particular. Should you informed anyone this was once pre-made bread dropped at the eating place frozen, someone with tastebuds would say, “oh yeah, that exams out.”
The bread isn’t actively unhealthy. It’s effective to mindlessly consume once you have off your ft after the top of lengthy day while you’re ravenous. But it surely’s no longer even on par with first rate bread at Dealer Joe’s. The chimichurri butter does not anything to switch the equation; it’s a perplexing selection for bread, and rings a bell in my memory of one thing that will be higher suited for masks the flavour of subpar steak.
Our server was once no longer shy in sharing the visitor response to this alteration, bluntly indicating that the eating place and lodge had won continuous lawsuits because the exchange was once made. They shared that it’s a nightly incidence. In reality, our server was once satisfied that control would opposite the verdict because of how massively unpopular it was once.
The a laugh context here’s that every one of this was once being shared with us. However no longer simply us! This meal was once veritable blogger bash, like a meeting of the 5 Households from the Godfather, however with far more dorkiness and method much less homicide. Like mafia dons, bloggers stick out at eating places.
I’d think the server was once cognizant of this, and was once relaying this data within the hopes that it might supply control the nudge had to undo a actually boneheaded resolution that are supposed to’ve by no means been made within the first position. (Some individuals are going as far as to name this the “Tremendous App of Bread Carrier Unforced Mistakes.” Wow. Harsh, however truthful!) That, or our server mistook us for mafia dons, and this individual felt that they had no selection however to disclose what they knew. Totally believable.
Unrelated Apart: Percentage Your Comments with WDW
On a fully unrelated be aware, right here’s your regimen reminder that we advise respectfully sharing your comments (just right, unhealthy and unpleasant) with how the corporate’s choices and practices will affect your holidays and long term industry (or lack thereof) with Walt Disney Global through emailing [email protected].
Likewise, imagine addressing the nice and unhealthy when collaborating in visitor pleasure surveys, talking with managers or others in park management, and even proactively touch Visitor Members of the family to courteously allow them to know the way you are feeling. It’s essential to direct those feedback to the right kind folks, versus frontline Solid Contributors who each have 0 involvement within the decision-making procedure and aren’t the most efficient conduits in your comments.
“Respectfully” and “courteously” are the operative phrases right here for a reason why. Whilst an irate rant would possibly make you really feel higher, it’s no longer the path to take in case your objective is effectuating exchange. We’ve observed and heard method too many visitors be offering snide or sarcastic comments; venting can also be cathartic, however that’s about it. “You catch extra flies with honey than with vinegar” is a cliche, nevertheless it’s additionally one {that a} annoying choice of adults don’t appear to clutch.
Boatwright’s Meals Evaluation
This being a blogger bash, we additionally ate the whole lot new at the menu at Boatwright’s Eating Corridor. And naturally, one in every of our sacred oaths is that the digicam (or on this case, cameras; its personal comical scene) eats first. Right here’s a rundown of what we ate.
Something to notice earlier than digging in is this was once extra of a social instance, so as soon as the mud settled on Boatwright’s Cornbread-Gate, there was once much less emphasis on reviewing the whole lot. I did have a possibility to check out all appetizers, maximum entrees, and each and every dessert, however my focal point wasn’t as a lot at the meals as standard and I didn’t take any notes. Accordingly, the evaluations are going to be extra descriptive and no more in-depth.
The excellent news, I assume, is that the redone menu at Boatwright’s is kind of what you spot is what you get. The meals strongly reinforces that mid-tier standing, and not anything served right here can be misplaced at chains like Cracker Barrel or TGI Friday’s. Towards that backdrop, on with the dishes…
Boatwright’s Appetizers
First up is the housemade Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly for $16.
Just right texture, tacky, comforting, and well-prepared. You’ll’t move improper with those, however they’re additionally no longer in particular memorable. Only a heart of the street appetizer that moves me as a tad dear.
Subsequent is the French Onion Soup Au Gratin with Gruyère Cheese, Onions, and a Toasted Crouton in a wealthy Pork Broth harking back to Pierre D’Orr’s House Village for $10.
A superbly effective French Onion Soup. The entirety melds in combination right here for a sufficient and pleasant providing, nevertheless it additionally doesn’t precisely wow.
Citrus Shrimp Cocktail with Creole-style Rémoulade and Aji Amarillo Sauce for $17.
Plump shrimp and a moderately huge portion of them, with a thematically-appropriate preparation. I appreciated those, but additionally wouldn’t move out of my strategy to organize them once more.
Wedge Salad with Viscount St. Albans, Tomato Confit, and Blue Cheese Dressing for $12.
I didn’t do this. In looking at the dish from a protected distance, it struck me as inexperienced, leafy, and slightly salad-like at the complete. Issues for the bacon and blue cheese, a minimum of. (C’mon, does someone actually want a evaluate for a wedge salad?!)
Boatwright’s Entrees
Turning to the center of the menu, we commence with the most costly possibility. The Char-grilled Butcher’s Steak with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Greens, and Space-made Pink Wine Steak Sauce for $44.
This shoulder minimize tastes higher than the tough-looking picture would possibly recommend. Just right taste and a simple meat and potatoes plating (plus inexperienced beans) make this a crowd-pleaser. Additionally nice price for the ones doing the 40% off deal.
The Boatwright’s Jambalaya is a Louisiana Dinner-time Favourite! Gradual-cooked Highly spiced Rice with Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and Hen for $29.
With the menu overhaul, that is the ultimate iconic merchandise at the menu. It stays for just right reason why, because it’s a fan-favorite. The flavour is nuanced and well-seasoned (however no longer overly so), and the scrumptious meats make this a winner. The most important drawback is that the portion seems to be about part the dimensions because it was once ultimate time we ordered this.
If we have been eating at Boatwright’s with out 40% off, that is what I’d order. Additionally of attainable be aware is that that is Sarah’s favourite dish at Boatwright’s. She most well-liked the previous plant-forward possibility, which now not seems at the menu (I didn’t inquire to look whether or not it’s nonetheless to be had off-menu).
Perplexingly, Boatwright’s Jambalaya nonetheless contains cornbread.
For a more healthy possibility, there’s the Grilled Salmon with Rice Cake, Sherry Cream, and Seasonal Greens for $33.
Walt Disney Global does grilled salmon persistently properly, and that incorporates close by Riverside Mill Meals Court docket. This was once well-prepared and attractive however, once more, not anything memorable. It’s what to get in case you’re no longer within the temper for convenience meals.
Every other entree possibility is the Panko Crispy Hen with Seasonal Risotto-style Farro and Vegetables for $27.
I forgot to check out this. Seems to be crispy.
Subsequent up is the Shrimp Pappardelle with Roasted Garlic-Chardonnay Cream Sauce, Solar-dried Tomatoes, and Spinach for $28.
Oof. How the mighty have fallen. After operating myself right into a lather ranting about unfastened bread, I’m out of breath for what’s possibly an excellent better travesty. Swapping out the Deep-South Shrimp & Grits for this.
Despite the fact that this have been just right (it isn’t), it simply couldn’t compete with that. I’d move a step additional and argue that, in whole sincerity, this isn’t as just right because the shrimp & grits over at Riverside Mill, which once more, is a meals court docket. That’s one in every of my favourite counter carrier entrees at Walt Disney Global.
In spite of everything, I ordered the Roasted High Rib. That is slow-roasted High Rib crowned with Cajun Butter served with Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Greens. This can also be blackened upon request.
My preliminary influence was once that this was once a tad too salty, however that was once moderately simply remedied through operating my knife alongside the skin of the top rib. After that, this was once shockingly scrumptious.
It’s a large minimize of meat that’s perfectly-prepared, soft and attractive. It didn’t want the cajun butter to masks the flavour, however that for sure didn’t harm. Out of the entrees I attempted, this was once the transparent winner, and I’m no longer simply biased as it’s what I ordered.
Boatwright’s Aspects
We additionally ordered two facets: Spiced Smoked Gouda Potatoes and the Viscount St. Albans and Cheddar Loaded Mashed Potatoes.
Those have been $5.50 and $6 each and every, and for just right reason why. They have been about on par with one thing from TGI Friday’s, however no longer the eating place itself, the freezer case variations in their dishes.
Now not horrible, but when you need mediocre filler that got here from the freezer, simply consume the unfastened bread. Should you’re going to get one or the opposite, get the loaded mashed potatoes; the spiced smoked gouda cheese sauce misses the mark a little bit.
Boatwright’s Truffles
On the different finish of the spectrum, all 3 of the cakes we attempted have been both large and lovely just right (Bourbon Chocolate Cake) or reasonably-sized and implausible.
My favourite of the bunch was once the Banana Cream Pie Cheesecake, which was once essentially the most fascinating and layered possibility. However I actually appreciated all 3 and would fortuitously order any of them once more. They have been a few of the highlights of the meal.
Style of the Bayou Platter
One ultimate be aware is that not one of the entrees we attempted beat the only factor at the menu that nobody ordered: Style of the Bayou All-You-Care-To-Experience Platter. This has modified a little bit since I ultimate had it (previous picture above), however continues to be basically the similar dish. It is composed of Hickory-smoked Beef Ribs, Fish fry Spice Baked Hen, Pork Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, and Seasonal Greens with Sautéed Corn with Viscount St. Albans.
This stays my favourite factor at the menu, successful out as a result of Boatwright’s is a superb position for amount over high quality. With that mentioned, the High Rib is an in depth 2d and is sort of AYCE through default because it’s so large. Should you’re at the fence, order whichever you’re leaning against. The Style of the Bayou Platter earns issues from me for selection and as it’s a amusing idea. The High Rib is a greater unmarried dish.
In the end, our verdict stays most commonly the similar as earlier than. Boatwright’s Eating Corridor is a superb possibility for someone staying at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter Lodges. It’s additionally a forged possibility for long-time Walt Disney Global guests who’ve by no means made the trek to those pretty lodges, and need to take a leisurely boat journey over from Disney Springs for some down house convenience meals.
First timers to Walt Disney Global who aren’t staying at Port Orleans don’t need to practice, as this isn’t vacation spot eating. The full revel in is not anything particular, and no longer definitely worth the travel given the simpler and higher possible choices right through your restricted holiday time. Should you do make the trek to Boatwright’s Eating Corridor, the Style of the Bayou stays my advice, adopted through the High Ribs. Depart the appetizers and facets, take the cakes.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas at the distinctly unpatriotic cornbreadgate scandal that’s rocking the country? Attempted anything else at the new menu at Boatwright’s? Any favourite or least-favorite dishes? Have you ever completed the Style of the Bayou Platter at Boatwright’s Eating Corridor? Do you settle or disagree with our evaluate? Should you haven’t dined right here, does this sound interesting to you or no longer? Any questions we will assist you to resolution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas under within the feedback!
