Fulton’s Crab House at Disney Springs now closed for refurbishment through Fall 2016 to become Paddlefish
Seafood lovers visiting Disney Springs will have to find someplace new to get shellfish over the summer, because Fulton’s Crab House is now closed until late Fall 2016 for a major refurbishment, after which it will sport the new name Paddlefish.
As originally announced back in February, Fulton’s Crab House at Disney Springs closed earlier in April for a re-imagining that is expected to take about 6 months. The restaurant, which is built upon a faux steamship originally known as the Empress Lilly, will still specialize in seafood when it reopens, but details about changes the Levy-owned venue will experience are still under wraps. However, local news station WKMG claims that a rooftop lounge and waterfront bar will be added during the construction. Over 200 employees were laid off for the closing, and will be able to reapply for new positions later this year.
To mark the shutdown, Fulton’s posted the following message on the website and Facebook page:
To our friends, family, and fans who’ve supported Fulton’s Crab House for the past 20 years, we want to take a moment to express our immense gratitude and appreciation for your on-going support. As we close to make way for a bigger, more beautiful experience, we want to thank all our outstanding and supportive guests, friends, family, and hard-working staff. We’re so excited to reopen this fall. Cheers!
Until the reopening arrives, Disney Springs patrons starving for something from the sea should check out The Boathouse or Morimoto Asia.
Update 4/24/2016
Levy restaurants has now released the restaurant’s new name — Paddlefish — along with more details about the new experiences awaiting diners this fall.
Paddlefish, a new dining experience at Walt Disney World Resort, will open this fall in Disney Springs aboard the vessel formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House. The seafood-centric restaurant closed recently for extensive renovations as the steamboat undergoes a revitalizing bow to stern transformation that will exude an opulent and inviting atmosphere for guests.
The cuisine of Paddlefish will celebrate the freshest seafood while featuring steaks and chops for an elevated meal by land or sea. Paddlefish’s menu will showcase an array of composed and contemporary seafood dishes such as Lobster Risotto with poached Maine lobster, saffron and Meyer lemon oil; Redfish with coconut milk, crab broth, tomato, peppers, and ginger; as well as a rotating Catch of the Day. Guests can look forward to more interactive dining experiences including tableside service with items such as the Tableside Lobster Guacamole with Maine Lobster, chilies, cilantro, lime, and tortilla chips. Fan favorites and classic dishes including Florida Stone Crab, Alaskan King and Queen Crab, and Lobster Corn Dogs will remain from the previous menu.
The sleek and modern design will offer entirely new areas for guests to embark, including a rooftop lounge overlooking the sights and sounds of Disney Springs. The lounge, which will remain open until 2 a.m., will feature its own menu offering more eclectic dishes for a lively, vibrant, and communal experience. The restaurant will also showcase a build-your-own boil option where guests can pick and choose their seafood, seasonings, and additions. Paddlefish will additionally offer dynamic private dining and event spaces that will provide the perfect backdrop for special occasions including weddings, off-site meetings, receptions, stylish private parties or an intimate private dinner for clients and colleagues.
“We’re excited to embark upon Paddlefish’s next voyage, and can’t wait for guests to share this new experience with us,” said Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy Restaurants. “As Disney Springs evolves and grows, we’re looking forward to sharing this newly reimagined restaurant with both vacationers and Florida locals.”
Paddlefish will open in fall 2016, serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.
