Review: New Food & Fun at Whispering Canyon Cafe
Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge has long been one of our favorite restaurants thanks to it offering Walt Disney World’s funnest meal. However, it’s been a roller coaster couple of years for this beloved dining option, with menu and ‘entertainment’ changes. In this review, we’ll sample the new skillets, assess the state of shenanigans, share food photos, and our thoughts on whether it’s still worth booking.
For those unfamiliar with Whispering Canyon Cafe, it’s described by Disney as “an interactive western-
Not everyone agrees. A few years ago, Whispering Canyon Cafe introduced red/green flip cards so guests could silently communicate whether they wanted to participate in the hijinks. A couple of years after that, due complaints of guests staying at Wilderness Lodge in rooms above the restaurant, the whole atmosphere became more subdued…
Between a new skillet menu that debuted a few months ago and rumblings of a return to form on the fun side of things, we felt it was worth revisiting Whispering Canyon Cafe. With my parents (who love Wilderness Lodge and Whispering Canyon Cafe) in town, it made perfect sense to go and give each of the new skillets a try.
The traditional skillet, which used to be the only skillet, has previously been my go-to order here. We cover this and many other menu options in our full Whispering Canyon Cafe Review. With the latest menu changes, 3 new dinner skillets (all of which we’ll review here) have been added for dinner, plus the Heritage Skillet or Carnivore Skillet for breakfast.
With Christmas at Wilderness Lodge beginning in almost exactly one month, now is a great time to lock-in your Advance Dining Reservations and plans for the day you do our Self-Guided Yuletide Tour of Walt Disney World’s Resorts.
Given that Wilderness Lodge is Walt Disney World’s Best Place at Christmas, doing a meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe with a table overlooking the lobby with a view of that glorious tree just makes sense. That is, assuming the skillets are still delicious and the restaurant still delivers on the fun. We’ll address both in turn in this review…
Before we get to the new skillets, let’s talk about the show component of Whispering Canyon Cafe. After being toned down last year, the shenanigans returned earlier this year in what was then described as a retooled experience. Although this is a spontaneous, interaction-based restaurant, there’s still a script (in a manner of speaking), which was supposedly reworked.
The servers alluded to this, so we expected something toned down. That was not the case whatsoever.
The family at the table adjacent to us was full of repeat guests because the kids were having a blast egging them on, and initiating some interactions/prompts that typically lead to more hijinks.
Between that and the general decibel-level of some gags, it’s safe to say that not much has changed. Servers were yelling to one another across the restaurant, the pony races were as rambunctious as can be, and cries for KETCHUP were abundant. I was actually a bit surprised that it was the same Whispering Canyon Cafe experience we had enjoyed for years.
If I had to guess, I’d say that any changes to the volume level of the antics changed for breakfast and later seatings at dinner. (We dined here right when the restaurant opened for dinner.)
This would certainly make sense, as few guests in the rooms directly above the restaurant are going to be sleeping at 5 or 6 pm, whereas at 8 am or pm, kids might be in bed. (In other words, do a late breakfast, lunch, or early dinner if you’re dead-set on having a similarly loud experience.)
Pretty much the only difference we noticed is that servers were less brusque. We didn’t see straws thrown at any guests, we weren’t admonished for anything, and there was just generally less sardonic humor.
I can only assume this was a conscious change, and I can see why it was made. For one, it takes sharp comedic wit and timing to deliver this type of gag effectively. Even with that, it’s easy for adults who don’t have a wry sense of humor (or pretty much any kid) to misinterpret.
While I personally really enjoyed this aspect of Whispering Canyon Cafe (and 50’s Prime Time Cafe), it’s a tough needle to thread. I can understand why Walt Disney World would change it.
In any case, our server was wonderful–she was attentive, sly, and her interactions with us were hilarious, while still having a warmth to them. Among other tomfoolery, we received giant and miniature refills; my parents really thought that was a hoot.
All things considered, the shenanigans at Whispering Canyon Cafe are just as fun and delightful as ever. The style of humor is now a bit more approachable, while the antics have changed minimally.
Of course, this is very much a ‘your mileage may vary’ situation. Your experience will potentially differ considerably based upon your server and how you react to them. Whispering Canyon Cafe is sort of like a less passive version of the Jungle Cruise, which differs with each ride. It’s not like there’s a “gags checklist” they go through for each table of guests.
Turning to the new skillets, things begin with corn bread and coleslaw.
Normally, my “policy” is to avoid salads, bread, fruits, and vegetables (much to Sarah’s consternation) in an all-you-can-eat scenario, as they’re low-value filler. Not the case here, as both the corn bread and coleslaw are exceptional.
However, I started by trying the vegan corn bread and coleslaw, just to see how they hold up. I was very pleasantly surprised by both. That is, before I tried the normal versions.
Reviewing plant-based foods is tricky because there’s a mixed audience for it. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this corn bread and coleslaw will taste fantastic. If you’re a flexitarian or comparing them side-by-side, they’re unquestionably inferior. It’s all about frame of reference.
Above is “The Land and Sea” skillet, which consists of House-smoked Salmon, Citrus-Herb Chicken, Spicy Vegan Sausage, Charred Portobella, Barbecued Cauliflower, Roasted Potatoes, Sautéed Green Beans, and Oven-roasted Carrots.
The first serving of salmon here was perfect. Just the right amount of fattiness for flavor, while still being lean, plus a fresh, lightly-smoked flavor. Naturally, I requested more. The results were a bit more mixed, with one fillet being just fine and another being overcooked and dry.
Overcooked and dry is also how I’d describe the chicken. The citrus-herb rub is a nice touch here, and I liked its flavor, but the chicken itself never delivered. To my surprise, the spicy vegan sausage was actually a standout, much better than I would’ve expected. The vegetables were also all very good.
However, the Land and Sea skillet just doesn’t hold a candle to the top-tier skillets at Whispering Canyon. It’s too inconsistent and with only two actual meats, it feels like you’re getting a lot less. (To be sure, this skillet and the vegan one are literally smaller in size than the other two.) We don’t recommend it–if you’re a pescatarian, you’re better off just ordering the Cedar Plank Salmon.
Next up is the Plant-based Skillet, which Sarah ordered. This contains Maple-Chipotle Barbecued Jackfruit, Spicy Sausage, Mustard-glazed Beefless Tips, Herb-brushed Trick’n Chick’n, Roasted Potatoes, Oven-roasted Carrots, Sautéed Green Beans, and Charred Peppers.
Sarah has been raving about many/most of the new plant-based options at Walt Disney World, but this one seems to have missed the mark. There were flashes of deliciousness here–such as the maple BBQ jackfruit and beefless tips, but other things fell flat.
The predominant problem was that so much of the skillet simply tasted over-processed or off. The fake chicken was the biggest offender here; the texture, taste, and just the general look left a lot to be desired. The vegetables were good, but some mushrooms and cauliflower would’ve been nice.
All things considered, the Plant-based Skillet is another one we have trouble recommending. If you’re actually a vegetarian or vegan, obviously you can’t choose the other skillets instead. However, you can opt for the Pan-fired Red Quinoa Cakes (which are also considerably cheaper).
Finally, we have the Pig Skillet, which offers up Braised Pork Belly, Maple-Chipotle Barbecued Pork Ribs, Slow-smoked Pulled Pork, Mustard-Barbecued ‘Piggy Wings’, Western-style Sausage, Smashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, and Sautéed Green Beans.
You might notice a decent amount of overlap between this and the Traditional Skillet, with a few differences. The notable additions here are the piggy wings and pork belly, which are essentially in place of the brisket and chicken. The latter is not much of a loss, but the brisket is.
However, I’d say the piggy wings and pork belly together trump the brisket and chicken. The piggy wings have a unique flavor, are tender, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. They’re right up there with the ribs as the highlight of the skillet. The pork belly is less consistent, with some pieces being a bit too dry and one note. When they were good, they were really good, though.
The one annoyance about the skillets is that the ‘high dollar’ items are sparse to begin with. I don’t want to waste food–but I also don’t want to begin with a huge helping of corn and green beans, but only one rib and piece of pork belly. (Our server was quick to bring out more food, though.)
Ultimately, the Piggy Skillet comes out on top thanks to its two additions, and is the saving grace of the expanded skillet menu. It’s the lone new offering that gives the Traditional Skillet a run for its money (and surpasses it, in my estimation).
It’s probably unfair to say the others don’t completely justify their existence–as even vegetarians, vegans, and those who don’t eat red meat might want to pig out on an all-you-can-eat skillet–but there are other alternatives on the menu that are cheaper and superior.
Overall, Whispering Canyon Cafe remains an excellent dining option at Walt Disney World, albeit one that’s not for everyone. If you’re shy, looking for a romantic dinner, or prefer fine dining, you’ll definitely want to look elsewhere. This restaurant is best-suited for families with avid carnivores who are looking for a raucous good time with an entertaining experience that stops short of being a full-blown show.
We love literally everything about Whispering Canyon Cafe. It demonstrates what Disney does best: entertainment, atmosphere, and indulgent comfort foods. The setting is inviting and well-designed, Cast Members are at the top of their game, the food is tasty, and the end result is an absolute hoot. For us, Whispering Canyon Cafe is one of the most quintessentially Disney offerings you can enjoy outside the theme parks at Walt Disney World.
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of Whispering Canyon Cafe? Are you a fan of the show component and interactivity of the meal, or is it not what you want to experience when dining out? Thoughts on the food here? Have you tried any of the new skillets? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Ah, Whispering Canyon Cafe…having dozens of ketchup bottles put on my table and handfuls of straws thrown at me visit after visit after visit…priceless.
Great to hear reviews of new menu items (especially since we’ll be visiting with a vegan friend just next week!)
What a shame that some people don’t appreciate that this venue is supposed to be fun. Comparing it to 1900 Park Fayre etc is comparing oranges to apples. They’re both great – but both entirely different. If people coming here want a polite, quiet meal they’ve chosen the wrong place.
We love Whispering Canyon and come back every time we visit. The food has always been excellent and plentiful and the shenanigans vary each time depending on the server – but they’ve always made us smile. Of course we know to ask for ketchup but nothing can beat our first visit when, as well as being bombarded with blue crayons from every table, my daughter (then 5, now 17) asked for a blue crayon and a 5 foot long one was marched out of the kitchen on the shoulder of a server. We’ve never forgotten the hilarity.
Long may it continue…
Opinion: Whispering Canyon or 1900 Park Fare for dinner? Debating the two.
Go with 1900 Park Fare.
Do you want fun or fine? Proceed accordingly.
This review is exactly what I have come to expect from WDW food, over all nothing special! A shame really considering the cost of any food item.
Hi all – would love your opinions on this question: I have Garden Grill booked one night on my November trip. I was planning on arriving near dinner time, and doing a few things in future world (WS on another night). I’m considering instead booking Whispering Canyon and doing an additional MK evening instead of Epcot given all of the construction. For those who have been there recently, do you think FW is worth the time? Any opinions on the food quality between the two restaurants?
Hi Abbey.
Without factoring in location, although I love Whispering Canyon, my pick is Garden Grill. This is a bold statement with all the wonderful dining options in World Showcase but Garden Grill is my favorite restaurant at Epcot. I love the Garden Grill because the character greets are fun with Chip and Dale, Mickey is in a unique outfit (farmer), food is delicious, and I enjoy the views into my favorite parts of Living with Land attraction.
As for factoring in location Future World vs Magic Kingdom, assuming you’ve allocated plenty of time to MK on your vacation, I would chose Garden Grill/Future World. Although Future World is going through major construction, all the major attractions are still open. I would only pick Whispering Canyon if my trip is long duration and if I have a car while staying at a monorail resort or I am staying at WL. Transportation between your resort and Whispering Canyon is time consuming and I would hate for you to waste valuable MK park time in the evening to squeeze in Whispering Canyon.
This is incredibly helpful, thanks MaxBuff!
I remember reading some early reactions to the servers at Oga’s in Disneyland, some saying how rude they were, but I also remember reading that it was supposed to be part of the immersive experience where “we don’t serve their kind here” is the underlying attitude and ambience. It’s understandable to me why any perceived negativity or rudeness would be taken personally. I get the whole immersive and poke-fun thing, but I admit I don’t deal with it very well. I wish I did because the menu and theming at Whispering Canyon look great. I also speak for my husband and son, who basically just want to enjoy a dinner without being engaged. If it was all passive performing contained among the serving staff, that would be fine. I guess it’s the difference in being introverted vs extroverted.
That was our experience. Trying to avoid the whole thing as a couple there with nochildren only to have a server throw a heavy wooden jail on our table knocking over food on our clothes and generally embarrasing us when we did not see it coming. We won’t be back and I am sure itis great as long as you know what to expect.
The servers at Oga’s are far too busy to have any character/personality whatsoever. If they’re rude to you, it’s not part of the show :-).
Imagineering talked up the cantina’s immersive and maybe-not-so-friendly environment, but (as with a lot of SWGE) the reality is far less engaging than what was promised.
As Tom mentioned in his reivew, Whispering Canyon has a green/red card on each table so you can opt in or out of the hijinks. If you want to take in Whispering Canyon as a performance, you can flip your card to red, enjoy your dinner, and watch other pople get messed with.
Im glad to see it’s gone back to it’s old fun ways. Didn’t go the past 2 times because it wasn’t fun. Grandkids had a blast the 1st time, but nor second time. Hope it works out.
WC is a must do anytime I stay at WL. I love the cornbread. We ordered “The Land and Sea” skillet and it was delicious. My favorite part of the skillet was the vegan sausage which surprises me since I am not a vegan. The atmosphere is fun.
I’ve already got the very plan you suggest: for my upcoming December trip, I’ve got a lunch reservation at Whispering Canyon right in the middle of following your self-guided tour of resort decorations (I eagerly await an update on that to see if the Skyliner changes the suggested route).
I’ll be a solo traveler and I’m a light eater, so it probably won’t be worth it for me to go for an all-you-can-eat skillet (though I’ve loved the traditional one when dining here with a group) but I’m glad to hear the hijinks are intact!
“(I eagerly await an update on that to see if the Skyliner changes the suggested route)”
Oh wow…it hadn’t even crossed my mind to do this. Looks like I have some work to do–thanks for the idea!
Glad to be of service! 😀
May I make the suggestion that each article starts with where the place is located. We non-afficionados of Disney don’t know where or what Wilderness Lodge is. My suggestion:
Winderness Lodge is a hotel(?) located at Disney (world/land) and is/not accessible to non-hotel guests.
It would help us lurkers. Thank you
The wilderness lodge is in Florida in the Walt Disney World resort. If you make a dining reservation for whispering Canyon you are guaranteed access to the wilderness Lodge and it’s parking. If you go to Tom’s article on the wilderness Lodge you can see some of the incredible rustic architecture of the lodge. It is particularly breathtaking if you go in the evening during the Christmas season when it is all decorated and lit up.
It’s nice that you took your parents there Tom-my parents always love going to the Wilderness Lodge.
For me the original skillet will always be the best one – they had at least three barbecue sauces one Asian one red sauce and I think one of mustard sauce. They also had a great Apple garlic vinaigrette that you could get on a salad. It seems that the meats always were more succulent in the original skillet than they are nowadays at the whispering Canyon. I still do enjoy it, but I think the trails end buffet at the fort wilderness campground can give it quite a strong run for the money even though trails end does not have anything like as much barbecue. Comfort food is the theme at both.
Our family visited Whispering Canyon in August, the interactiveness with cast members for us were limited to ordering. It could have been possible this was a new cast member but we were surrounded by other cast members being very animated with there tables. We had an accident at our table and a plate was dropped and broke on the floor it appeared that this created great deal of confusion as to who would assist in the clean up. Our service was sporadic and slow and attempting to get seconds took some time. Overall it was only a fair visit, not what we had experienced at other visits that we have made previously to Whispering Canyon .
Glad you’re trying some of the vegan stuff, it’s what the people really want to hear about!
Our family made our first visit to Wilderness Lodge 6 months after it opened and have been back 22 times since. We have eaten numerous meals at Whispering Canyon and have always enjoyed the “show” as much as the food. We were disappointed a few years back when things got toned down bit didn’t keep us always. We will be there in 8 weeks with a our kids and grandkids and can’t wait to catch up with the 4 or 5 cast members that remember us by name every year.
sorry for my typos…….the keys are getting smaller…….
We ate lunch there last week. We had THE BEST WAITRESS!! I believe her name is Wendy! She was a hoot and gave great service!! It was a lot of fun with great food! We had our daughter , son in-law , and two grands (14&10 yo!) and everyone enjoyed!! Thanks
Where is Whispering Canyon located in relation to the parks and/or Disney hotels?
It is in Wilderness Lodge!
Sorry, but in my opinion the “shenanigans,” loud as they are, ruin the entire ambiance of Wilderness Lodge’s lobby. Whispering Canyon is a complete misnomer. It’s more like Calamitous Cafeteria! Think Junior High School lunchroom with cheerleaders and a band and you have an idea of the noise level. Put up a wall to separate the venue from the lobby and let people scream and yell if they want to while others enjoy the beauty of the lobby in peace. This ain’t the Hoop de Do Review ad infinitum and in perpetuity, it’s an open, vaulted hotel lobby with many people not participating in this show or wanting to, but if you are in that area you are essentially forced to do so.
Some people would like to enjoy it in the morning and evening before and after they hit the parks where there is noise and are “shenanigans” aplenty. This is the wrong place to have this type of entertainment.
You must be really fun at parties.
“Whispering Canyon is a complete misnomer. It’s more like Calamitous Cafeteria!”
That’s a really good point. Have you considered sending a letter to WDW Guest Services to point this out?
I wish I was brave enough to try this place again, several years ago both my husband and daughter got very sick after we had a dinner there. Out of our party of 5 they were the only ones that ate the same meal and it was not pretty, they both got food poisoning. I am glad it looks like it has improved but there is no way I could convince them to try it.
We went here for the first time in August and it was one of my all time favorite Disney dining experiences–for food, experience, everything. I’d go back in a hot second if I could.
Also, for the record, they DID throw straws at us.
We’ve dined at Whispering Canyon at least 3 times on the trips we’ve taken to DW, we stay at Wilderness (in my opinion it can’t be beat, it’s hands down my favorite hotel, too)! I can honestly say that we’ve had THE BEST dining experiences of all experiences at WC. When we were there for Mickey Mouse’s birthday (which is also my birthday), one of the chef’s came out and asked my children to sing Happy Birthday with him while we recorded it so that we could show Mickey when we saw him later that day. On another visit, my children were enamoured with “Miss Sunshine” and she truly was the highlight of the entire trip. That was several years ago and my children still talk about Miss Sunshine as if she is their best friend. The most magical moments of DW memories come from WC for our family, I hope it never changes!
Whispering canyon is always a consistent favorite of our family’s every time we go to Disney. Last trip we went twice! The food is always good and it’s just a cozy place to eat. You don’t feel so crammed and rushed here. We’ve eaten at plenty of amazing Disney restaurants and this is always our go to if we don’t have dinner plans and don’t want to run to a park. We always stay at ft.wilderness cabins so the boat ride over and back is super convenient. Anytime I ask my husband what his favorite meal was he will always say whispering canyon and yak and yeti!!! Every.Single. Trip. 🙂 I’m so happy to hear the shenanigans are back!