During my most recent trip to Magic Kingdom to enjoy Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I decided to dine at “Skipper’s Canteen.” Of course, as a theme park food blogger, I must point out the official name of this restaurant is “Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen.” I think you can see what most people refer to this place as Skipper’s Canteen. Also, this table service dining restaurant correlates to the Jungle Cruise attraction. I rode the Jungle Cruise attraction later in the evening after a meal at Skipper’s Canteen.

If you have ridden Jungle Cruise, then you know to expect lots of “corny” jokes. The Skipper’s Canteen continues that trend. So, expect plenty of jokes but do not expect good jokes.

On the evening I went I used mobile check-in for my advance dining reservation made with assistance of MouseDining.com. I then got comfortable in a chair in the covered outdoor waiting area. The Cast Member outside suggested I wait there. A few minutes later, I got a push notification from “My Disney Experience” telling me that my table was ready. I checked with the Cast Member. They said to continue to wait that my table was not actually ready yet. I understand these mix-ups happen. However, my spouse checked inside and was told that our table was indeed ready. Like I said, these things happen. Also, with Disney technology, we should know to double-check based on large number of glitches that commonly happen.

My main intention to visit Skipper’s Canteen involved ordering a new menu item, the “Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles.” These basically replaced the “Perkins Thai Noodles.” For the record, Disney Parks Blog recently said several new items existed here. However, a few of those have been around for a while. These noodles started appearing on menu at Skipper’s Canteen in mid-July unlike the Hangar Steak advertised as new but it arrived way earlier in year.

This noodle entrée costs $26. The menu description reads “thin noodles tossed in a savory spicy chili sauce topped with crispy pork, pickled mustard greens, radish, and cucumbers.” The server warned me that these noodles would be spicy. Yet, they used to do with the Perkins noodles sometimes also. I would not define the Perkins noodles as spicy previously.

So how were these when I had them? In fairness, these noodles did offer some legitimate spice. I would define it as spicy by theme park levels. Still, this would not be as spicy as if you ordered this at a more authentic dining establishment somewhere else. In comparison to the “spice heat” level of several of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party food items I would try later, this paled in comparison on spicy heat scale.

The flavor of this deserves consideration. The spice level fits this dish well. Most importantly, the components all brought decent flavor with them. Compared to Dan Dan Noodles served at other area theme park resorts, this makes a better option. Also, the seasoned pork brings a nice flavor to this dish. The pork also came well prepared.

However, this one comes with a higher price point than other places. The standard peril of being hungry within Magic Kingdom causes budget concerns. Yet, $26 for this within Magic Kingdom rates as expected. I found the portion size a bit smaller than expected though. Though the vegetables provide nice flavor, I struggled with the texture of them. I have issues with some cooked vegetables regarding texture so this might not be a surprise.

As expected, this new menu item fits the pattern and theme at Skipper’s Canteen. The food here will rarely blow you away. However, the food should always function as a good option. Can you find better options at Walt Disney World? Yes, however, at this price point within Magic Kingdom, a better value for this level of food might be tough to find. You will need to enjoy a touch of spicy food with your meal for this one. All in all, I see this new menu item as a good inclusion to Skipper’s Canteen. As always, eat like you mean it!