Ah... Fulton's Crab House serves the best seafood I have ever tasted and they go about it with a terrific demeanor in the cozy atmosphere of a refurbished riverboat. This is the place to have that one special dinner on your vacation. You may be eating breakfast on-the-run and lunch in a café at the parks, but one night, just one, toss on the sundress and the slacks and give a call to Fulton's. The old refurbished Empress Lilly, which used to serve character breakfasts (perhaps you remember from childhood?) is now a well done-up riverboat, with pristine oars on the wall and candlelight guiding your sight.

Fulton's is located at Disney's Pleasure Island, which, by car, taxi, or shuttle, is cheap and easy to get to. You can enjoy a stroll before dinner and a drink from one of the numerous theme bars nearby (wristband required) or some chocolate from one of the nearby chocolate stores, which there are many of on Disney property. You may also enjoy late-night live attractions at any of those bars and a movie at the AMC Theatres on-site.

The food at Fulton's is mouth watering, and I am not a seafood lover. I recommend the crab and lobster bisque and anything (anything!) off the dinner menu. There isn't much more to say other than Fulton's is award-winning for its food and service and is well worth the cost, which by today's standards, is respectable for a beautiful, brilliant night out.

There is no admission fee to Pleasure Island required to dine at Fulton's, but if you are visiting the bars afterwards, you will need to purchase the wristband, and be safe about drinking and driving.

One of your best bets for your budget and a way to meet your favorite character is through one of the character meals. We went with Captain Mickey at Fulton’s Crab House in Downtown Disney.

When you first walk in, you will find a huge bowl full of mini-muffins already on the table, waiting to be nibbled on. These included strawberry, blue berry, black berry, and mixed. For beverages, you get a choice of juice, coffee, tea, or milk, and you don’t have to just stick to one. We both had OJ, and then I had tea and John had coffee. It is all you can eat here, but rather than a buffet, your order is taken individually, and then you can order as much as you like. We started out with eggs (prepared like you like them), bacon (you can have ham, bacon, and/or sausage), and a choice of bread (toast, biscuits, or English muffins). John had toast, while I opted for their big ‘ol fluffy, scratch-made biscuits (wish I had one right now). After that, we had a bowl of fresh fruit. Other breakfast options included pancakes, French toast, waffles, and omelets. Again, everything is all you can eat, so you can order whatever you like. At $13 per person, it is quite pleasing to any budget.

While you’re enjoying this scrumptious meal, Mickey and friends stop by each table for a hug and photo. We got to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. Make sure you bring your photo for that great photo op.

The Fulton Crab house is housed in the former three-deck riverboat known as the Empress Lilly, which is permanently docked on the lake. The name Fulton is a tribute to Robert Fulton, who invented the steamboat. The interior boasts incredible wooden floors and beams and carries though with a nautical theme, as you might well expect.

The Fulton Crab House is open for lunch and diner. Their ever-changing menu offers seafood-inspired dishes, as well as steaks and chicken for the non-seafood lover in your party. Now, the above character meal I described has now been moved to Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. In both cases, they take credit cards, Disney Dollars, or good old US$. Both are priority seating, so call 407/WDW –DINE up to 90 days before your vacation.

This is a very fine restaurant on an old riverboat. The atmosphere is great and the food is top notch. The service was some of the best we'd ever had. Have your cocktails on the outdoor bow deck and feast up in the top lounge. The local yellowtail was great, as were the oysters. You've got to try it if you are in Downtown Disney.

We went there for lunch. My husband couldn't wait to order the Stone Crab, which was excellent. He also had the clam chowder, which was chunky and good. I had the Crab and Lobster Bisque and the special of the day, Flounder--both were good but not to die for. This is someplace I had always wanted to eat at, but I doubt I will go back. It's fun to do once, but I'm not sure it's worth the expense.

Our meal was great. It was well worth the wait. Reservations are recommended. It is a high-energy, traditional seafood house built as a replica of a turn-of-the-century riverboat . . . right in heart of downtown Disney. It is a great finish to a night out after Cirque Du Soleil.