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opened its doors in December 2015.

Learn About:Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Since its very first day, things have functioned differently at Magic Kingdom’s newest eatery based on the classic Jungle Cruise attraction. In its opening weeks, the Skipper Canteen deviated from its counterpart Table Service restaurants by accepting only walk-up guests.

Then this past February, Disney announced that reservations would be accepted for the Skipper Canteen after all — albeit in a unprecedented form. Same-day reservations became available for the spot which previously offered none at all.

But today a third — and presumably final — change has been announced. Like all other Table Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom, the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen is now accepting Advance Dining Reservations for guests hoping to make future plans to dine there.

Skipper Canteen Entrance

Advance Dining Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of your visit via the Walt Disney World website, the My Disney Experience app, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

S.E.A. Shu Mai

[Read more…]

News: Same-Day Dining Reservations for Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 4 Comments

Ahoy, Jungle Cruise Passengers!

Learn About:Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

If you have a trip planned to the Magic Kingdom in February, you may want to know about a new limited-time option for booking a same-day dining reservation at the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen (the Jungle Cruise Restaurant)!

Since the Jungle Skipper Canteen first opened its doors in mid-December of 2015, it has broken typical Advance Dining Reservation protocol for Table Service restaurants by retaining its status as a walk-up only location.

Perhaps in anticipation of one of Disney World’s first peak weeks of 2016, however, a same-day reservation system will be in place that will be unique to the Jungle Skipper Canteen, available from February 12 – 27, 2016. [Editor’s Update: Same-day Reservations have been extended for Skipper Canteen beyond the original trial dates, and continue to be available on a day-of booking basis.]

Skipper Canteen Entrance

The process will be much the same as making a standard Advance Dining Reservation; interested guests may visit the Jungle Skipper Canteen page on the Disney World website. Of course, being outside of those dates right now, it currently only lists the standard operating hours for lunch and dinner. Presumably, however, the standard booking engine should appear on February 12th with bookings for that day only, and so on through the 27th. [Read more…]

Disney Dining Details: Skipper Canteen Secret Passageway Bookshelves

By AJ 5 Comments

Do you harbor a secret dream to become a member of the S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers)?

Learn About:Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

If so, then maybe you’d like to do a little exploring with me today as we step back inside the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, the still-new restaurant based on the Jungle Cruise attraction.

We’ve already taken a full tour of of the Canteen, including its three dining rooms: the Crew Mess Hall, the Falls Family Parlor, and a once-hidden meeting room for the S.E.A. But now it’s time to check out a few more of those Disney details! And with many thanks to my friend Daniel Wanderman who recently dined there, we’ve got some more to share…

In order to enter the S.E.A. Room coming from the Mess Hall, you must pass through a hallway.

Bookcases lining the hallway from the Mess Hall

As you pass, you’ll notice the hallway is lined with bookcases. [Read more…]

FULL Review: The New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Adventureland

By AJ and the DFB Team 41 Comments

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!

Learn About:Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

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? [Read more…]

First Look! Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Restaurant in Disney World! (Yep — the Jungle Cruise Restaurant!)

By AJ and the DFB Team 53 Comments

It’s been months of waiting and wondering since the moment it was announced… but at last, the wait is OVER.

Learn About:Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Welcome, Adventurers, to the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen!!

That’s right, Jungle Cruisers! The Skipper Canteen is currently in soft openings! (Remember, soft opening means that there are no guarantees that the restaurant will be in operation during your visit and is not currently accepting Advance Dining Reservations. But, it IS occasionally open for walk-ups during this still-in-testing period!)

The official opening of the Jungle Skipper Canteen is set for Wednesday, December 16th.

No word yet on when Advance Dining Reservations will be accepted, and we’ll look forward to keeping you posted. But we know that you’re itching to see what’s behind the doors of the Canteen as much as we were. And far be it from us to keep any of you hungry Jungle Cruiser Passengers waiting any longer!

After all, the WORLD FAMOUS Jungle Cruise Skippers are eagerly awaiting your arrival…

Skipper Canteen Entrance

Atmosphere

Alberta Falls welcomes you to the Jungle Skipper Canteen! Alberta, of course, is the granddaughter of Dr. Albert Falls, the founder of the Jungle Navigation Company, which was originally a cargo shipping venture.

Dr. Albert Falls

When cargo business took a downturn, Alberta decided to open up cruises to passengers, thanks to the suggestion of one of her Skippers. (Perhaps you’ve been on one yourself 😉 ?) [Read more…]

News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant — Skipper Canteen — Officially Coming to Disney World!

By AJ 27 Comments

IT’S OFFICIAL!!!

After months of waiting, watching, and hoping, there is now confirmation from Disney that a Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant is indeed on its way to Disney World! The Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen is coming to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland!

Skipper Canteen Concept Art

Here’s what we know: offering “World Famous Jungle Cuisine,” the Skipper Canteen will feature several different dining rooms such as a Crew Mess Hall, and even a “once-hidden secret meeting room” of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. [Read more…]

News! The Orange Bird Returns to Magic Kingdom — With SUPER Limited Time Merchandise

By AJ 8 Comments

As you may know, there was a little switch-up in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland a few months ago: Aloha Isle (home of the Dole Whip) and Sunshine Tree Terrace (Citrus Swirl haven) changed places to accommodate construction — it is widely believed — for an upcoming Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant.

New Sunshine Tree Terrace location

On the day the “new” locations opened, however, there was one obvious thing missing: the Orange Bird could not be found at Sunshine Tree Terrace (to learn a little more about the Orange Bird’s long Adventureland history, check out the video in this post!).

Disney assured fans, thankfully, of his impending return, and it seems it has now come to pass. The original Orange Bird figurine returned today — Friday, May 29th — to Sunshine Tree Terrace (and he is going to be honored on the location’s sign as well).

Welcome back, Orange Bird!

To celebrate his homecoming, the Disney Parks online store is selling a LIMITED RUN t-shirt and poster featuring our little orange pal! Through June 4 only, this Orange Bird T-shirt will be available in an Adult and Youth size:

©Disney

A print featuring the same design is up for grabs, and so is [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 29, 2015

By Brooke 2 Comments

Spring

is underway and with it has come a rush of notable news throughout Disney. And at Disney World especially this week, we’ve seen tons of big stories — including rumors of new restaurants, new meals, new menus, and even a Food and Wine Festival update!

Nautilus Drink at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

The biggest news is that the new Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto “soft” opened at Disney Polynesian Village Resort yesterday. Crowds were off the charts (6 HOUR WAIT TO GET IN!), but we’re putting a First Look post together and will have pics for you tomorrow morning (including this awesome Nautilus drink, thanks to DFB reader Lori Hope Fries)! Yay!

But back to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, 2015 is a big year in the history of the event as we celebrate 20 years of Eating and Drinking Around the World.

We’ll bring you every detail and dish as the news unfolds, but in the meantime, this week, we have word of the very first acts lined up for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series!

We’ll get started today by taking a look at some of the week’s biggest stories.

Disney Food News

Hollywood Studios Catering Company has received a menu refresh. See what’s new at this Counter Service stop!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort is just days away from opening!
We have a FIRST LOOK at some of the musical acts who will perform during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Check out this fun Master Chef Contest sponsored by Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant and enter to win a trip to Ireland!
Epcot’s Taste Track has debuted a line of Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and we’re trying them all.
Magic Kingdom just MAY be getting that new Adventureland restaurant we told you about a while back — and it’s looking like it may be themed after the Jungle Cruise attraction!
We bring you our “Everything on the Menu” review of breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including Restaurant Closure Updates, Special Events at Disney Restaurants, Seasonal Pop-Up Food Stands, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB Reader Finds

If you discover a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

It’s a chilly day across much of the US today, but we’re dreaming of warmer temperatures. So today, we’re featuring Ice Cream Treats from around Magic Kingdom!

Let’s take a moment to enjoy some Hand-Dipped Ice Cream from the new landscape in the Magic Kingdom Castle Garden area, courtesy of reader Kristen Figuerado. That view makes it even more delish. 🙂

Ice Cream in the New Garden at Magic Kingdom

Reader Sheri Robb shows us that, not only is the Mickey Pants Kitchen Sink Sundae adorable — it’s plenty big enough to share!

Mickey Pants Kitchen Sink Sundae

Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us!

Deal of the Week: 2015-2016 Disney World Vacation Must-Have E-Book Sale!

OK — so you have a Walt Disney World Trip on the books for this year — Woohoo!! There’s nothing more exciting than counting down the days to your next Walt Disney World Trip!

But, even the most spontaneous Disney fan knows that planning ahead is the key to a stress-less vacay. And that mantra is absolutely true when it comes to dining.

If you really want to dine in the hottest restaurants, you pretty much have to plan ahead. Be spontaneous, of course. But get a couple Advance Dining Reservations in place.

But which ones?

That’s where Disney Food Blog comes in! You already enjoy our reviews, news, and tips daily on our Blog. But did you know — that’s JUST the tip of the iceberg. Because we have lots more to share with you in our complete line of DFB Guides.

If you’re ready for a fun, easy way to personalize eating and drinking your way through Disney, then check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book.
Fully updated for your 2015-2016 adventures, the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subject — Eating Your Way Through Disney! So you save time and money as you enjoy planning one of the most important parts of your trip. 😉

And to thank all of you for your support of DFB, we are offering extra savings on our most popular DFB Guide right now. Just enter promo code 2015 at checkout and you’ll save $4 off of our cover price of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book!

But if you’d like to enjoy even more detail, check out another great offer.

DFB Everything Bundle SALE!

If you’d like even more great information, pictures, and tips, then the DFB Everything Bundle is the right fit for you.

And to get you ready for that next big trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for $15 off the already low price! It’s like getting an entire book for free. Just enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

The Everything Bundle includes, well, Everything! When you purchase this special bundle of DFB Guides, you’ll get it all: [Read more…]

News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant May Be Coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 29 Comments

We first brought you news that a new restaurant was coming to Adventureland a while back.

And today, there’s more buzz that the rumor may be fact!

Jungle Cruise Eats? Sign Me UP!!!

The folks over at Orlando Weekly and WDW News Today have been reporting on some GREAT news for Adventureland Fans! While initial reports we were hearing firsthand indicated that a new restaurant would be a New Orleans-themed, a la Princess and the Frog…it may be that something EVEN BETTER is coming instead. Because the area just may actually be themed after the Jungle Cruise!

Do You Think Any of the Specialties from the Crew Mess will Make It to the Skipper's Cantina Menu??

Do You Think Any of the Specialties from the Crew Mess will Make It to the Menu??

The whole thing would take place at the old Adventureland Veranda, which served as a restaurant for years — with Kikkoman as a corporate sponsor. Here’s an awesome photo by Widen Your World that shows the old signage.

Old Adventureland Terrace Sign, Courtesy of

Old Adventureland Veranda Sign, Courtesy of Omniluxe.net

But most recently, the veranda has been used as a character Meet and Greet with Tinkerbell and her Fairy Friends. (Tink and Co. have since flitted over to the Main Street Theater, where you can catch them, along with Mickey and other characters, for aaaaaalllll of your photo op needs.) These days, you’ll frequently spy Peter Pan and Wendy here.

But now, it would seem that this new opening is definitely linked to the switcheroo we told you about last week, when Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace swapped real estate (and treats). You can find all of your favorite Dole Whip Delicacies at the new Aloha Isle location, while the new Sunshine Tree Terrace continues to offer Citrus Swirls (and it’s pretty busy there, too, if our trip through the area the other day is any indication.)

But back to the restaurant. The backstory for the new spot may include a retreat for Jungle Cruise skippers, or even a secondary source of income for them!

After a Day of Dodging These Guys, It Will Be Great to Kick Back and Grab Some Grub!

Do you think we’ll be able to dine while viewing the backside of water?

Perhaps the spot will be similar to Be Our Guest Restaurant, in that it will offer counter service lunch (or quick service, more accurately) and table service dinner.

So another great question — will any of the fun drinks that we associate with the now defunct Adventurer’s Club, or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian (I’m counting the days ’til it opens later this month!!!) OR Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar be on the menu?

Schweitzer Falls — a non-alcoholic drink at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar

After all, Disney broke the long-standing tradition of no alcohol in Magic Kingdom with the inclusion of beer and wine on the Be Our Guest Dinner Menu. We’ll anxiously await the answer to this one. 🙂

Wonder if Trader Sam Will Be a Frequent Visitor?

While we look for answers to the many, many, MANY questions this news brings up, if the rumors are true we anticipate the new restaurant could open as early as late 2015.

Are you as excited as I am about this HUGE rumor/news out of Magic Kingdom today?? Leave a comment and tell me if you think it’s a good idea…

Source: Orlando Weekly, WDW News Today, WDW Theme Parks

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News: Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen Now Accepting Full Advance Dining Reservations

News: Same-Day Dining Reservations for Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Disney Dining Details: Skipper Canteen Secret Passageway Bookshelves

FULL Review: The New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Adventureland