FULL Review: The New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Adventureland

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You may have seen our First Look… and now we are back for our full review of Magic Kingdom’s brand new Table Service eatery!

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Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Welcome back to the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen!

With the exception, perhaps, of the arrival of Trader’s Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney World last March, no new restaurant has met with as much anticipation as the Skipper Canteen since the opening of Be Our Guest Restaurant in 2012. But while Be Our Guest debuted as part of the all-new Fantasyland expansion, the Skipper Canteen finds its home in Magic Kingdom’s classic Adventureland. This land is also home, of course, to the Jungle Cruise, the beloved attraction on which the Skipper Canteen is based.

We enjoyed our first meal at the Skipper Canteen on its first day of soft openings, but today the restaurant officially opens to all Magic Kingdom guests. So, what better time to get to know this spot a little more?

Jungle Skipper Canteen sign

So, my fellow Jungle Cruise passengers, let’s step back in, shall we?

Atmosphere

A portrait of Dr. Albert Falls has pride of place when you enter the Skipper Canteen.

Dr. Albert Falls

You may know him best as the name behind Schweitzer Falls from your own Jungle Cruise ;). But Dr. Falls also founded the Jungle Navigation Co. in 1911, a shipping business that moved cargo along the jungle rivers.

Jungle Navigation Co. Grand Opening Banner

However, once his granddaughter, Alberta, took over the company, business unfortunately declined.

Alberta Falls

Skipper Canteen Story Written by Alberta Falls — click to enlarge

Noticing that Adventureland had become more of a spot for globetrotters than cargo shipping, a Skipper approached Alberta with the idea to offer guided tours of the jungle rivers to passengers.

Inaugural Jungle Cruise Banner

And since then, business has been booming! So much so that the Jungle Skipper Canteen was opened to feed hungry passengers fresh from their Jungle Cruises. Set inside the home offices for the Jungle Navigation Co., three rooms were converted into dining spaces for hungry travelers….

The Crew Mess Hall

You know, it’s gotta be hard work being a Jungle Cruise Skipper… navigating Bomokandi Bertha or Congo Connie through the Amazon and Nile Rivers, showing curious cruisers the Backside of Water, and pointing out sandstone formations (because most people take them for granite).

It’s all enough to make a Skipper pretty hungry. So what better place to fuel up for the next cruise than the crew’s Mess Hall?

Crew’s Mess Hall

Crew’s Mess Hall

It’s filled with artifacts from traveling the jungle rivers for Niles… and Niles… and Niles….

Artifacts on the wall

Artifacts on the wall

Artifacts housed upstairs

These days, the Crew Mess is open for passengers dining at the Canteen, but there are still signs of a functioning crew’s base. Take, for instance, the messages posted in the Skippers board.

Crew Mess Hall Bulletin Board

Crew Bulletin Board

Crew Bulletin Board

Though the crew will be enjoying a White Elephant gift exchange for this year’s holiday party, please note the request for no actual elephants.

Crew’s Bulletin Board

And for some reason, the Head Salesman Trader Sam is off the hook for participating in the potluck. I can’t imagine why…

Some of the “Higher Skips” have offices upstairs, as does Alberta herself.

Alberta’s Office upstairs

Skipper Marc (most likely commemorating Imagineer Marc Davis, who is best known for the Haunted Mansion and contributed several humorous updates to the Jungle Cruise including the Rhinoceros Chasing Explorers up a Pole scene) always gets the point in the end.

Skipper Marc’s office

Speaking of the World Famous Jungle Cruise Skippers… meet George, our Skipper Server!

George… or Bob ;)

(Although, he did inform us that if we didn’t like anything, his name is Bob.)

To reach our next dining rooms, you’ll pass these bookcases in the hallway.

Bookcases lining the hallway from the Mess Hall

Hallway Bookcases

Books on the shelves

Or perhaps I should say once-secret bookcases, because one of the rooms that lies near them was formerly hidden…

The (Once Secret) S.E.A. Room

The famous explorer Dr. Falls was a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurer’s, or S.E.A. As such, he used to host secret meetings in a once-hidden room.

S.E.A. Room

Of course, now this room makes up another dining room for us Jungle Cruise passengers. Even so, tributes to the Society remain all around (along with some pretty posh seating options, to boot!).

S.E.A. Room

S.E.A. Room

S.E.A. Room lighting fixture

S.E.A. Room Seating

S.E.A. Room detail

Do you recognize the structures in the background — not to mention the snake in the foreground — on this painted portrait ?

Portrait in the S.E.A. Room

And now, like those adventurers who have gone before us, we have one final room to explore…

The Falls Family Parlor

Dr. Falls and his family used to dine in our final room, the Falls Family Parlor (also referred to as the Jungle Room).

Falls Family Parlor

But Alberta became such close friends with all the Skips, she ate in the Crew Mess Hall most often once she took over the family biz’. So, she kindly decided to open up the (formerly formal ) parlor to passengers. Plenty of the family’s belongings and their personal decor, though, are still available to view.

Falls Family Parlor

Carpet in the Falls Family Parlor

Falls Family Parlor

Keep an eye on some of the decor and carvings to see reminders of scenes from the ride.

Falls Family Parlor

We have to agree with the Skippers that these beautiful chandeliers — reminiscent of a certain Tiki Room — are the highlight of the parlor!

Falls Family Parlor

Falls Family Parlor

The Falls Family Parlor, by the way, is the room in which we were seated.

View From Our Table

Standard Table Set-Up In The Falls Family Parlor

And our Skipper passed on some great advice when we sat down to our meal: Always remember that in case of emergency, your seat cushion can be used as a floatation device.

Cushion AND Handy Floatation Device

For now, though, it looks like we’re in the clear! So let’s dive in before the “waters” become too dangerous!

Eats

There was much speculation when it was announced that the Skipper Canteen would be serving “World Famous Jungle Cuisine.” After all, on the Jungle Cruise attraction, that means THIS:

Jungle Cruise attraction sign

We’re pleased to say, though, that hungry Jungle Cruise passengers have different fare to sample  . Though many dishes are heavily influenced by Asian, South American, and African cuisine, there are also options for less-adventurous eaters on the rather extensive menu, which we’ll be looking through section by section.

Silverware Presentation

No matter what you order, though, the meal begins with the complimentary Ambasha Bread served with a honey-infused mustard-style dip.

Ambasha Bread With Honey-Infused Dip

Seriously, DON’T try to skip the bread to save room for the rest of your meal because it is delicious. The unexpected cinnamon-like scent let us know right away it would be unique. The spice of the bread paired very well with the honey-infused dip, which has a ground mustard texture.

Honey-Infused Dip

The very sticky dip melted right into the bread. I could’ve eaten the entire loaf myself!

Cross Section Of The Ambasha Bread

Next we’ll look at the menu, beginning with the Beverages section. Regardless of the rumors and speculation, Skipper Canteen does not have alcohol on the menu. Be Our Guest Restaurant remains the only spot in the Magic Kingdom where alcohol is sold.

On the Skipper menu, cold options include soft drinks, Pomegranate Light Lemonade, and Powerade Iced Tea; and you’ll even notice some Exotic Coca-Cola Selections from Brazil and Thailand. An assortment of hot drinks are also available, with a variety of teas and specialty coffee drinks.

Beverage menu — click to enlarge

However, the star sips are two non-alcoholic concoctions, both served in the Moscow-Mule style Jungle Skipper Canteen Souvenir Mug: Punch Line Punch (tropical juices and mango puree), and the Schweitzer Slush. (You can get either beverage sans souvenir mug as well.)

Schweitzer Slush in Souvenir mug

Backside of Souvenir Mug (see what I did there? ;)

We grabbed the Schweitzer Slush! This blend of frozen apple juice and passion fruit topped with bursting green apple boba balls was, according to the menu, first concocted by Dr. Albert… Slush.

Schweitzer Slush

The flavors in this one are definitely… interesting. With the predominant taste of the green apple, it definitely falls on the side of tart. That mug, though, is for sure a keeper, and it’s a fun option at least to be able to order a new Disney slush at a sit-down restaurant.

By the way, no matter which beverage you choose, your Skipper will make sure you’re equipped with a Skipper Canteen coaster!

Skipper Canteen Coaster

Skipper Canteen Coaster

Oh, and good ol’ water is available, too, of course. But you may be asked for your preference: “Tap, sparkling, or backside?”

On to Appetizers! Sustainable Fish Collar and S.E.A. Shu Mai are two of the more unique options on the list, while Falls Family Falafel, House-made Arepas, Ginger’s “Croc” of Hot-and-Sour Soup, and Baladi Salad round out the international flavors available for starters.

Appetizer Menu — click to enlarge

Since the S.E.A. Shu Mai was clearly an offering enjoyed by members of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, we couldn’t resist a bowl ourselves! Before it arrived, our Skipper brought us some chopsticks for a more authentic experience.

Chopsticks For The S.E.A. Shu Mai

The S.E.A. Shu Mai comes with six pork, shrimp and mung bean mixed dumplings in their own little metal container, keeping things nice and warm.

S.E.A. Shu Mai

S.E.A. Shu Mai Dumpling

They’re served with a dip similar to a soy sauce.

S.E.A. Shu Mai Dipping Sauce

We thought the dumplings had a terrific amount of spice and great flavor, but we weren’t the only ones. Other guests at nearby tables were raving about these, too.

Cross-section Of A Dumpling

The S.E.A. Shu Mai was a clear favorite from the day!

And MANY thanks to awesome DFB Reader Matt K., who was kind enough to share some pictures from his meal as well! His wife tried the House-made Arepas. He mentioned that this fairly large appetizer has the potential to serve as good entree as well.

House-made Arepas

Like the appetizer choices, the Entrees offer a variety of international cuisines to choose from. The Rice Noodle Bowl is served with the guest’s — I mean, passenger’s — choice of duck, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Curried Vegetable Crew Stew is also available as a vegetarian choice, while Grilled Lamb Chops, Char Siu Pork, “A Lot at Steak” Salad, and Dr. Fall’s Signature Grilled Steak are a few of the offerings for carnivores.

Entree menu — click to enlarge

Rounding out the list are “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!, Sustainable Fish, and Skip’s Mac and Cheese (which also features spiced ground beef). Somehow, even the Head Salesman of the jungle was given a bit of sway over the menu, with Trader Sam’s Head-On Shrimp.

The first entree we tried was the Char Siu Pork, marinated pork tenderloin served with Chinese Broccoli and your choice of five-grain or white rice.

Char Siu Pork

The three pieces of pork are prepared in a barbecue-like marinade to give it that great color.

Char Siu Pork

The pork was cooked beautifully, and was both tender and rich with flavor.

Cross-section Of The Char Siu Pork

The Chinese Broccoli has the typical broccoli flavor with a kale-like texture, and it works well along with the pork. The white rice, meanwhile, was pretty standard — no unusual flavors there.

Chinese Broccoli

Skip’s Mac and Cheese was, of course, a must-try for us!

Skip’s Mac and Cheese

Listed on the menu as a “typical Egyptian dish,” it’s made of spiced ground beef, corkscrew pasta, and Béchamel sauce, and also comes with broccoli on the side.

Skip’s Mac and Cheese

The ground beef is tucked in between two layers of the macaroni, and its mild spiciness was a nice surprise.

Skip’s Mac and Cheese

You can’t go wrong with a white sauce on macaroni and cheese, and this is no exception to that rule! The Béchamel sauce is rich and creamy, adding its unique flavor.

Of course, who can resist a dish with a name like “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!? Even though the name is indicative of a rather plain dish, we thought this was nicely plated, with marinated grilled chicken served atop shiitake fried rice with stir-fried veggies and Hoisin sauce.

“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!

And after taking a couple of bites we were pleased to discover that the flavors really made this a step above your typical grilled chicken dish.

“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! Vegetables

The stir-fried veggies (the majority of ours were shredded red and green peppers and carrots) went along with the rest of the dish perfectly. And the shiitake marinated fried rice carried some hints of citrus as well, offering an unexpected, but tasty, flavor combo.

“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is” Rice

So, the flavors were all there, but it should be noted that we found the chicken portion — especially as the star of the dish — to be on the smaller side, which is unfortunate because it was well-prepared.

“Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is!

Our friend Matt K. tried the Curried Vegetable Crew Stew. He shared that it was “spicy, but very filling and delicious. The different vegetables blended well together.”

Curried Vegetable Crew Stew

We agree with Matt that “Overall, they are going for more adventurous meals that are spicier than many of the other WDW restaurants.” All this served alongside “great jokes that make you laugh and groan.”

Before we peek at something sweet, we don’t want to forget the smallest Jungle Cruise passengers among us! Here is a look at the Kids Menu. Mickey Check Meals such as Tiki Tiki Fishy Fishy Grilled Sustainable Fish and Smiley’s Little “Croc” ( a “croc” of Chicken Noodle Soup) are offered along with entrees such as Junior Skip’s Mac and Cheese and Amazon Annie’s House-made Arepas.

Kids Menu

The Volcano! tops the list of Kids Desserts, a gooey chocolate cake with caramel “lava” and exploding chocolate rocks.

©Disney

And speaking of desserts, here’s a look at the regular menu.

Dessert Menu cover

Oh, and make sure you turn it around. Because, Ladies and Gentlemen… it’s THE BACKSIDE OF THE MENU!!!

Backside of the Dessert Menu cover

A Coconut Bar with pineapple-basil compote and vanilla cream, Bertha’s Banh Bong Lan Cake with mango-lime sorbet, and Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding all offer sweet ways to end your meal at the Skipper Canteen.

Dessert Menu

And you have to know our hearts skipped a beat when we noticed that something called a Kungaloosh! is listed on the dessert menu, so let’s just start there. While it’s not the Kungaloosh beverage as we know it from the old Adventurer’s Club, the Skipper Canteen’s dessert Kungaloosh is a nice nod nonetheless.

Kungaloosh! Dessert

It’s  described as an African-inspired chocolate cake with caramelized bananas served with cashew-caramel ice cream and topped with coffee dust, but we found the gooey, soft texture of the cake more closely resembled a brownie. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much flavor from the coffee dusting, which sounded great but mostly just looked pretty.

Kungaloosh! Dessert

The best part was undoubtedly the salty-and-sweet cashew-caramel ice cream on top!

Cross-section of the Kungaloosh! Dessert

The Coconut Bar is actually a vanilla chiffon cake with coconut and lime-white chocolate ganache. It’s topped with a pineapple-basil compote and vanilla cream.

Coconut Bar with Pineapple-Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream

Coconut Bar with Pineapple Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream

This was by far our favorite dessert of the day! The cake is so soft and light, and the ganache is AH-mazing. We couldn’t get over how great the flavors tasted together, including the unexpected addition of the basil!

Cross-section of the Coconut Bar

Finally, we decided to also try the Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding, which consists of a caramelized custard with millet (an ancient grain), almonds, apricot, dates, and a honey-almond tuile.

Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding

At first glance, this one kind of threw us off. Various DFB staffers referred to it looking like both “tuna,” and “cat food.”

Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding

And, no doubt, it was a little difficult to adjust to the unique texture. And the flavors — with the emphasis on the nutty almond — are really different, though not bad. The pineapple adds a bit of sweetness to balance things out a bit. But I think I’d pass on this one after my next trip down the jungle rivers.

Cross-section of the Sugar-Crusted Congee Pudding

And that wraps up our second and closer look at our very first visit! But before we go, we leave you with special regards…

Note from Alberta Falls

… from the one and only Alberta Falls of the new — and already WORLD FAMOUS — Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen!

Overall

Even though the arrival of the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen was only announced this past August, it feels like it’s been a long time coming, especially since rumors about a possible Adventureland table service restaurant began to swirl much earlier in the year. And now, as we wrap up 2015, it’s finally here for us all to enjoy!

We’re glad to say it’s arrived with the complete package: a uniquely diverse menu (especially by Magic Kingdom Table Service standards), a fun and enthusiastic cast, and plenty of Disney details, decor and sight gags… all in honor of one of the most classic and beloved Magic Kingdom (and Disneyland) attractions. It offers unique and flavorful food served up with sides of humor and nostalgia, and we’re glad it’s here at last!

A few details for YOUR visit to the Skipper Canteen: though the restaurant is officially open, it has not yet been announced when Advance Dining Reservations will be accepted (at the time of this writing, it seems it will remain a walk-up only location at least through the year’s end, but that is subject to change). We can, however, confirm that the Disney Dining Plan is accepted, as is the Tables in Wonderland discount program. The menu for lunch and dinner is currently the same, but that could change at any time.

So, will you dare brave the dangerous jungle rivers to dine at the Skipper Canteen? We’d love to know!

Are you hoping to dine at the Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen in the new year? Please let us know with a comment!

Contributing to this article: Tina F., Wendy, AJ

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