Boat Builders

Boatwright's Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside is a fabulous table service restaurant (try the Jambalaya or Buttermilk Fried Chicken), but there's more being crafted here than just great meals and great service. True to its name, Boatwright's is a boat builder's workshop.

All around are hammers, saws and other tools of the trade. Overhead, the hull of a large boat is under construction right before our very eyes. The toolbox left on the platform indicates that the boat wright himself has just taken a break - perhaps for a slice of that delicious Pecan Pie - and will be back to work again at any moment.

Of course, some might think, "That's all fine and good, but how does it make sense that a huge boat like that is being built inside this restaurant in the middle of a resort?" Well, take a step outside...

The exterior of Boatwright's reveals the huge doors that can open up on the side of the building, as well as the ramp that can be lowered to help roll the new craft down to the river when it's ready for its maiden voyage.