Category: Parks & Resorts

A few months ago, we reported that menu changes were coming to the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Canteen Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom in an attempt to make establishment more desirable to more guests. Rather than rip the menu to shreds, Disney instead made reservations available to the restaurant just as they do any others and revamped the kids menu before taking a shot at the main menu. I’m happy to report while the menu was re-tooled, overall it was not a victim (at least yet) of unadventurous tourists and their refusal to dine here. With the menu changes in effect, I decided to go try out some of the new items… (also check out my original review)

New to appetizers is the Noodle Salad.

Several dishes in the entrees were retooled.

There is now a fried chicken option.

Yes, they have a whole fried fish.

The Egyptian-style macaroni and beef dish has a whole new look.

Don’t worry, the amazing bread with the honey dipping sauce remains.

S.E.A. Shu Mai ($10) – Hands down my favorite appetizer at Walt Disney World. Seriously, I dream about these about once a week. I like to let them sit in the auce for a few seconds before eating them, and with the sauce soaked in they are pretty much the most perfect way to start a meal. SCORE: 7 out of 7

While not new, they do come in a wood box rather than the old metal pot.

Shiriki Noodle Salad ($11) – New to the menu, this salad is fairly unique, but a little small (then again noodles can be pretty filling and this is an appetizer). It wasn’t bad, I thought the noodles were quite tasty in fact. A solid addition if you like this sort of thing. SCORE: 4 out of 7.

Skip’s Beefy Baked Pasta ($21) – A slight “reinvention” of the former bowled version (now often referred to as the meat square), this was pretty forgettable. It’s a far smaller serving and it just isn’t as good as I remember on my first visit opening day. It wasn’t awful, but after having tried more of the menu, this isn’t even near my top choices anymore. SCORE: 5 out of 7.

OK  folks, shield your eyes…

Whole Fried Fish ($30) – This is another whole fried fish and it is Lion Fish. I have never had Lion Fish before, and honestly is was pretty spectacular. Unlike other whole fried fish, a fish fork wasn’t really necessary as the bones in this fish aren’t so brittle. The seasoning on the fish was fantastic, and the sides (rice, grilled scallions) blend perfectly with this plate as well. For the price, this is a great sized fish dish and a meal I would certainly order again. It’s unique, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for this restaurant. SCORE: 7 out of 7.

I am overjoyed that Disney re-evaluated plans to “dumb-down” the menu and took the opportunity to make some dishes more inviting, while still leaving some (and even adding some) adventurous additions. The Noodle Salad and Whole Fried Fish are really good additions, and all-in-all I still believe this is the best table service restaurant at the Magic Kingdom, and price wise it gives Tiffins a run for its money as the best restaurant currently at Walt Disney World. The few misses on the menu are not enough for me to not score Skipper Canteen as highly as I can.

OVERALL SCORE FOR JUNGLE NAVIGATION COMPANY LTD. SKIPPER CANTEEN – 7 OUT OF 7.

Welcome back to WDWNT’s Hostess with the Mostess! For any of you new comers out there, let me fill you in on the magic that happens right here once a week. As a fellow Disney enthusiast, I love talking about all things Disney. I will be sharing tons of my Disney favorites, such as attractions, characters, restaurants, etc. Along with my favorites, I will be adding in my tips and experiences because I’m a Hostess … that’s what we do! My favorite part is that I get to hear from you! I love reading your comments and I was very excited to see which restaurant came in first. Ok, ok, let’s get on with it … the results are in!

Last week, I shared my Top 5 Favorite Quick Service locations in the Magic Kingdom. Which, might I say was a very hard thing to decide on. Just as a reminder, here are the top 5 I picked. If you want the complete lowdown, you can read my post from last week right here.

My Top 5 Favorite Quick Service Locations at the Magic Kingdom

• 5. Gaston’s Tavern
• 4. Casey’s Corner
• 3. Pecos Bill’s
• 2. Columbia Harbour House
• 1. Be Our Guest

Now let’s see what all of you had to say! And the winner is … (drum roll please) …

1. Columbia Harbour House!

I have to say, I am not surprised nor am I disappointed. This seafood eatery rocks. It almost tied for my number one. I just booked my Keys to the Kingdom Tour this week and I was so excited to learn that our lunch during the tour was at Columbia Harbour House. Should I be more excited about going backstage into the utilidors? Probably. But I just can’t ignore that my taste buds are tingling in anticipation.

There were some great comments about our loved Harbour House! For instance, Kelly is totally on point, “I feel like the quality of the food served at Columbia Harbor House is head and shoulders above any of the other quick service at Magic Kingdom. The salmon is especially good. And on those hot days when you don’t want a hot meal you can’t beat their tuna sandwich.” And rebeccamck commented, “I’ve always liked Columbia Harbor House best, for its tuna sandwich and the lobster roll.” The Anchors Aweigh sandwich (AKA tuna sandwich) is actually one of the few menu items I have not tried. Now, with two great reviews I have no choice but to try it.

2. Be Our Guest came in a close second. Part of Rich’s comment really stood out to me. “Don’t get me wrong….the food is very good and theming is well done. However, I have been there twice for lunch with ADRs and there is nothing quick about it.” Rich has a very good point. Be Our Guest may have good food and great theming, but it’s not the place you want to go for a “quick” meal. Even though the lunch is considered quick service, it’s more of a sit down. I wonder if the not-so-quick issue is one of the reasons that this enchanted castle took second place.

3. Pecos Bill’s stayed in number three. Our cowpoke cafe is getting some love! For anyone who hasn’t eaten there I encourage you to try it. I’m not lying when I say the Southwest Chicken Salad with Chipotle Ranch is a great meal when you are taking a break from a long day at the ranch … I mean park.

4. Casey’s Corner gets the number four spot. Putting the absent cheese sauce aside, this place still has some pretty delicious hotdogs. And I don’t know about you, but I think the fact that they offer Cracker Jacks just gives it that little extra push for awesome. I don’t even like Cracker Jacks, but it’s what you get when you go to a ballgame and I love seeing Disney adding that detail.

5. Our Other restaurants hit number five. We didn’t get many comments for the “other” category so your votes could be a number of different places. However, we did get a few shout outs for Cosmic Rays. Geary said, “Cosmic Ray’s is very nice. Where else can you get a quick service meal and a dinner show at the same time?” Travis commented, “I voted Harbour (what’s up w/ the ‘u’?) House, but I have to drop an honorable (superfluous ‘u’ intentionally omitted) mention on Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Dinner and show, my friends.” So true! Cosmic Ray’s deserves a mention. Sonny Eclipse puts on a good show. I listen to the Planetary Boogie in my car all the time .. and yes .. I proudly know all the words.

6. Gaston’s Tavern came in last and with very few votes. The cinnamon rolls and antlers just did not cut it this time. Even without the votes, the cinnamon rolls will always still be super yummy! And I have a feeling they will return someday in another countdown of mine.

Thank you to everyone who voted and commented. It’s so much fun to learn about your favorites!

Here is my Extra Magic Tip for this week: Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom, Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios, Sunshine Season and Electric Umbrella at Epcot all have self-serve drink stations. During your meal you can get free refills! It’s fantastic, especially if you are super thirsty that day!

Remember to check back next week for my new post! I will be presenting a new “Top 5” and I want you to vote for your favorite!