Skipper's Canteen...overhyped?

[GatorChris]

We got a lunch reservation here. And I really enjoyed the campy waitress jokes and stuff. The ambience is also very cool. Just disappointed in the food. The secret cheese bread was amazing, and GF for my wife. But my meal was just meh for the big TS pricing. I had much better at Liberty Tree. Anyone else feel this way?

 

[Smugpugmug]

I mean, I do agree but I also think that all of Magic Kingdom's table service restaurants suck. I leave the park and eat at one of the monorail resorts instead.

 

[BrianL]

The first time I went I felt like it was pretty good - it was still pretty new at the time. When I went again, I thought it was just okay - but it may have been what I ordered. That said, it's still one of the better options at MK, only because most are so lousy to begin with. Like, if this restaurant's at Epcot, I would never go to it!

 

[GatorChris]

Like, if this restaurant's at Epcot, I would never go to it!

So true!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I used to be a fan but over the last couple years they got rid of the lamb dish I liked and the other dishes I ordered were very mediocre for the price point. I’m much happier doing MK lunch over at S71 these days.

 

[Minnesota!]

It's been dumbed down cuz....'merica. But, to be fair, all of MK is pretty bland and blah.

 

[Karalee402]

I have to agree, and it's disappointing because I wanted to like it so badly and MK really needs better food options. The atmosphere is great, and we had a blast looking at all the easter eggs around the place. But the food was just okay.

 

[kylenne]

It used to be a lot better but as others have said it was dumbed down to cater to the typical bland American palate, pretty much everything interesting was taken off the menu, and it’s a shell of itself. Now it’s simply the best of a lousy TS lineup at MK (though I honestly think CRT has better food now). No reason to go here anymore when Wailulu is a boat/monorail ride away.

 

[PPFlight75]

It used to be a lot better but as others have said it was dumbed down to cater to the typical bland American palate, pretty much everything interesting was taken off the menu, and it’s a shell of itself. Now it’s simply the best of a lousy TS lineup at MK (though I honestly think CRT has better food now). No reason to go here anymore when Wailulu is a boat/monorail ride away.

This exactly! My whole family loved this place until recently and we left it off the list this summer. We've dealt with the menu changes still and seemed to find something else we liked, but no more. So sad!

 

[Smugpugmug]

It used to be a lot better but as others have said it was dumbed down to cater to the typical bland American palate, pretty much everything interesting was taken off the menu, and it’s a shell of itself. Now it’s simply the best of a lousy TS lineup at MK (though I honestly think CRT has better food now). No reason to go here anymore when Wailulu is a boat/monorail ride away.

The two appetizers I had at Wailulu were better than anything I had at a table service in MK. They actually had seasoning which is surprisingly rare in MK.

 

[kylenne]

The two appetizers I had at Wailulu were better than anything I had at a table service in MK. They actually had seasoning which is surprisingly rare in MK.

We ate there a couple of times on our May trip during the Poly segment and I hit it pretty hard when I stayed at the tower last month and it was the best food I’ve had on property in a while. Wailulu scratches that itch for something different to me that Skipper Canteen used to years ago. Tbh one of the big reasons I enjoy staying at the monorail resorts is having lunch back at the resort on midday MK breaks. MK is mainly for snacks to me at this point.

 

[HopperFan]

We ate there the first week it opened, even bought the last engraved mule mug they never got back again, still have. We ate in the large room and it was loud and felt like a food court. Returned a few times and requested small rooms and they are so much cooler. BUT I think the food is grossly overpriced. The plates are small portioned and with sides like RICE and a few pieces of veggie. It's like being on Survivor and I'm not a big eater. $34 for noodle soup with a few shrimp tossed in? And not once have we had a real fun campy server. When they have CMs outside trying to get you to come in .... and you can always book, time to look inward.

 

[DWillowBay]

It had been a favorite for us for a long time, but with all the more recent menu changes, they took away all the items that were most appealing to us. Sadly, we won't be returning. Tried to be a good sport about it and ate there in May, but it was not the best experience. We'll keep monitoring, but not on our list for our next trip.

 

[LoveDaisy]

I think it’s the best TS in MK but with that said I don’t think any in MK are great. I have never seen campy fun when I have eaten there.

 

[Genie+]

Over the years the menu changed. Our first 4 visits were super impressive. I still have specific memories of each meal. Back then it was an MK must-do. But as the menu changed so did the buzz. Early on I remember ‘guides’ taking us around and showing cool unique elements hidden around the restaurant, excitement shared with guests nearby, food coming out and everyone looking.

I’m not surprised though. It’s pretty typical of new offerings at WDW where they’ll go the extra mile with something new and once it gets very popular dial it back. We’ve learned not to take them for granted lol and try not to miss any opportunities. If it’s good, like Wailulu now, hit it as often as possible and never leave it for next time.