REVIEW: Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen at The Magic Kingdom Radically Alters Menu Once Again

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Just yesterday, the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom went through yet another major menu adjustment. This comes after two menu changes last year, with the last significant changes coming in December of 2016. You can check out all of our Skipper Canteen reviews below:

Here’s what the new menu for November 2017 looks like…

width=

New in the appetizers is the Jungle Green Salad, replacing the Chicken Soup. Otherwise, the appetizer menu remains the same (thankfully).

width=

Under entrees, the Head-On Shrimp, Noodle Bowl, and Skip’s Beefy Mac and Cheese all met their demise, replaced by the Perkins Thai Noodles and Sankuru Sadie’s Seafood Stew. Modifications were made to the “A Lot at Steak Salad”, Dr. Falls Signature Grilled Steak, and the Baa Baa Berber Lamb Chops. It is also worth noting that the Whole Fried Fish is now a Yellow Tail Snapper, since the Lion Fish was apparently not coming in on a consistent basis (personally, I think the Yellow Tail has more flavor anyway). The sustainable fish is a Red Tail Snapper, which is quite good as well.

width=

Here we find the drink menu.

As far as themed-restaurants and wonderful spaces to dine in, Skipper Canteen is at the top of my list at Walt Disney World. It exudes tons of story, tying together Disney Park mythology from the Jungle Cruise, to the Adventurer’s Club, to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.), and more. The interior is jaw-dropping in many places and a pleasure to dine in, no matter how the menu may change.

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

The servers are also a HUGE part of the story and most we have had in our many journeys to the Jungle have been exceptional. Many cast members go above and beyond to make Skipper canteen the best restaurant at the Magic Kingdom.

A side note, the complimentary bread was removed from Skipper Canteen a few months ago sadly. While this is a definite loss for me, many guests found it strange and enjoyable. Regardless, most portions here are quite large, so you likely won’t go hungry without it.

So, let’s not waste another moment, let’s explore the new items that guests will find on their expeditions!

Jungle Green Salad ($9.00)

width=

From the depths of the Jungle…Skipper Bill’s Hearty Mixed Greens, Seasonal Squash, Green Apples, Preserved Lemons, and Spiced Walnuts tossed with an Apple Cider Vinaigrette

The new appetizer salad is okay, with nothing really special about it, and is very small for $9. Spend just over twice the amount and get the steak salad as an entree, or get the Shiriki Noodle Salad which is also an appetizer.

Dr. Falls’ Signature Grilled Steak ($35.00)

width=

Marinated New York Strip, Pico de Gallo Butter, Jasmine Rice, and Braised Black Beans with Applewood-smoked Bacon

The steak changed sides and the butter on top, giving it a more Latin flare. This is a welcome change as we found the pico de gallo butter on top already melted when the food arrived, but it added a nice fresh flavor to the charred steak. Sadly, the steak was fatty and a bit rubbery, so under no circumstance can I recommend this. Also, what are you doing ordering a steak in the Magic Kingdom? The beans and tomatoes are a big change from the past side dish, but they work well with the new butter.

Perkins Thai Noodles ($22.00)

width=

Chicken, Tofu, Seasonal Vegetables, and Rice Noodles tossed in a Spicy Soy-Chili-Garlic Sauce. A favorite of our friend Pamelia Perkins, President of the Adventurers Club

While i lament the loss of the noodle bowl, this turned out fantastic. The noodles were a great portion for the price, very filling. The menu and server asked if we were okay with spice, and the spice was present but not overbearing, which was a nice change to the typical Magic Kingdom digs. That being said, he noted that they could make it spicier upon request. The dish has a lot chicken mixed in with the noodles made for a great unique dish, which feels almost like the new Kona Cafe noodle dishes (which is a good thing).

Sankuru Sadie’s Seafood Stew ($27.00)

width=

Shrimp, Sustainable Fish, Mussels, and Octopus simmered in a fragrant Coconut Sauce. Served with Jasmine Rice

Again, the Head-On Shrimp was a favorite of mine, but this replacement is likely just as enjoyable. The coconut seafood stew came out as a heaping plate of random seafood. The octopus was cut in different tentacle sections and cooked to a tenderness that was just not found at Food & Wine Festival Greece booth.

width=

The head-on shrimp live on in the dish, accompanied by bunch of muscles and chunks of sustainable fish above a generous portion of jasmine rice. The coconut broth created a porridge-like consistency towards the end, soaking in all the flavors of the mix of seafood. Overall a very solid dish that continues the adventurous theme of Skipper Canteen and plays well to the palate. I will be ordering this again.

“A Lot at Steak” Salad ($19.00)

width=

We’re betting it all on this one! Grilled Steak, Romaine Lettuce, Spring Mix, Pickled Jalapeños, Red Onion, Queso Fresco, and Pumpkin Seeds tossed with Chimichurri Vinaigrette

The reimagined steak salad comes out in a seemingly endless bowl full of fresh greens, cheese, and a large portion of meat. Easily the biggest entree salad we’ve seen at Walt Disney world, outside of the Via Napoli group salad and buffets at least. It’s big, it’s fresh, and you can split this with an order of Sea Shu Mai to make for a quick refreshing lunch with a partner. It’s worth noting that the steak with this dish was much more tender, flavorful, and free of fat which may have been cut away in the preparation.

OVERALL

In review, I think these changes are fine and do little to hurt the restaurant. The steak is kind of a “safety dish”, so we don’t lament that being bad, and the other entree changes are at the very least a lateral move. While personally I will miss the noodle bowl and the head-on shrimp, and I know many who will miss the beefy mac and cheese, I believe the quality is being upheld at Skipper Canteen and it remains the finest table service restaurant at Magic Kingdom.

SaveSave

REVIEW: New “Out-Of-This-World” Menu Items at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on June 12, 2017

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is likely in my top 10 favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World, and I often bounce between this location and the Brown Derby as to which is my favorite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you want a burger and some good desserts, there isn’t anywhere much better in my opinion, and the atmosphere is the most unique of any eatery at any Disney theme park anywhere. For a few bucks more than a counter service meal of a similar style, the atmosphere and superior sweets menu here make it an easy decision to splurge on table service over counter at this park.

width=

Guests sit in “cars” and dine like it’s an old-school drive-in at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

The seating style is different from any other restaurant at Disney theme parks as it has “cars” parked in front of a screen, with two-by-two seating facing the rotating kaleidoscope of classic cartoons, movie trailers, and more.

With all this being said, Sci-Fi is obviously a fan favorite. Being a beloved eatery, when the menu was changed a few days ago, many were concerned if the changes were for the better. Here’s a look at the new menu in question:

width= width= width= width= width= width=

New to the menu are the following items:

  • The Boneless Chicken Wings now have 3 sauce options, rather than just the usual buffalo. The bone-in wings are now removed completely.
  • The Sci-Fi Salad is now a Wedge Salad.
  • The Build-Your-Own Angus Burger option is gone, but there are new burgers added.
  • The Salmon BLT Sandwich, Vegetarian Shepard’s Pie, Grilled Marinated Salmon Salad, Southwest Vegetarian Burger, and Sci-Fi-Fi Angus Burger were removed from the menu.
  • New entrees include the Classic American Burger, Southern Burger, Chili-Lime Fajita Salad, the Vegetarian Falafel Burger, and the Drive-In Barbecue Burger.

As you can see, it was a pretty major menu overhaul. So let’s find out how it is…

Boneless Chicken Wings ($10.00)

width=

Boneless Chicken Wings ($10.00) with Buffalo Sauce

width=

Boneless Chicken Wings ($10.00) with Sweet Chili Sauce

Your choice of Spicy Buffalo, Chipotle Barbecue, or Sweet Chili Sauce served with Celery Sticks and Blue Cheese Dressing

The Sweet Chili Sauce moved over from the Oasis Canteen, where these were available for a short period last year. Both sauces are great, but I recommend the buffalo if you want these to be spicier, and the sweet chili if you like a more flavorful taste. Funny enough, the buffalo sauce version was a staple at Backlot Express a few years ago as well, so both of these were available at counter service locations previously. Yes, these are basically just the chicken breast nuggets with sauce, but does that mean that we can’t enjoy them? I end up ordering these every time I come.

Classic Southern Burger ($19.00)

width=

Classic Southern Burger ($19.00)

Our Signature Blend of Beef on a Brioche Roll, topped with a Fried Green Tomato, House-made Pimento Cheese, Bacon, and Lettuce

width=

Classic Southern Burger ($19.00)

If you like fried-green tomatoes and pimento cheese, this is worth a try. The brioche bun on all of the Sci-Fi burgers enhance them nicely, while the beef patties are good enough to be at least more enjoyable than any Disney counter service location.

As always, the burgers come with the delicious steak fries, which you will also find for dinner now at the ABC Commissary next door.

Chili-Lime-Salmon Fajita Salad ($16.50)

width=

Chili-Lime-Salmon Fajita Salad ($16.50)

Mixed Greens tossed with Roasted Corn, Peppers, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette topped with crispy Tortilla Chips and House-made Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

This salad is filling, fresh, and has quite a lot going on in it. If the dressing wasn’t so bland, this would be something we would order again. The salmon is surprisingly good and again, the portion size is more than fair.

Drive-In BBQ Burger ($19.00)

width=

Drive-In BBQ Burger ($19.00)

Our Signature Blend of Beef, BBQ Spice, Brioche Bun, House-made BBQ Sauce, Bacon, and Cheddar served with Crispy-fried Jalapeño and Onion Straws

width=

Drive-In BBQ Burger ($19.00)

I really enjoyed the Drive-In BBQ Burger, likely my favorite of any burger I’ve had here in my life. As you all know, I enjoy a lot of spice, and I thought the crispy fried jalapeños delivered while the other toppings were nice and flavorful. While I might try to switch the cheddar cheese for Swiss next time (more of a personal preference than a suggestion), I was still more than happy with this entree.

Out-of-This-World Turtle Cheesecake ($7.50)

width=

Out-of-This-World Turtle Cheesecake ($7.50)

with Heath Bar, Pecans, Chocolate Chips, Caramel Sauce, and topped with Whipped Cream

It may not be the largest dessert, but it makes up for it in taste. This is basically a small cheesecake piece wrapped in Heath Bar, pecans, chocolate chips, and caramel sauce; and yes, it is as good as this description sounds. I love anything with Heath Bar, and if you do too, then I implore you to order this.

Milk Shakes ($6.00)

width=

Sci-Fi Specialty Shake, Oreo Cookie, Chocolate, or Vanilla

My favorite dessert at Sci-Fi is still the simplest, and it’s the milkshakes. Pictured above is the current specialty shake, which is marshmallow and caramel over vanilla, and it is absolutely fantastic. The specialty shakes never disappoint, but you can’t go wrong with the Oreo Cookie version either. Sure, you can settle for chocolate and vanilla too if you wish. For $6.00, these are a great value as they are more than large enough to share between two guests after a full meal here.

OVERALL

In review, I think the menu changes here are quite positive. While the Build-Your-Own Burger option is gone, you can likely customize something to your liking between all of the burgers currently on the menu. I would like to return with someone who eats vegetarian options to see how the falafel burger holds up, but otherwise, Sci-Fi-Fi Dine-In is still an enjoyable, and often underrated table service restaurant you should try out if you have never been to it.

REVIEW: New Menu at Tony’s Town Square in The Magic Kingdom, I Think I Liked It…

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

 

I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom over the years. As a kid, I loved our winter-time meals that would overlap with SpectroMagic, allowing us to hear the music and see the sparkling lights of the parade while we dined either on the patio or in the glass “solarium” room of the restaurant. Also, with Lady and the Tramp being one of my favorite Disney animated films, I fell in love with the charming interior that evoked scenes from the movie while mixing in the feel of Main Street. Thematically, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the world around it, but the menu has always been another story.

I have fond memories of the flatbreads and seasonal desserts, but in recent years, a noticeable decline in quality has been evident. Now, I’m not saying Tony’s was ever a fine-dining establishment, but I could concoct a really enjoyable meal here. On a visit in early 2016, even the chicken caesar salad was inedible. After that experience, I did not return to Tony’s for several months. With family visiting me in December, I was “forced” to return to Tony’s as that is where they had booked a dining reservation. I begrudgingly went along, with the vivid memories of a warm salad filled with tough grilled chicken bites dancing in my head. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a menu (which serves both lunch and dinner services) with several noticeable changes…

width=

New to me on the menu was an Italian cheese dip appetizer, a grilled pork chop, and baked rigatoni. Based on my previous experience, none of these seemed like a good idea… but then my “blogger senses” kicked in, realizing my duty to our readers to inform them of menu changes and new items. I decided I would take one for the team…

width=

The allergy friendly menus for those who wish to check them out…

width=

Below is the regular kid’s menu.

width=

Alright, let’s start with the appetizers…

Italian Cheese Dip ($11.00)

width=

Creamy Ricotta with Roasted Garlic topped with Tomato Jam served with Crostini.

This description almost sounds like an entirely different dish. The ricotta was passable, but the “tomato jam” was basically a thicker version of the “red sauce of death” typically served at Tony’s. Stick with the complimentary bread…

House Salad ($10.00)

width=

This was surprisingly good, which is probably what I would say whenever I enjoy any sort of dish at Tony’s. It’s a giant portion, it is fairly unique for a in-park Disney restaurant, and the flavor is good. I loved the mix of the salami and peppers in here, taking it from ordinary house salad to something a little more interesting (albeit normal to me growing up in an Italian household). You could easily share this among a few people before a meal as a nice, light starter.

Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil Sauce (THE PRICE IS FREE)

width=

I legitimately loved the bread. It was cooked nicely and was soft and fresh, and it perfectly soaked up the olive oil “dipping sauce”. Skip the Italian Cheese Dip and just enjoy this before your meal.

Alright, now on to the entrees…

Baked Rigatoni ($22.00)

width=

with Ricotta and Bolognese filling topped with Melted Mozzarella

This sounded like a mistake… but it really wasn’t. Tony’s red sauce is still not the best, but they bake a pretty good ricotta cheese and the pasta & meat were pretty decent. I would take this over the spaghetti and meatballs for sure… just maybe don’t stare directly into it. That would be dangerous, very dangerous.

width=

Pasta Primavera ($22.00)

width=

Seasonal Vegetables and Pasta tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Balsamic Glaze and Feta

If you are looking for pasta, but need to avoid the Tony’s red sauce, this is the route to go. The vegan in our group ordered this without the chicken or shrimp (and sans feta) and was quite pleased with it.

Grilled Pork Chop ($27.00)

width=

with a Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragù and Marsala Reduction

At the time, we still did not know that alcohol was coming to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so I thought the presence of a grilled pork chop was insanely out of character for this eatery. It seems they added the pork chop to pair with some of the beverages, which now makes sense, but at the time simply did not. This dish peaked my interest as it was unlike anything I had ever had here and I immediately felt there was no way that Tony’s was going to pull this dish off. So of course, being a theme park restaurant – smart***, I ordered it.

I have to honestly say, this was the best dish I have ever had at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Maybe the constraints of trying to be a semi-Italian Restaurant in the world’s most visited theme park stifles them a bit, but stepping outside of their comfort zone, they have created a dish that is far and away their absolute best.

The Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragu and Marsala Reduction pair absolutely perfectly with the nicely grilled pork chop for a unique taste that is more akin to a pork stew. The dish is of the perfect size and it isn’t insanely heavy like many of the pasta dishes served here. It might be the only meal at Tony’s that won’t make you feel bloated and gross, if I may be frank. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the best pork dish I’ve ever had, but it’s the best table service entree I’ve had outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table and Skipper Canteen in this park.

width=

OVERALL

Tony’s is still not in the top 3 restaurants I would send people to at the Magic Kingdom, but if the kids only want pasta or you just have to eat here, it is probably good to know that you still have some options that won’t ruin your day. I love Tony’s out of pure childhood nostalgia, but the current menu makes it possible to stomach it and feel good about it. I recommend the grilled pork chop highly (if you couldn’t tell), but I would recommend the garden salad and pasta primavera as well. If you happen to run into the “Italian Wedding Soup” as a seasonal soup, you should order it. The dessert menu is solid too, with the seasonal cheesecake always being a highlight.

Now, the alcoholic drink menu was added since my last visit, so I am including it below:

width=

REVIEW: New Menu at Tony’s Town Square in The Magic Kingdom, I Think I Liked It…

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

 

I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom over the years. As a kid, I loved our winter-time meals that would overlap with SpectroMagic, allowing us to hear the music and see the sparkling lights of the parade while we dined either on the patio or in the glass “solarium” room of the restaurant. Also, with Lady and the Tramp being one of my favorite Disney animated films, I fell in love with the charming interior that evoked scenes from the movie while mixing in the feel of Main Street. Thematically, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the world around it, but the menu has always been another story.

I have fond memories of the flatbreads and seasonal desserts, but in recent years, a noticeable decline in quality has been evident. Now, I’m not saying Tony’s was ever a fine-dining establishment, but I could concoct a really enjoyable meal here. On a visit in early 2016, even the chicken caesar salad was inedible. After that experience, I did not return to Tony’s for several months. With family visiting me in December, I was “forced” to return to Tony’s as that is where they had booked a dining reservation. I begrudgingly went along, with the vivid memories of a warm salad filled with tough grilled chicken bites dancing in my head. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a menu (which serves both lunch and dinner services) with several noticeable changes…

width=

New to me on the menu was an Italian cheese dip appetizer, a grilled pork chop, and baked rigatoni. Based on my previous experience, none of these seemed like a good idea… but then my “blogger senses” kicked in, realizing my duty to our readers to inform them of menu changes and new items. I decided I would take one for the team…

width=

The allergy friendly menus for those who wish to check them out…

width=

Below is the regular kid’s menu.

width=

Alright, let’s start with the appetizers…

Italian Cheese Dip ($11.00)

width=

Creamy Ricotta with Roasted Garlic topped with Tomato Jam served with Crostini.

This description almost sounds like an entirely different dish. The ricotta was passable, but the “tomato jam” was basically a thicker version of the “red sauce of death” typically served at Tony’s. Stick with the complimentary bread…

House Salad ($10.00)

width=

This was surprisingly good, which is probably what I would say whenever I enjoy any sort of dish at Tony’s. It’s a giant portion, it is fairly unique for a in-park Disney restaurant, and the flavor is good. I loved the mix of the salami and peppers in here, taking it from ordinary house salad to something a little more interesting (albeit normal to me growing up in an Italian household). You could easily share this among a few people before a meal as a nice, light starter.

Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil Sauce (THE PRICE IS FREE)

width=

I legitimately loved the bread. It was cooked nicely and was soft and fresh, and it perfectly soaked up the olive oil “dipping sauce”. Skip the Italian Cheese Dip and just enjoy this before your meal.

Alright, now on to the entrees…

Baked Rigatoni ($22.00)

width=

with Ricotta and Bolognese filling topped with Melted Mozzarella

This sounded like a mistake… but it really wasn’t. Tony’s red sauce is still not the best, but they bake a pretty good ricotta cheese and the pasta & meat were pretty decent. I would take this over the spaghetti and meatballs for sure… just maybe don’t stare directly into it. That would be dangerous, very dangerous.

width=

Pasta Primavera ($22.00)

width=

Seasonal Vegetables and Pasta tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Balsamic Glaze and Feta

If you are looking for pasta, but need to avoid the Tony’s red sauce, this is the route to go. The vegan in our group ordered this without the chicken or shrimp (and sans feta) and was quite pleased with it.

Grilled Pork Chop ($27.00)

width=

with a Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragù and Marsala Reduction

At the time, we still did not know that alcohol was coming to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so I thought the presence of a grilled pork chop was insanely out of character for this eatery. It seems they added the pork chop to pair with some of the beverages, which now makes sense, but at the time simply did not. This dish peaked my interest as it was unlike anything I had ever had here and I immediately felt there was no way that Tony’s was going to pull this dish off. So of course, being a theme park restaurant – smart***, I ordered it.

I have to honestly say, this was the best dish I have ever had at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Maybe the constraints of trying to be a semi-Italian Restaurant in the world’s most visited theme park stifles them a bit, but stepping outside of their comfort zone, they have created a dish that is far and away their absolute best.

The Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragu and Marsala Reduction pair absolutely perfectly with the nicely grilled pork chop for a unique taste that is more akin to a pork stew. The dish is of the perfect size and it isn’t insanely heavy like many of the pasta dishes served here. It might be the only meal at Tony’s that won’t make you feel bloated and gross, if I may be frank. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the best pork dish I’ve ever had, but it’s the best table service entree I’ve had outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table and Skipper Canteen in this park.

width=

OVERALL

Tony’s is still not in the top 3 restaurants I would send people to at the Magic Kingdom, but if the kids only want pasta or you just have to eat here, it is probably good to know that you still have some options that won’t ruin your day. I love Tony’s out of pure childhood nostalgia, but the current menu makes it possible to stomach it and feel good about it. I recommend the grilled pork chop highly (if you couldn’t tell), but I would recommend the garden salad and pasta primavera as well. If you happen to run into the “Italian Wedding Soup” as a seasonal soup, you should order it. The dessert menu is solid too, with the seasonal cheesecake always being a highlight.

Now, the alcoholic drink menu was added since my last visit, so I am including it below:

width=

EDITORIAL: Liberty Tree Tavern and the Sum of Magic Kingdom Dining

WDWNT on June 5, 2015

Exposed wood, brick, masonry, and staples from the Revolutionary Era contribute to the theme in the primary waiting area.

Exposed wood, brick, masonry, and staples from the Revolutionary Era contribute to the theme in the primary waiting area.

During a recent trip to Orlando I finally made it to Disney’s Liberty Tree Tavern for a lunch. While this meal in-and-of-itself isn’t necessarily noteworthy, doing so completed my Magic Kingdom dining “cycle” — a meal at every restaurant in Magic Kingdom. We’ve been trying to make it to the Liberty Tree for years but it has always been trumped by another option — most recently Be Our Guest. Now that we’re approaching that magical 180 days out marker for holiday vacations, it seemed like a good time to explore Magic Kingdom dining.

It’s been my experience that, while the Magic Kingdom offers perhaps the best Counter Service options in Walt Disney World, the park itself comes up somewhat short in the Table Service category. While the recent addition of Be Our Guest changes this at least thematically, for me it didn’t really change my position culinarily. This is why knocking the last two out — Liberty Tree Tavern and Plaza Restaurant — emerged as such a personal objective.

Let’s begin this review with theming. It should come as no surprise to anyone that guests enter the Liberty Tree story by stepping into Colonial-meets-Revolutionary America. Hosts, hostesses, and servers are dressed in very believable period costumes. Exposed wood, old masonry, brick, a hearth, and staples from the late 18th Century and early 19th Century create an atmosphere that hearkens back to our nation’s Revolutionary Era. To a large degree it works. Admittedly, for some reason Liberty Square has always been hard for me to get excited about. It may be the transitions or perhaps the size. By contrast, I do not have a similar problem with New Orleans Square in Anaheim. Regardless, different rooms themed around quintessential Americans like Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, and Georgia Washington with artifacts and props unique to each contribute effectively. The Liberty Tree Tavern is a logical “next step” in the Liberty Square immersive experience. In fact, it may actually “complete” Liberty Square.

There are two things worth noting regarding the atmosphere and theme. One, everything slowed down considerably once inside. We all know how crazy a day at the Magic Kingdom can be. For whatever reason, all that slipped away when we stepped into the Liberty Tree Tavern. Life just seemed to move slower, more simply. And it was nice. Second, the interior seemed tired. The energy that I’m accustomed to feeling in one of Disney’s signature restaurants just wasn’t present. My guess is that the renovations scheduled for this summer have been scheduled to address this aspect as much as anything.

Regarding the food, I would say that the Liberty Tree Tavern is “good”. And if you’re looking for a bit of a change of pace and fare that you either normally wouldn’t expect in the park or non-Thanksgiving, it rates even better than good. A friend and I ordered an appetizer, two entrees, and a desert. (I’m not bold enough yet to try using my blog credentials to ask for additional samples.) First, the Crab and Lobster Dip for Two is outstanding as an appetizer. As seafood goes it was fresh and tasty. The dish itself was a perfect appetizer. I went with the standard New England Pot Roast and my friend opted for the Pilgrim’s Feast. We were both pleased. Other than the Angus Chuck Cheeseburger, the pot roast is Liberty Tree’s most popular dish and it’s easy to see why. The vegetables were cooked to perfection and the braised beef in Cabernet wine and mushroom sauce was tender and perfectly seasoned.

The New England Pot Roast at Liberty Tree Tavern. (The author is not a professional food photographer.)

The New England Pot Roast at Liberty Tree Tavern. (The author is not a professional food photographer.)

I sampled the Pilgrim’s Feast of traditional roast turkey with herb bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and vegetables but didn’t find it particularly tasty or unique, but then again it’s not necessarily trying to be. I mean, it’s turkey. But it’s still traditional New England fare prepared in a way consistent with the time period. Regardless I felt like I scored extra points in some way for eating at least semi-healthy in a theme park. In that same spirit, we chose not to go with the more popular Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake for desert, but the Fruit Crisp. Even though I’m sure the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is as good as its name would let on, and comes highly recommended, I would absolutely recommend the Fruit Crisp as well. Looking back on it, the better decision would have been ditching the whole “eating more healthy” approach and just ordering them both. Next time we will.

It should be said here that the lunch menu is a la carte while the dinner menu is much more limited. You can check out the lunch menu in various places and I would say, relatively speaking, it is very affordable with multiple options. The dinner menu ranges from $33 to $38 per person, and the Patriot’s Platter is the only entree option. It includes roast turkey breast, carved beef, sliced pork with traditional accompaniments, and mixed greens with house-made dressing.

The Pilgrim's Feast is available for lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern

The Pilgrim’s Feast is available for lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern

It’s difficult to place the Liberty Tree Tavern within the hierarchy of Magic Kingdom table service options. Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Tony’s Town Square, and to a lesser extent Tomorrowland Terrace and Diamond Horseshoe all have an upside. For me they stack up like this: Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table are the most impressive and iconic, while Crystal Palace offers the best character dining. The Plaza Restaurant is far and away the best value and its soda shop vibe fits perfectly with Main Street. Tony’s Town Square, however, serves up a wonderful nostalgia. It may be said that, while Liberty Tree Tavern doesn’t blow you away in any one category, it scores well enough to be among the best overall in terms of theming, food, and value. And to reiterate an earlier point, the Tavern completes Liberty Square in a way other venues do not. Even though I have completed the Magic Kingdom table service cycle, I’m still wrestling with this one question: If I had to choose one Magic Kingdom table service to rule them all, which one would it be?