It is time for another Disney Friends Blog Hop! The theme for this hop is “Food”. Once you read our article you can continue on to check out more Disney blogs with more great foodie themed articles this week. (See bottom of article for more details.)
One thing that many people love to enjoy while visiting Walt Disney World is food. We hate to admit it, but over the years we have usually ranked the Magic Kingdom at the bottom of the list for finding great restaurant options. But a few years back a new addition to the park quickly became a must do for us: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. This spot checks all the boxes for us: theming, good food, and great service. Read on to learn more about this must do spot that is perfect for adults dining in the Magic Kingdom.
About Skipper Canteen
Tucked away in Adventureland you will find a unique restaurant inspired by the World Famous Jungle Cruise. This exotic outpost serves bold, flavorful cuisine from Asia, South America and Africa. While the food is adventurous and flavorful the meals also come with punny jokes courtesy of the servers who happen to be Skippers fresh off the boat. The backstory of the restaurant is that this is the mess hall where the Jungle Cruise Skippers eat, and they have opened it up to guests as well. The restauant is open for Lunch and Dinner (with the same menu.)
The main entrance to Skipper Canteen
A menu sign at Skipper Canteen.
Themed balconies at Skipper Canteen.
The main room is a large open room: the main mess hall.
This table-service establishment features a few adventurous themed rooms:
The crew’s colonial-era Mess Hall (which is not messy at all, thank you very much)
The Jungle Room, former family parlor of Dr. Albert Falls himself
and the S.E.A. Room—a once-secret meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers!
We absolutely love the thumbing and enjoy taking a peek at all the decor ranging from worldly artifacts, tropical touches, and historical collections. You can even find some items that used to be a part of the now defunct Adventurer’s Club from Pleasure Island!
The S.E.A. room is the fanciest of the three.
A passageway with bookcases.
A colorful seat with artifacts on the walls.
The jungle room mixes fancy china, with parrot light fixtures.
Menu
The theming at Skipper Canteen feels adventurous and the Lunch/Dinner menu is too. We think some folks may be a little scared to try it, but we personally feel this is the most foodie spot and more adults dine here. When the restaurant first opened we remember the menu was even more wild with whole fried fish (and a lovely Lamb Chop dish we miss!). But the menu today still has some great options. We actually love ordering a variety of smaller dishes to share and try. Read on to see some of our go-to dishes…
Skipper Canteen Menu
You can find some drinks beyond your average soda here. There is mostly wine and beer with a couple of cocktails. We also like that there are a couple refreshing Non Alcoholic options like the Schweitzer Slush. Our favorite though is the Punch Line Punch (get it?)
Drinks
DRINK: Punch Line Punch $5.50
Tropical Fruit Juices and Mango Purée. Also available with a savory spiced-rim for an extra zinger!
This drink is fruity and refreshing and the spiced rim adds a little fun. Note: this drink does not come with free refills.
Food
APPETIZER: Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) (Secret Menu)
with poblano cream cheese and chimichurri
On your next visit see if these are available, they aren’t on the menu, but are delicious! The bite sized bread balls are warm and cheesy (and gluten free!). The dipping sauces have robust flavor and a little heat and really add to the dish.
APPETIZER: Jungle Green Salad $10.00
From the depths of the Jungle...Skipper Bill's Iceberg Wedge with Shishito Peppers, Radish, Hearts of Palm, Cucumbers, and Pistachios with an Ají Pepper-Yogurt Dressing
Sometimes during a hot park day a salad really hits the spot and Julie loves this one. Having some more unusual items like hearts of palm and pistachio added interest and the dressing was creamy and tangy.
APPETIZER: Lost and Found Soup $9.00
Chef's Seasonal Soup prepared with the freshest unclaimed cargo! Please ask your Skipper for today's selection.
During this visit the soup was a Coconut Carrot Curry Bisque. And it was delicious. It reminded us like a comforting butternut squash soup but with a lot more flavor profile with the coconut and curry. It was so flavorful and filling.
APPETIZER: Falls Family Falafel $10.00
A secret recipe of Chickpeas, Garlic, Onions, Lemon Juice, and Herbs served with House-made Edamame Hummus and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Plant-based)
This dish has a great presentation and seems a good portion too. The Falafel was delicious and dipping in the hummus took it to the next level.
ENTREE: "Tastes like Chicken" Because it is! $24.00
Crispy-fried Chicken with Sweet Chili Glaze, Stir-fried Vegetables, and Seasoned Rice
This dish has been on the menu from day one. This large piece of chicken is delicious on it’s own but the sauce on the side makes it even better. The flavorful rice and veggies round out the meal.
Service
We also wanted to call attention to the level of service at this particular place. We have always had a great time and been well taken care of. But in addition to typical “great service” Skipper Canteen delivers an experience. All of the Cast Members are related to the Jungle Cruise so from the second you arrive you are greeted with one liner jokes throughout your visit. The passion in the CM’s shows through and really adds to the meal. We always love to ride the Jungle Cruise ride before or after our meal to get the full experience too!
Final Thoughts
We rate Skipper Canteen as a must do when visiting the Magic Kingdom. Every visit here has been very enjoyable. We love the theming and details. This is the most “foodie” spot in this particular park. The service is great and entertaining. And the meal is flavorful and fun to share. We also find this spot, having a more adventurous menu tends to bring in more adult travelers which also adds to an enjoyable ambiance for us. Have you venture to Skipper Canteen before? If not, add it to your travel itinerary!
Enjoying some of the seats outside while waiting for our table.
We hope you enjoyed our Food themed article. Want to read more fun content from fellow blog friends? Click the arrow to read the next article in this Disney Friends blog hop. Or check out all participating sites below:
