To reserve or not to reserve on your next trip.
When carefully crafting my dining reservation plans for my Walt Disney World trips, my goal is to maximize new experiences. I love trying new things at the parks and resorts. However, I find myself continuing to book and dine at Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen (Skipper Canteen).
Why? It’s a combination of the atmosphere and food offerings.
Make a reservation at Skipper Canteen if:
Your dining atmosphere and overall location theming is important to you and your immersive Walt Disney World Experience. Disney did not miss out on the details when designing this restaurant to pay homage to the Jungle Cruise.
You’re like me and are a Jungle Cruise fan! Listen, if the Jungle Cruise “bad
jokes” are your thing, the cast members keep them going throughout your meal experience. It’s dinner and a show without having to book at Hoop-Dee-Doo Review.
You want a table service meal that is fair priced without skipping on flavours to savour. This location is listed as a moderate spend for guests with lunch and dinner ranging from $15.00 - $34.99 per adult. When you compare that to the other Magic Kingdom table service options, that’s not bad! This location did not cut flavour when slashing prices, I enjoyed the hearty menu finds with Asian, South American, and African inspired flavours. The Nile Nellie Noodle Bowl is fresh seafood atop rice noodles and is a personal favourite!
You’re traveling with that picky eater. We’ve all travelled with that friend that just wants a burger and fries for every meal. In that case, have them stop at the Adventureland Spring Roll Cart for a Cheeseburger Spring Roll. However, while packing the flavours into every plate, Skipper Canteen has a pretty basic menu. The entrees include staples like Chicken, Pork and Steak. Sorry, no burger here!
You have food allergies. The chefs at Walt Disney World do an amazing job trying to accommodate the vast dietary needs of their guests. I’ve dined at five of the eight Magic Kingdom table service locations and this one by far that the largest variety of menu items I could enjoy. Even the secret menu item, the Brazilian Cheese Bread, worked for this gluten free individual!
Pass on the Skipper Canteen if:
You’re looking for a more adventurous menu. In general, the food options at the Magic Kingdom are simple with hearty menu finds, you can literally get Thanksgiving Day Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern. While the “Hardy Har" Char Siu Pork is fantastic, it’s still a basic pork dish. Consider hopping over to Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge for that Indian-style Bread Service and Lamb Kefta.
You don’t want to miss your Tron Virtual Queue. The waitstaff here is amazing, but they are laid back skippers. While I feel this location is more about the experience and enjoying the themed dining rooms, it feels like you’re there for a long time. Ask your server where the restroom is, and they’ll tell you it’s a three mile walk down the back hall. If you just want to eat and get back to the park rides, maybe cut through Adventureland and stop at the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café quick service option in Frontierland.
You’re not that impressed with the backside of water. Again, the location plays heavily on the Jungle Cruise. If that boat was a once and done for you, consider a dining location with an ambiance more enjoyable to you. Channel those Italian vibes at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant or be treated like a princess at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Chances are you’ll see me camped out at the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen on my next trip with a plate of Brazilian Cheese Bread and taking in the continued fun of the Jungle Cruise.
What about you, will you reserve or not reserve a table here on your next trip?
On my list to try!
I really enjoy dining here. I think I have been here three times now and every time, I have had a good dinner. As you say, the pricing is reasonable compared with some other Magic Kingdom offerings. And the food is really tasty! I'm not big on the lame dad jokes, but they are tolerable for a good meal! I am not sure whether this will make my next trip, as I do like to try new things, but if it fits in, then I will happily dine here again!