Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen has several new drinks and a new short rib meal — plus the return of a Verandah Restaurant appetizer — all to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Join us for an adventurous meal at the Jungle Cruise-inspired restaurant.
Adventureland Colada – $9.00
DOLE Whip® Pineapple blended with Coconut Cream and Passion Fruit
I am not the biggest Dole Whip fan, but coaxed with coconut cream, this becomes a favorite for me. The passion fruit is not overbearing; it’s a light coating of the glass that eventually settles at the bottom for a light taste throughout. Overall, I would highly recommend giving this a try.
Tropical Sangria – $11.00
White Wine blended with Tropical Juices and a touch of Ginger
A play on the nearby “Tropical Serenade,” the Tropical Sangria is not well blended. It’s just wine and juices thrown in a glass with little regard for flavor.
Veranda Shandy – $10.00
Blue Moon Draft with Chipotle and Pineapple Juice garnished with a Pineapple Wedge
Blue Moon with chipotle and pineapple juice is an interesting choice, and that’s about the nicest thing I can say for this. It’s not bad, but it seems a bit odd as the juices and beer don’t work all that well together. The chipotle is present in a tiny bit of spice in each sip, light enough to be missed altogether.
Veranda Fried Rice – $15.00
Spicy Chili-Garlic Shrimp served over Pork Fried Rice with Eggs and Peas
Veranda Fried Rice was originally a menu item at the Verandah Restaurant, which closed in the 90s and was later (much later) replaced with Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen.
I have vague memories of the Adventureland Verandah and this item, but I don’t remember what it tasted like. If it was anything like this, then the world suffered a tremendous loss. This is one of the best appetizers at Magic Kingdom, if not all of Walt Disney World. The rice has a salty, well-balanced flavor from the teriyaki sauce (which we assume is Kikkoman as they sponsored the former location), while the shrimp is sticky-sweet and not at all fishy. This is a must-order item if you’re dining here.
Senegal Sal’s Short Rib – $36.00
Berber-spiced Short Rib, Sweet Potato Silk, Cucumber, and Root Vegetable Slaw
So, Skipper Canteen shares a kitchen with The Diamond Horseshoe and Liberty Tree Tavern. With that being said, this is most definitely just the “Pennsylvania Pot Roast” from the other restaurants, which isn’t a good thing.
The sweet potato puree is quite good, but it is not enough to save this overcooked, stringy, and mushy short rib.
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