You may have seen our First Look… and now we are back for our full review of Magic Kingdom’s brand new Table Service eatery!
Welcome back to the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen!
With the exception, perhaps, of the arrival of Trader’s Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney World last March, no new restaurant has met with as much anticipation as the Skipper Canteen since the opening of Be Our Guest Restaurant in 2012. But while Be Our Guest debuted as part of the all-new Fantasyland expansion, the Skipper Canteen finds its home in Magic Kingdom’s classic Adventureland. This land is also home, of course, to the Jungle Cruise, the beloved attraction on which the Skipper Canteen is based.
We enjoyed our first meal at the Skipper Canteen on its first day of soft openings, but today the restaurant officially opens to all Magic Kingdom guests. So, what better time to get to know this spot a little more?
Jungle Skipper Canteen sign
So, my fellow Jungle Cruise passengers, let’s step back in, shall we?
Atmosphere
A portrait of Dr. Albert Falls has pride of place when you enter the Skipper Canteen.
Dr. Albert Falls
You may know him best as the name behind Schweitzer Falls from your own Jungle Cruise ;). But Dr. Falls also founded the Jungle Navigation Co. in 1911, a shipping business that moved cargo along the jungle rivers.
Jungle Navigation Co. Grand Opening Banner
However, once his granddaughter, Alberta, took over the company, business unfortunately declined.
Alberta Falls
Skipper Canteen Story Written by Alberta Falls — click to enlarge
Noticing that Adventureland had become more of a spot for globetrotters than cargo shipping, a Skipper approached Alberta with the idea to offer guided tours of the jungle rivers to passengers.
Inaugural Jungle Cruise Banner
And since then, business has been booming! So much so that the Jungle Skipper Canteen was opened to feed hungry passengers fresh from their Jungle Cruises. Set inside the home offices for the Jungle Navigation Co., three rooms were converted into dining spaces for hungry travelers….
The Crew Mess Hall
You know, it’s gotta be hard work being a Jungle Cruise Skipper… navigating Bomokandi Bertha or Congo Connie through the Amazon and Nile Rivers, showing curious cruisers the Backside of Water, and pointing out sandstone formations (because most people take them for granite).
It’s all enough to make a Skipper pretty hungry. So what better place to fuel up for the next cruise than the crew’s Mess Hall?
Crew’s Mess Hall
Crew’s Mess Hall
It’s filled with artifacts from traveling the jungle rivers for Niles… and Niles… and Niles….
Artifacts on the wall
Artifacts on the wall
Artifacts housed upstairs
These days, the Crew Mess is open for passengers dining at the Canteen, but there are still signs of a functioning crew’s base. Take, for instance, the messages posted in the Skippers board.
Crew Mess Hall Bulletin Board
Crew Bulletin Board
Crew Bulletin Board
Though the crew will be enjoying a White Elephant gift exchange for this year’s holiday party, please note the request for no actual elephants.
Crew’s Bulletin Board
And for some reason, the Head Salesman Trader Sam is off the hook for participating in the potluck. I can’t imagine why… 😉
Some of the “Higher Skips” have offices upstairs, as does Alberta herself.
Alberta’s Office upstairs
Skipper Marc (most likely commemorating Imagineer Marc Davis, who is best known for the Haunted Mansion and contributed several humorous updates to the Jungle Cruise including the Rhinoceros Chasing Explorers up a Pole scene) always gets the point in the end.
Skipper Marc’s office
Speaking of the World Famous Jungle Cruise Skippers… meet George, our Skipper Server!
George… or Bob 😉
(Although, he did inform us that if we didn’t like anything, his name is Bob.)
To reach our next dining rooms, you’ll pass these bookcases in the hallway.
Bookcases lining the hallway from the Mess Hall
Hallway Bookcases
Books on the shelves
Or perhaps I should say once-secret bookcases, because one of the rooms that lies near them was formerly hidden…
The (Once Secret) S.E.A. Room
The famous explorer Dr. Falls was a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurer’s, or S.E.A. As such, he used to host secret meetings in a once-hidden room.
S.E.A. Room
Of course, now this room makes up another dining room for us Jungle Cruise passengers. Even so, tributes to the Society remain all around (along with some pretty posh seating options, to boot!).
S.E.A. Room
S.E.A. Room
S.E.A. Room lighting fixture
S.E.A. Room Seating
S.E.A. Room detail
Do you recognize the structures in the background — not to mention the snake in the foreground — on this painted portrait 😉 ?
Portrait in the S.E.A. Room
And now, like those adventurers who have gone before us, we have one final room to explore…
Huge thanks to our DFB reader Jennifer L., who sent us these pictures of the restrooms (and some food pics as well later!) which are also located in the S.E.A Room! (Fitting, huh?)
Ladies Room Sign
Details In The Ladies Room
The Falls Family Parlor
Dr. Falls and his family used to dine in our final room, the Falls Family Parlor (also referred to as the Jungle Room).
Falls Family Parlor
But Alberta became such close friends with all the Skips, she ate in the Crew Mess Hall most often once she took over the family biz’. So, she kindly decided to open up the (formerly formal 😉 ) parlor to passengers. Plenty of the family’s belongings and their personal decor, though, are still available to view.
Falls Family Parlor
Carpet in the Falls Family Parlor
Falls Family Parlor
Keep an eye on some of the decor and carvings to see reminders of scenes from the ride.
Falls Family Parlor
We have to agree with the Skippers that these beautiful chandeliers — reminiscent of a certain Tiki Room — are the highlight of the parlor!
Falls Family Parlor
Falls Family Parlor
The Falls Family Parlor, by the way, is the room in which we were seated.
View From Our Table
Standard Table Set-Up In The Falls Family Parlor
And our Skipper passed on some great advice when we sat down to our meal: Always remember that in case of emergency, your seat cushion can be used as a floatation device.
Cushion AND Handy Floatation Device
For now, though, it looks like we’re in the clear! So let’s dive in before the “waters” become too dangerous!
Eats
There was much speculation when it was announced that the Skipper Canteen would be serving “World Famous Jungle Cuisine.” After all, on the Jungle Cruise attraction, that means THIS:
Jungle Cruise attraction sign
We’re pleased to say, though, that hungry Jungle Cruise passengers have different fare to sample 😉 . Though many dishes are heavily influenced by Asian, South American, and African cuisine, there are also options for less-adventurous eaters on the rather extensive menu, which we’ll be looking through section by section.
Silverware Presentation
No matter what you order, though, the meal begins with the complimentary Ambasha Bread served with a honey-infused mustard-style dip.
Ambasha Bread With Honey-Infused Dip
Seriously, DON’T try to skip the bread to save room for the rest of your meal because it is delicious. The unexpected cinnamon-like scent let us know right away it would be unique. The spice of the bread paired very well with the honey-infused dip, which has a ground mustard texture.
Honey-Infused Dip
The very sticky dip melted right into the bread. I could’ve eaten the entire loaf myself!
Cross Section Of The Ambasha Bread
Next we’ll look at the menu, beginning with the Beverages section. Regardless of the rumors and speculation, Skipper Canteen does not have alcohol on the menu. Be Our Guest Restaurant remains the only spot in the Magic Kingdom where alcohol is sold.
On the Skipper menu, cold options include soft drinks, Pomegranate Light Lemonade, and Powerade Iced Tea; and you’ll even notice some Exotic Coca-Cola Selections from Brazil and Thailand. An assortment of hot drinks are also available, with a variety of teas and specialty coffee drinks.
Loved the graphics Jennifer L. spotted behind the paper section of the menus!
Fun Menu Graphics!
Fun Menu Graphics!
Beverage menu — click to enlarge
However, the star sips are two non-alcoholic concoctions, both served in the Moscow-Mule style Jungle Skipper Canteen Souvenir Mug: Punch Line Punch (tropical juices and mango puree), and the Schweitzer Slush. (You can get either beverage sans souvenir mug as well.)
Schweitzer Slush in Souvenir mug
Backside of Souvenir Mug (see what I did there? 😉
We grabbed the Schweitzer Slush! This blend of frozen apple juice and passion fruit topped with bursting green apple boba balls was, according to the menu, first concocted by Dr. Albert… Slush.
Schweitzer Slush
The flavors in this one are definitely… interesting. With the predominant taste of the green apple, it definitely falls on the side of tart. That mug, though, is for sure a keeper, and it’s a fun option at least to be able to order a new Disney slush at a sit-down restaurant.
DFB reader Jennifer L. tried both drinks and mentioned she for sure preferred the Punch Line Punch and said it had a great mango flavor.
Punch Line Punch and Schweitzer Slush
Punch Line Punch and Schweitzer Slush
By the way, no matter which beverage you choose, your Skipper will make sure you’re equipped with a Skipper Canteen coaster!
Skipper Canteen Coaster
Skipper Canteen Coaster
Oh, and good ol’ water is available, too, of course. But you may be asked for your preference: “Tap, sparkling, or backside?” 😉
On to Appetizers! Sustainable Fish Collar and S.E.A. Shu Mai are two of the more unique options on the list, while Falls Family Falafel, House-made Arepas, Ginger’s “Croc” of Hot-and-Sour Soup, and Baladi Salad round out the international flavors available for starters.
Appetizer Menu — click to enlarge
Since the S.E.A. Shu Mai was clearly an offering enjoyed by members of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, we couldn’t resist a bowl ourselves! Before it arrived, our Skipper brought us some chopsticks for a more authentic experience.
Chopsticks For The S.E.A. Shu Mai
The S.E.A. Shu Mai comes with six pork, shrimp and mung bean mixed dumplings in their own little metal container, keeping things nice and warm.
S.E.A. Shu Mai
S.E.A. Shu Mai Dumpling
They’re served with a dip similar to a soy sauce.
S.E.A. Shu Mai Dipping Sauce
We thought the dumplings had a terrific amount of spice and great flavor, but we weren’t the only ones. Other guests at nearby tables were raving about these, too.
Cross-section Of A Dumpling
The S.E.A. Shu Mai was a clear favorite from the day!
And MANY thanks to awesome DFB Reader Matt K., who was kind enough to share some pictures from his meal as well! His wife tried the House-made Arepas. He mentioned that this fairly large appetizer has the potential to serve as good entree as well.
House-made Arepas
And Jennifer L. tried the Ginger’s “Croc” of Hot-and-Sour Soup and loved it! Mentioned that it is heavy on the ginger and thinner than the traditional Chinese version but was really good!
Ginger’s “Croc” of Hot-and-Sour Soup
Also tried by Jennifer L. was the Falls Family Falafel!
Falls Family Falafel
And it sounds like another winner! She said it was amazing and was the best falafel she’s had since moving to Orlando!
Falls Family Falafel
Like the appetizer choices, the Entrees offer a variety of international cuisines to choose from. The Rice Noodle Bowl is served with the guest’s — I mean, passenger’s — choice of duck, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Curried Vegetable Crew Stew is also available as a vegetarian choice, while Grilled Lamb Chops, Char Siu Pork, “A Lot at Steak” Salad, and Dr. Fall’s Signature Grilled Steak are a few of the offerings for carnivores.
Entree menu — click to enlarge
Rounding out the list are “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!, Sustainable Fish, and Skip’s Mac and Cheese (which also features spiced ground beef). Somehow, even the Head Salesman of the jungle was given a bit of sway over the menu, with Trader Sam’s Head-On Shrimp.
(By the way, if you’d like to see the Allergy Menus for Skipper’s Canteen, you’ll find them here.)
The first entree we tried was the Char Siu Pork, marinated pork tenderloin served with Chinese Broccoli and your choice of five-grain or white rice.
Char Siu Pork
The three pieces of pork are prepared in a barbecue-like marinade to give it that great color.
Char Siu Pork
The pork was cooked beautifully, and was both tender and rich with flavor.
Cross-section Of The Char Siu Pork
The Chinese Broccoli has the typical broccoli flavor with a kale-like texture, and it works well along with the pork. The white rice, meanwhile, was pretty standard — no unusual flavors there.
Chinese Broccoli
Skip’s Mac and Cheese was, of course, a must-try for us!
Skip’s Mac and Cheese
Listed on the menu as a “typical Egyptian dish,” it’s made of spiced ground beef, corkscrew pasta, and Béchamel sauce, and also comes with broccoli on the side.
Skip’s Mac and Cheese
The ground beef is tucked in between two layers of the macaroni, and its mild spiciness was a nice surprise.
Skip’s Mac and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with a white sauce on macaroni and cheese, and this is no exception to that rule! The Béchamel sauce is rich and creamy, adding its unique flavor.
Of course, who can resist a dish with a name like “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!? Even though the name is indicative of a rather plain dish, we thought this was nicely plated, with marinated grilled chicken served atop shiitake fried rice with stir-fried veggies and Hoisin sauce.
“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!
And after taking a couple of bites we were pleased to discover that the flavors really made this a step above your typical grilled chicken dish.
“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! Vegetables
The stir-fried veggies (the majority of ours were shredded red and green peppers and carrots) went along with the rest of the dish perfectly. And the shiitake marinated fried rice carried some hints of citrus as well, offering an unexpected, but tasty, flavor combo.
“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is” Rice
So, the flavors were all there, but it should be noted that we found the chicken portion — especially as the star of the dish — to be on the smaller side, which is unfortunate because it was well-prepared.
“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!
DFB reader Jennifer L. tried the “A Lot at Steak” Salad.
“A Lot at Steak” Salad
She mentioned while the steak tasted great and was cooked perfectly the lettuce was a little on the soggy side for her.
Our friend Matt K. tried the Curried Vegetable Crew Stew. He shared that it was “spicy, but very filling and delicious. The different vegetables blended well together.”
Curried Vegetable Crew Stew
We agree with Matt that “Overall, they are going for more adventurous meals that are spicier than many of the other WDW restaurants.” All this served alongside “great jokes that make you laugh and groan.” 🙂
Before we peek at something sweet, we don’t want to forget the smallest Jungle Cruise passengers among us! Here is a look at the Kids Menu. Mickey Check Meals such as Tiki Tiki Fishy Fishy Grilled Sustainable Fish and Smiley’s Little “Croc” ( a “croc” of Chicken Noodle Soup) are offered along with entrees such as Junior Skip’s Mac and Cheese and Amazon Annie’s House-made Arepas.
Kids Menu
The Volcano! tops the list of Kids Desserts, a gooey chocolate cake with caramel “lava” and exploding chocolate rocks.
©Disney
And speaking of desserts, here’s a look at the regular menu.
Dessert Menu cover
Oh, and make sure you turn it around. Because, Ladies and Gentlemen… it’s THE BACKSIDE OF THE MENU!!!
Backside of the Dessert Menu cover
A Coconut Bar with pineapple-basil compote and vanilla cream, Bertha’s Banh Bong Lan Cake with mango-lime sorbet, and Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding all offer sweet ways to end your meal at the Skipper Canteen.
Dessert Menu
And you have to know our hearts skipped a beat when we noticed that something called a Kungaloosh! is listed on the dessert menu, so let’s just start there. While it’s not the Kungaloosh beverage as we know it from the old Adventurer’s Club, the Skipper Canteen’s dessert Kungaloosh is a nice nod nonetheless.
Kungaloosh! Dessert
It’s described as an African-inspired chocolate cake with caramelized bananas served with cashew-caramel ice cream and topped with coffee dust, but we found the gooey, soft texture of the cake more closely resembled a brownie. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much flavor from the coffee dusting, which sounded great but mostly just looked pretty.
Kungaloosh! Dessert
The best part was undoubtedly the salty-and-sweet cashew-caramel ice cream on top!
Cross-section of the Kungaloosh! Dessert
The Coconut Bar is actually a vanilla chiffon cake with coconut and lime-white chocolate ganache. It’s topped with a pineapple-basil compote and vanilla cream.
Coconut Bar with Pineapple-Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream
Coconut Bar with Pineapple Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream
This was by far our favorite dessert of the day! The cake is so soft and light, and the ganache is AH-mazing. We couldn’t get over how great the flavors tasted together, including the unexpected addition of the basil!
Cross-section of the Coconut Bar
Finally, we decided to also try the Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding, which consists of a caramelized custard with millet (an ancient grain), almonds, apricot, dates, and a honey-almond tuile.
Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding
At first glance, this one kind of threw us off. Various DFB staffers referred to it looking like both “tuna,” and “cat food.”
Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding
And, no doubt, it was a little difficult to adjust to the unique texture. And the flavors — with the emphasis on the nutty almond — are really different, though not bad. The pineapple adds a bit of sweetness to balance things out a bit. But I think I’d pass on this one after my next trip down the jungle rivers.
Cross-section of the Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding
And that wraps up our second and closer look at our very first visit! But before we go, we leave you with special regards…
Note from Alberta Falls
… from the one and only Alberta Falls of the new — and already WORLD FAMOUS — Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen!
Overall
Even though the arrival of the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen was only announced this past August, it feels like it’s been a long time coming, especially since rumors about a possible Adventureland table service restaurant began to swirl much earlier in the year. And now, as we wrap up 2015, it’s finally here for us all to enjoy!
We’re glad to say it’s arrived with the complete package: a uniquely diverse menu (especially by Magic Kingdom Table Service standards), a fun and enthusiastic cast, and plenty of Disney details, decor and sight gags… all in honor of one of the most classic and beloved Magic Kingdom (and Disneyland) attractions. It offers unique and flavorful food served up with sides of humor and nostalgia, and we’re glad it’s here at last!
A few details for YOUR visit to the Skipper Canteen: though the restaurant is officially open, it has not yet been announced when Advance Dining Reservations will be accepted (at the time of this writing, it seems it will remain a walk-up only location at least through the year’s end, but that is subject to change). We can, however, confirm that the Disney Dining Plan is accepted. The menu for lunch and dinner is currently the same, but that could change at any time.
So, will you dare brave the dangerous jungle rivers to dine at the Skipper Canteen? We’d love to know!
Are you hoping to dine at the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in the new year? Please let us know with a comment!
Contributing to this article: Tina F., Wendy, AJ
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Thanks for the great review.
Any chance this will become quick service for lunch?
Can you request the room you will dine in?
Very excited!
Thanks for the wonderful review! Anxious to try the different offerings.
Thanks for the great review!! I am looking forward to trying those Arepas & the Vegetable Stew! I love spicy as long as it’s not overboard, which I can’t see happening at a restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. It seems like the Mess Hall room would be a bit loud like a cafeteria due to the open setup. Did you find that was the case when you walked through there?
Great review, I would love to get that awesome mug, but neither of those drinks sound like something I would like, do you know if you can just get the mug by itself, or just get soda in it? The whole menu looks very interesting and I can’t wait to try it!!
This looks AMAZING! Can’t wait to try the mac & cheese! Besides the Kungaloosh dessert, are there any other decorations or details hailing back to the Adventurers Club?
By far, the best thing we tried there was the side with the steak- its a mix of potatoes and yucca fried into wedges and we all were ready to fist fight over them. SO good. I could eat a meal of them alone!
BTW, we were told the round table with the (awesome REAL) butterflies was Dr. Fall’s personal table he entertained guests at during the S.E.A meetings. Pretty neat! There was also a few cute Jingle Cruise type additions hidden high up in corners a cast member showed me.
Gotta try it!
The Char Sui Pork is red because of red food dye. I was super disappointed when a chef told me that this afternoon. It was so tender, but I would never order it again, because it had a strange taste. My friend I dined with thought so too.
I was told that Tables in Wonderland is not being accepted when I dined there today.
Is the souvenir mug made from metal or plastic ?
Hi, FYI, the dining reservations cast member told me tonight the 16th that they usually get a few days “heads up” before reservations open and they have not gotten any notices yet, so I agree that it will be a walk-up for a while. I have a very precious reservation for the Plaza on Monday, but I really want to try this place and Plaza is “meh”, do you think it’s worth canceling the plaza and take my chances with the wait for Skipper Canteen? And by the way, the name is too hard and long to remember and hard to find on the website. I’m guessing they will change that name at some point.
Thanks so much for keeping us updated! I read DFB every day and because of that I was able to easily score a table around 11am today on our last day at Disney World! I gotta say, I was a little disappointed. The service was ok (the host was better than the server). The decor was a bit bland in the Mess Hall. The bread was just so so and the honey stuff was just strange. I still don’t know why it was so crunchy. I thought I chipped a tooth! My wife and son had the Mac n Cheese. It was really just like a slightly spicier goulash. My son also had the Volcano. It was just a basic brownie but it was a neat kid’s dessert item and he loved it. I had the curried veggies. I’m not a vegetarian but I like curry flavor. It was filling and delicious! That squash and cauliflower was the bomb! I was surprised by the amount of flavor. Pleasantly surprised! All that being said, I’m not in a hurry to go back but I think a few menu tweaks could make this a hard to get reservation before too long.
We managed to eat there on the last day of the soft opening (yesterday) and really enjoyed it. Our server said that it was the last day they were accepting Tables in Wonderland, though. Hope that’s incorrect!
My own review can be found here: http://blogofthedad.com/skipper-canteen-a-review/
It offers fewer, poorer-quality pictures!
I was also told that Tables in Wonderland is not accepted.
I was told on the phone today that they do accept TIW but that right now is the black out period due to the peak holiday season. Who knows if that is correct though…
Just ate there today & was told they’re completely sold out of the copper mugs. We got on the list at 10:20, went to ride the Jungle Cruise, & were paged right at 11 to eat.
After having lunch at Skipper Canteen yesterday (we’ll be back!), we recommend it as the best dining experience in the Magic Kingdom. No chicken tenders, burgers or pizza here, oh no. Imaginative, beautifully flavored and spiced dishes abound. Picky eaters and those on a tight budget: don’t bother!
Skipper Canteen dares to be different and has a great ambiance with witty design features. The servers tell the story of the restaurant’s history (corny but it works!) and are knowledgeable about the food they serve.
Skipper Canteen succeeds in bringing an ambitious table-service offering to the Magic Kingdom: all the dishes we tried were excellent. Recommended appetizers: the fish or Shu Mai (spicy dumplings); Entrees: marinated chicken breast or the steak salad. The mac and cheese has a twist to it, delicious.
Try it, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re short of time, this isn’t the place to go. So make time!
FYI just ate there and tables in wonderland is no longer accepted for some reason. Food was great tho.
menu definitely sounds interesting & something i want to try. i wonder how well it will do with it’s diverse offerings. hope it will be there in ’17 when i head out there again.
I was dining there at Skipper Canteen on the 21st and they were not accepting annual pass discounts or Visa Disney credit card discounts which was sad. I had the steak salad and it was great, my mom had the chicken that she loved, but my dad had the pork and it was too small for the price tag. It was the best dining experience and definitely a great addition. It might even be better than Be Our Guest.
Thanks for the review. I heard that Skipper Canteen has a separate printed allergy menu. I have not found it online. I would love to see a picture of that menu in your review.
Any update on how the walk up process works? Do you have to go first thing in the morning to put your name in, or just walk up when you’re ready and wait for a table. I’ll be at the MK on Saturday and would love a chance at eating here. Thanks!
Kelly D — You should plan to walk up when you’re ready, and wait for the table. As of our last (very recent) trip through Adventureland, they still aren’t taking Advance Dining Reservations. Good luck!
Julia — I’ve added pictures of the Skipper’s Canteen Allergy menu to this post we did on the rollout of the allergy menus. I’ve also placed a link into this post that will take you to the earlier post on allergy menus. Hope this helps!
Thank you! I really appreciate being able to see the allergen menu (which is hard to find online). Your website is providing a great service to people like me.
Julia — Yay! We are so glad to help!
I ate here twice last week – once for lunch and once for dinner. It is by far the best restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, in my opinion. I had the Arepas and Char Sui Pork, along with the bread and honey dip for dinner. Fantastic. Two days later at lunch we had the Falafel, Arepas, Bread and the Pho Soup. Just as fantastic! It’s great to be able to get food that is little bit (really just a little bit) more adventurous than the normal theme park fare. Great service, atmosphere and food…even if they didn’t take ADRs or discounts. You really do forget that you are in a theme park and it’s nice to have another sit-down restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Highly recommend this great dining experience.
Wade — Thanks so much for sharing your impressions with us!
Any ideas on what to expect for wait time to be seated? We will be there the second week of March.
Hilary — The wait times can vary widely according to how busy the park is, but we’ve heard plenty of stories of people getting in fairly quickly. Also, they will be accepting same day advance dining reservations for the next couple of weeks, so that process could be in place for your visit as well. Stay tuned and good luck!
This was the worst restaurant I’ve ever eaten in or out of Disney. Strange tastes, shrimps with heads were gross . Soup was inedible. I could go on and on . No stars!
We had dinner and it was the worst dinner experience at WDW I have ever had. In fact, I wrote on the receipt “worst meal at WDW…..Ever! NIce Server! I paid the bill and tipped the waitress her normal. She tried very hard. I handed her the signed receipt and asked for the manager to read my note and left. As I left, I ran into the manager busing tables. I told him what I thought and all he said …..Sorry, you felt that way. We are trying a new type restaurant. Huh??
I had the Char Siu pork with Rice and Chinese broccoli. My wife had the steak salad. Her steak was cooked fine and was good. The lettuce was drowned with dressing. The pork was grisly and fatty. Since when does Pork tenderloin have fat and grizzle? Portion size was very small. Probably 2/3rds of the size shown in the review above. The rice portion was very small about 1/2 cup. The Chinese broccoli was horrible.
When we returned to our room,I called the front desk and told them about our problem. They checked the computer and found out the meal was credit except for the waitress (glad she was paid). The food had more of a commissary taste than a restaurant. Ambiance was fine. Surprised to find it was a no-alcohol restaurant.
We have eaten at the Skipper Canteen twice and really enjoyed it both times. The servers were excellent. My family really enjoyed Ginger’s “Croc” of Hot -n- Sour Soup, as well as the Falls Family Falafel as appetizers. For an entree, don’t miss Char Siu Pork (with the 5 grain rice). The Yuca Planks that come with the Dr. Falls’ Grilled Steak was excellent. It was so good, we went back twice during the same trip. It is nice to have a different style food to choose at the Magic Kingdom.
So THIS is how I found out about this restaurant: Our Incredible Vacation Booklet.
What did I do? Immediately googled: Skipper Canteen Disney Food Blog
HOW did I not know about this before right this second?
We are SO excited to try this restaurant because Magic Kingdom REALLY needs a good restaurant like this!~!
Our kids are going to LOVE the menu here.
And as always thank you guys so much for all that you do to keep my ADRs prioritized and in order!~!
Redheadjamie — Hooray!! We are so glad that the post is helpful!
We ate her on our October 2016 trip and were sadly disappointed. Our server was great, the ambiance cool, but the food left much to be desired. The bread was eh, but the honey dip they brought out was just that, almost pure honey. I really had wished it had some spice and texture to it like the picture you posted. I am a salty/sweet person and would really have loved something unique in the dip.
I got the “Tastes like chicken” and again, ehhh. It is served fried now, had an overly sweet sauce on it that had a funny taste. It wasn’t horrible, but I wouldn’t order it again. The rice was cooked nicely just bland.
My fiancé got the heads on shrimp dinner and we had to send it back. I am an absolute shrimp lover, like I usually order it whenever I can and we cook it often at home, along with lots of fish. It was the fishiest tasting shrimp I have ever tried, my fiancé couldn’t even stomach it. We aren’t one to send food back ever (former waitress, so we hate being like that) but for the price we were paying it was just inedible. It almost seemed like they had marinated it in fish sauce or something.
Again, my fiancé refuses to go back, I would give it another try and obviously try something else, but no plans to go solo so we probably won’t go back. Hope you all have better experience then we did. It was sad too because we got engaged on this trip and this was our last meal before leaving to go back home. Kinda was a bummer….
Do they offer toddler meals?
Meagan, they have a kids’ menu, and if you needed something smaller, you could talk to your server to see if that’s possible.
Is there an updated review? It seems like a lot of the menu had changed since 2015 as well as the location serving alcohol now.
I would also like to see an updated review. I have reservations here coming up and I’m worried about the hit or miss with the food. Now with Covid, has the menu changed? Are they still serving alcohol? Thank you!
All that food looks delicious, but I would have to avoid eating here since majority of the menu has sesame seeds on their food. I am highly allergic to sesame, so thank you for reviewing this restaurant. Sadly, it would be one that I have to avoid.