October 10, 2016

This Week’s Ask Ashley Question

One of the questions this week came from Abigail from Rockport, Texas. Abigail asked:

I’m visiting Disney World in April and I would love to book some of my dining reservations at Disney Springs! I haven’t been to Disney since Disney Springs opened though. Where are some of your favorite places to eat (new or old)?

Ashley’s Answers:  Dining at Disney Springs

Thank you for your question Abigail! Disney Springs is a great area for to shop, dine, and enjoy world-class entertainment; the district truly offers something for everyone. If you like to cook, like me, you may consider the dining options at Disney Springs to be the most important! If you’re just looking to explore the promenade, take in the scenery and atmosphere, and see what is new in terms of dining options:  I can help there too!

In no particular order, my top 3 favorite dining locations at Disney Springs are:

The BOATHOUSE® in Disney Springs™

Best known for being a family-friendly waterfront dining location, The Boathouse (located in The Landing) offers indoor and dockside seating options and great service. Their menu is sure to please, including a raw bar, steaks, local Florida seafood, and diverse desserts! The seafood at The Boathouse ranges from Grilled Fish Tacos to Maine Lobster Mac n’ Cheese to Cedar Plank Salmon and they are known to have the best steaks on all of Disney World property. When it comes to dessert, who can say no to Key Lime Pie in a Mason Jar or Whiskey Caramel Cornbread Cake? If those 2 aren’t tempting enough, you have to try the Signature S’Mores Baked Alaska!

Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant

Looking for live entertainment including music and award-winning Irish dancers, authentic pub food, and a beer to wash it all down with? Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant is for you! Also located in The Landing, Raglan Road is the Open Table Diner’s Choice Winner for 2016! Here, you’ll find the traditional favorites including Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie (with a contemporary twist); as well as other options including Garden Pea Risotto, Lamb Shank, and a Guinness & Onion Banger. Additionally, they do offer gluten free and vegetarian options (ask your server for details). Should you have room after your meal, Raglan Road offers up some delicious dessert options including a triple-chocolate Dunbrody Kiss, a Bread & Butter Pudding unlike anything you’ve ever tried, and even a steam Orange Pudding just like Granny used to make!

Morimoto Asia

Also located in The Landing is world-renowned Iron Chef Morimoto’s restaurant, Morimoto Asia. The menu is Pan-Asian inspired and features sushi and sashimi; noodle and rice options; meat, poultry, fish and veggie plates; and numerous Dim Sum choices. If you’re a sushi fanatic like me, one of the nice things here is that you can do the rolls in white or brown rice; if you want your rolls fried in a tempura batter, just add $2. The entrees range from Kung Pao Chicken to Peking Duck to Black Pepper Steak and Filet Mignon. Morimoto Asia is often seen as one of the highest ranked restaurants in all of Disney Springs and it isn’t just because of their abundance of Sake options; they have a very chic and modern decor that helps the atmosphere complement the food options described. Expect a separate menu with a fixed-price option at lunch that is slightly different than dinner. The fixed-price option includes:  miso soup and salad, dumpling, kimchi and a choice of an entree and side.

No matter which of the 3 restaurants listed above interests you, reservations are highly recommended for each. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance of the first day of your trip.

If you’ve been to Disney Springs, do you agree with the above choices? What are your favorites? Comment below and let us know!