Skipper Canteen, A Fun and Delicious New Dining Option at Magic Kingdom
by Donna Fesel, contributing writer
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Are you a super fan of Walt Disney World's Jungle Cruise? Can't get enough of that corny humor and free-wheeling setting? As an avowed lover of all things Jungle Cruise, I was pleased to learn that Alberta Falls, the granddaughter of the founder of the Jungle Navigation Company (the hosts of the Jungle Cruise) founder, Albert Falls, decided to open their company headquarters to serve weary travelers. That venture, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen (Skipper Canteen for short), opened to WDW Adventureland visitors in December of 2016, and is my new must visit WDW meal destination. Of course, this is only the fictitious backstory to these Adventureland locations, but the fun is very real.
The entry way for Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdrom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Skipper Canteen is located right across the way from Jungle Cruise, and similarly features a world traveling, adventure theme. After you enter you will be greeted and your name taken as you await a table, and this is where the magic begins. There is fresh cool water for your enjoyment, in a spacious entry way and several welcoming outside areas to pass the time until you are seated. They are all graciously appointed with lots of interesting bits and bobs. Perhaps it was the day we visited (a weekday in last October) but it was the most serene and relaxing WDW dining establishment waiting area I have ever visited. I felt positively relaxed and refreshed when our table was ready a short time after our arrival.
A cozy couch at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Wall art at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Inside Skipper Canteen, there are three main dining areas. The primary dining room is called "Crew's Mess Hall," which features plank floors, lots of Adventureland appropriate theming, and wooden tables and chairs. The more formal room appointed with china cabinets, bookcases, and "heirlooms" is the "Falls Family Parlor." The nautical themed room, featuring the octopus and sea map mural, as well as the butterfly collection is the "S.E.A. Room." Our bubbly and hilarious cast member (again very reminiscent of the cast members who staff Jungle Cruise) escorted us to the Crew's Mess Hall.
Crew's Mess Hall at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Falls Family Parlor at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
I had checked the eclectic menu before arrival, and already knew exactly what I wanted us to order. We had the Shiriki Noodle Salad (noodles, edamame, green mango, and chili sauce), S.E.A. Shu Mai (pork, shrimp, and edamame gyoza), Falls Family Falafel (chickpea fritters served with white bean dip), and Arepas (small corn cakes that you make mini sandwiches with), which are no longer on the menu; these have been replaced with Cachapas (corn pancakes served with mojo pork, black beans, and avocado cream).
The food was all terrific. It was interesting, and fairly light, and came in entirely reasonable portion sizes. The options are a bit different than typical WDW fare, but still entirely approachable. Although not a "quick service" restaurant, service was prompt, and so was the food delivery, making for a stress-free Magic Kingdom park break. Like several other Magic Kingdom spots, Skipper Canteen also has begun offering a few beer and wine choices, in addition to its alcohol-free specialty drink line-up.
S.E.A. Shu Mai at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Shiriki Noodle Salad at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Falls Family Falafel at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Arepas at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. Photo by Donna Fesel.
Skipper Canteen accepts Tables in Wonderland (WDW's discount dining program which provides 20% off for eligible park goers) and 20% off for Annual Passholders through September 30, 2017. Skipper Canteen is one Table Service meal on the Disney Dining Plan. Lunch and dinner are both served. I definitely have room to fit Skipper Canteen into my Magic Kingdom dining rotation (I'm going again in 2 weeks); it is a refreshing new option. Have you visited? What did you think?
Comments
I'm a fan, I've been there two times, once for lunch, and once for dinner (don't think that matters much menu-wise, though I see there is a toggle for which menu on the WDW site). BTW, there is a slight typo in the opening date, it was Dec 2015, not 2016 - proved later in your article since you were there last October
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Everything I've had I've enjoyed. I have had the Shu Mai you pictured, and I've also had the Hot and Sour soup. The noodle salad you pictured looks interesting, I think that goes on my "try it" list!
I think for the entrees I've had the Dr. Falls' Signature Grilled Steak and the Char Siu Pork (though my second meal might have actually been a special similar to the Char Siu Pork, I'd need to check my records).
I enjoy the Punch Line Punch (with the spiced rim), and the one time I had dessert, I tried the Coconut Bar with Pineapple-Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream.
My 2 visits I've been seated in the Mess Hall and the Jungle Room (family parlor).
The third room is interesting too (the "S.E.A. Room), I took a quick look on my first visit. It has some very cool chandeliers with what look like stained glass jungle birds that are very nice. I think I have a pic at home, I'll need to check.
I'm a time traveller - didn't I mention? You got me, it was a typo - Skipper Canteen opened in 2015 - sorry for any confusion. We are big hot and sour soup fans in our house, so maybe I'll add that to our list for our visit next week. I love that the foods are on the lighter side for the most part, but still full of flavor. We had a great, satisfying meal and were completely comfortable to have an active afternoon afterward. it's also super sedate (as a I mentioned in the article); lots of the MK places for dining can be a bit of a zoo crowd wise. I don't know if Skipper Canteen is less busy, is more spacious, or they are just managing the flow of traffic. It's a nice respite.