Whispering Canyon was always one of my favorite restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, mostly for the food quality, endless servings, and playful atmosphere. However, a few years ago, I picked Whispering Canyon for a birthday dinner and experienced a really terrible meal. Food was overcooked, under-cooked, and we even ended up waiting an hour past our reservation time. It was this experience which kept me away from Whispering Canyon at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, even though I have frequented Roaring Fork and Territory Lounge.
I wanted a good reason to return to Whispering Canyon, and a good tip from a friend last week was enough to convince me to do so. All he told me was that there was a new dessert, not featured on the menu, served in a “10 gallon hat”. I immediately said, “let’s go to Whispering Canyon!”
Now, while the main purpose of this trip was the ginormous dessert, which we will get to shortly, I do want to review the infamous skillet offered here, so this will be a full review.
Whispering Canyon Menu
Whispering Canyon dinner menu
Whispering Canyon dinner menu
Whispering Canyon kids’ menu
Whispering Canyon drink menu
The all-you-care-to-enjoy milkshakes are a great value at 7.50, the caramel is a particular favorite of mine. However, I skipped the shakes since there was an acrylic hat filled with sugary confections to order…
All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Skillet ($30 for adults, $14 for children)
Mixed greens covered in an Apple Vinaigrette
The skillet meal begins with a salad of mixed greens covered in an Apple Vinaigrette.
CORNBREAD
There was also cornbread, which I couldn’t manage to get a picture of before we started devouring it…
The Whispering Canyon Skillet
The skillet itself contains pork ribs, barbecue pulled pork, roasted glazed chicken, beef brisket, western style sausage, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, corn on the cob, and baked beans. It is quite the feast and the server will bring you more of whatever you want if the first skillet isn’t enough to conquer your hunger.
Everything was cooked well this time, providing an experience much like the Whispering Canyon I remember from my very first visits. This ain’t Victoria and Albert’s, but if you enjoy good barbecue in endless portions, this is the right place for you.
The 10 Gallon Hat Dessert ($27.00)
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
Served in a giant plastic hat, this thing is fairly insane. Insane enough where someone looking to eat lighter might go to Beaches & Cream and get the Kitchen Sink…
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
So, what is in the monstrosity? Well, let me tell you…
Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate ice cream
Strawberry ice cream
Mine Chocolate Chip ice cream
Bananas
Pineapple
A full piece of Apple Pie
Graham Cracker Crumbles
A whole vanilla cupcake
Strawberry Sauce
Caramel Sauce
2 Mickey Mouse cookies
A skewer of toasted marshmallows
2 chocolate brownies
Chocolate covered bacon
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
The Ten Gallon Hat is not on the menu, you will likely have to ask for it. In our case, our serve never even brought it up. After she finished rattling off the dessert menu, we then asked if she had anything larger, to which I replied, “Do you happen to have something served in plastic headgear?”
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
I was rather surprised that there was not a big hoopla made over the ordering of this dessert hat. Whispering Canyon is generally loud: there are servers yelling at guests, guests yelling for ketchup, and loud horse on a stick pony races around the entire dining area. HOW IS THERE NOT SOME LOUD EVENT WHEN SOMEONE ORDERS THE BIGGEST DESSERT AT DISNEY WORLD?
I informed my server that I was disappointed about this, and that I expected more from such an insanely fun establishment. She then brought her manager over to hear my idea. The manager then looked at the server and said. “let’s work on this tonight!”. So, if you order this and something happens before it comes to your table, I guess you can thank ol’ Tom Corless. If nothing happens, well then, I just look stupid as usual I suppose.
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
The 10 Gallon Hat is suggested for 6-10 guests according to our server. We had 3 full-grown adults & 2 children who at least had a few bites, and we made a sizable dent in this thing. That being said, we are not suggested serving size people and probably devour more dessert than the average human being.
I feel like I’m downplaying the size by saying we almost finished it, but we are not normal, and this was more food than you can imagine, even looking at the photos.
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
To paraphrase Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park, Whispering Canyon was so worried about creating this dessert, they never wondered if they should. It is really good, but there are a few things that just don’t blend well. I managed to get a bite or two that (I believe) had apple pie, pineapple, and mint ice cream in it. This is not something I wanted. That being said, finding a full vanilla cupcake under a mound of chocolate ice cream pretty much made my day. Nothing is blended in it, so it does make it easy to divvy up everyone’s favorite desserts, despite the daunting size of the overall contraption.
If you are picky in your dessert eating (I don’t care for fruit desserts), choose your bites carefully, but otherwise, dig in as you please. They will also provide bowls if you don’t feel like having your whole party eat out of one hat.
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
This is how far we got…
10 Gallon Hat dessert at Whispering Canyon
It’s listed as “Hat Ice Cream” on the receipt…
$27.00 is a lot of money (and according to one reader, too expensive for lunch at Tiffins), but this was something unique and is sure to be something everyone in the family will remember about their trip to Disney World for a long time to come. I have encountered some crazy desserts in my time, but the 10 Gallon Hat has to be just about the craziest.
Thanks to Chris and Elizabeth Chatron for their help in ordering and eating this thing…
The Living Seas name may have gone away 10 years ago, but it lives on in a secluded space inside of the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion at Epcot. Through a set of nondescript doors near the entrance to the Coral Reef Restaurant, lies the passageway to an exclusive lounge, now only open to private events.
The Living Seas private lounge
The lounge, like many others, was incorporated into the design of the original pavilion to host the sponsor company of the pavilion, which is 1986 was United Technologies.
The Living Seas private lounge
The lounge offers grand views into the main aquarium, possibly my favorite views of the tank I have ever experienced, but the views of the old ride tunnels and the large observation area ccross the way might have something to do with that.
The Living Seas private lounge
The interior of the lounge itself doesn’t scream “The Living Seas” to me, but it is a pleasant atmosphere regardless thanks to the big open windows into the tank.
The Living Seas private lounge
You can see the original windows from the old ride clearly from here. These were of course covered when the ride was converted into the Seas with Nemo and Friends in 2006.
The Living Seas private lounge
The Living Seas private lounge
The clear piano is likely the most memorable piece inside of the lounge, often the subject matter of most guest pictures from inside of the space. The other options are strange metal fish, so this wasn’t much of a competition.
We also have a quick video tour of the space:
I don’t know about you, but this is one of my favorite private event spaces in all of Walt Disney World. If you get the chance to rent this space or attend an event here, do it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go listen to the old Seabase Alpha music loop on repeat…
Over the last nine years, we have certainly made a name for ourselves at WDWNT.com by taking photos and video as often as possible of ongoing construction projects around the Walt Disney World Resort. In that time, I don’t recall ever being asked not to take pictures or video of such a sight. That being said, I’ve seen photographers from other websites asked to get down off of trash cans or nearby planters, but in fairness, those are things that violate park safety guidelines.
At this point in time, we have received several reports of guests being asked not to photograph or video record the Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction site from inside the front gates of Animal Kingdom. I myself have been asked twice to stop recording, but after asking why, the case was typically dropped by the cast member who clearly didn’t want to have a discussion about it.
The location in question where guests are being asked not to take pictures or video
Why is this happening? Well, a meeting was held with front gate cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park just a few weeks ago where they were instructed to ask guests to not photograph or video record in the direction of the AVATAR site when entering through the Rainforest Cafe entrance to the park. The cast members were not given a direct reason for this.
Other cast members at the park were not given such instructions, so don’t be surprised if no one says a word to you if you are taking pictures by the construction walls next door to Tiffins and Nomad Lounge on Discovery Island.
Other locations don’t seem to care as much if guests are taking photos or not
Most believe this is an attempt by Disney to curtail the continuing narrative that the project is taking too long to complete. Some believe the reason is that there may be something Disney doesn’t want the public to see, or perhaps it is just a mandate by James Cameron, creator of the AVATAR franchise. If this was the case, I’m not sure why a slightly taller wall wouldn’t be installed. I also can’t imagine why WDWNT.com would have not been contacted regarding our aerial footage and pictures of the site just a few days ago.
Whatever the reason is, don’t be surprised if you hear a polite throat clearing behind you the next time you try to take a picture or video of Pandora: The World of AVATAR, still scheduled to open sometime in 2017.
Introduced in May, Street Food is the counter service component of the Morimoto Asia restaurant located The Landing at Disney Springs. Recently, the location introduced a line-up of daily specials that rotate day-to-day in and out of the menu. To celebrate the changes, we were invited to a small media event to try some of the items.
Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu
Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu
A number of the menu items were put on display for pictures.
New Daily Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia – Street Food
Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia Street Food
While they rotate through different special items on a daily basis, we decided to try two of these new specials to see how they are (and because we’ve had most of the regular menu at this point).
Specials at Morimoto Asia Street Food
Singapore Slush ($8)
Singapore Slush ($8)
A lemonade with lime vodka, the Singapore Slush is a unique and refreshing offering. This is a great drink for a particularly hot day in Central Florida (which it was), with none of the flavors really overpowering the others. A well-mixed concoction that you may not even realize is alcoholic until after you finish it, if you know what I mean.
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)
The sliders are a real stand out from the other specials. People love sliders; maybe it’s the cute size or maybe they just seem trendy, but these will probably be the most popular item off of the specials menu.
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)
An award winning recipe of Chef Morimoto’s, they are unique from the ones offered in the Forbidden Lounge (review to come). They had a really good, unique flavor to them that I really enjoyed. The crunchy exterior on the burger makes them a strange, yet satisfying take on the slider.
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
The spicy pork pho ga was my second choice, simply because I like spicy. That being said, this wasn’t particularly spicy, but it did pack in a really nice flavor over the large tub of noodles. This is an ungodly huge portion and probably can easily be shared between two people.
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
The noodles were tender and the broth added a somewhat spicy, yet pleasant pork flavor tinge to every bite.
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
Overall
I thought both specials were great. Street Food has a really strong menu, and other than me not enjoying the octopus, I have felt like every other dish I have eaten here is one I would order again. Morimoto Street Food is a solid counter service option worth exploring at Disney Spring son your next visit.
UPDATE: While no official word has been made as of yet, it does appear that Rohde and Fitzgerald may have not been among those let go in the massive layoffs. Once the dust actually settles on the WDI restructuring, we will provide you with more information.
Please keep in mind that WDWNT takes great strides to be among the first to bring you information as we hear it, so when a post says “RUMOR”, it should be taken as such. We are plugged into the fan community all-day, everyday to find the best information, and from time to time, a news tip from a reliable source may not end up being what is true. In the end, unless we confirm a story, or the Walt Disney Company has, we are trying our best to relay information to you and keep you “in the know”. I apologize to anyone who may have been offended by or takes exception to us running this story.
While normal following the completion of large projects from Walt Disney Imagineering, rumors suggest that over 200 Imagineers were let go in layoffs this week as part of a division-wide reorganization. With the completion of Shanghai Disneyland the design phase for upcoming large projects such as the Star Wars themed land, Disney Parks and Resorts would have no need for so many Imagineers to fill out a more limited list of projects. Apparently, some of the higher level layoffs were voluntary, but some of the bigger names in the WDI repertoire may be exiting when the dust has settled. Among the names rumored for exit are Tom Fitzgerald and Joe Rohde, two of the most prolific Imagineers of the last 30 years.
Rohde was instrumental in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Aulani, and the upcoming Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Rohde was most recently put in charge of Marvel projects and is heading up Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout for Disney California Adventure. Joe’s resume most notably includes work on Captain EO, Epcot’s Mexico pavilion, Maelstrom, Disneyland’s New Fantasyland, the Adventurer’s Club, and Expedition Everest, just to name a few. His exit from the company will not be immediate as he will complete the AVATAR project before what should be an earlier-than-expected retirement.
As always with rumors, they are not official in any way until confirmed, and it is possible that Rohde and Fitzgerald are not involved in the layoffs.
Whenever Disney has closed a restaurant for remodeling, you can typically expect it to return with some of the menu offerings and other elements that were once loved about it. In the case of the Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk, they did neither. Despite Disney promising that the once-famous snapper dish would return with the restaurant, it did not. So, does the Flying Fish improve despite not really retaining any of the items that guests visited for? Let’s find out…
The G was burnt out and ruined my pictures and I don’t want to talk about it…
First off, the interior could not be any more different. Gone is the gaudy style of the previous Cafe that hardly evoked the feel of a signature restaurant, replaced with an elegant interior filled with subtle nods to the Flying Fish and boardwalk amusements. The hand blown glass fish swimming above the restaurant are one of the most striking design elements I have ever seen and is quite breathtaking.
Despite the AbracadaBar opening next door, there is also a bar inside of the restaurant.
We also have a short video tour of the restaurant to share, including a look at the private dining room courtesy of the manager at the restaurant:
Quite frankly, my one previous experience at the Flying Fish Cafe wasn’t anything special. The infamous snapper dish was fine, but not worth the hype it had been given in my opinion. We had some good appetizers and drinks, but nothing that made me feel like I would need to come back until there was a drastic menu change. Those changes did indeed come with the remodel…
Before you even have a chance to say it, let me beat you to it: it is really, really expensive. Yes, this is a signature restaurant, and yes, it isn’t necessarily one of the first ones that comes to mind when you think signature dining at Walt Disney World. I will say I was a bit skeptical when I opened the menu, but I was willing to try it and see if anything was worth the price on the paper.
There is a vegetarian menu available, despite claims that the restaurant had no vegetarian options… Josh…
The kid’s menu looked pretty solid…
Pacific Island Punch ($10.75) – This reminded me a lot of the Leaping Lizard drink from Nomad Lounge, only less juice flavor and more alcohol. It was good, not great. I like sweet drinks and based on the description I expected this to be sweeter.
Blood Orange Margarita (10.75) – Nothing out of the usual, but a tasty take on the blood orange margarita if you typically enjoy such drinks.
Maple Bacon Peach Manhattan ($10.75) – Smoky and unique, this was highlight of our meal. I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted anything quite like this. The peach taste isn’t strong, but the bacon sure is and that’s a good thing.
The bread offered was pretty unique, a combination of seaweed and sesame seeds in a wheat bread, fitting the location and theme of the establishments. We ate two baskets, so I guess we liked it…
Blue Crab Bisque ($15) – My favorite dish of the night, this soup not only had great flavor, but there was a TON of crab in it. Likely the most crab I’ve ever had in a soup, so definitely worth the price on the menu. The aged Sherry dropped in table side was also a nice touch.
Corn-Encrusted Wild Gulf Shrimp ($16) – Not the largest portion for $16, but good flavor from the corn breading. If you like shrimp, you will likely enjoy these, but likely not be the best appetizer on the menu.
Kurobuta Pork Belly ($15) – Absolutely fantastic. So tender and the sauce accompaniment was heavenly.
Crispy Feta Dumplings ($32) – We decided to try one of the vegetarian options to see if they were worth the hefty price tag. This was good, but in no way can be a value at $32. Now, none of us are vegetarians, but I imagine in a world without meat that this is still overpriced, while still being rather tasty. Overall, it felt like it was an appetizer priced as an entree.
Wagyu Filet Mignon ($55) – Possibly the best steak at Walt Disney World, defying any and all logic since this is a seafood restaurant. Prepared medium rare as the chef suggested, the inside was so tender and flavorful, accompanied by the sauce underneath which added the perfect flavoring. Again, I’m not joking, this was THE best steak at Walt Disney World, topping Jiko and Tiffins in my book.
Maine Lobster Nero Pasta ($64) – This was expensive, but I feel like it lived up to the price point. There was a lot of lobster in here, and the pasta over giolden tomato sauce was pretty much near perfection.
Alright, let’s move on to dessert:
Boardwalk Cafe ($7.75) – A solid caramel coffee offering, but still one of the better specialty coffee drinks around WDW.
Chocolate Martini ($10.25) – Chilled, very sweet, and rather enjoyable. If you like chocolate martinis, this is a viable option and a nice take on it.
Peanut Butter Freeze ($10.25) – I know it is a drink, but likely one of my favorite desserts in all of the resort. A very sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavor which basically tastes like a frozen (alcoholic) peanut butter cup milkshake.
Under the Sea ($12) – Just OK, very reminiscent of a similar offering at Tiffins. I would skip this for a Peanut Butter Freeze next time…
Cherry, Peaches, and Sea Shells ($9) – Again, this was fine for cheesecake with fruit, but nothing to write home about. A good option if you want something light, but there’s always Ample Hills Creamery just a few steps away if you really aren’t too excited about anything here. Did I mention the Peanut Butter Freeze?
Overall, I was beyond impressed by Flying Fish. My previous experience with the restaurant was surpassed tenfold, in both the interior design of the restaurant, and the overall quality of the food and beverage. This is one of the best re-imaginings of any restaurant at Walt Disney World, completely changing what it was and was perceived as before and making it something entirely new.
It is expensive, in fact, it is one of the most expensive restaurants in all of Orlando, but the quality is there. I feel the prices will hurt the restaurant in the present, just because the Flying Fish name doesn’t mean a whole lo to many people based on it’s previous lackluster run. However, if the quality remains as it is now (maybe with a slightly revamped dessert menu), I think good word of mouth will spread and those looking for a fine dining experience at Walt Disney World will find their way here. Flying Fish is an expensive signature restaurant, but if you are going to spend the money, this is probably one of the places you will want to do it.
Guests with the Table in Wonderland dining discount card were informed today that 4 new restaurants are now offering the 20% discount to cardholders. The new restaurants are:
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
Nomad Lounge
Tiffins
The discounts are valid starting today, August 5th, 2016.
Don’t worry, the performer was fine following the incident. It does make one wonder if the ever-lawsuit conscious Disney Company will now make any modifications to the steamboat in the finale of the show, or worse. Only time will tell…
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