Whispering Canyon Cafe
Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Lunch – May 2005

It was around 2:30pm when we finally made our way up to the podium located at the top of the three or four stairs that separate this restaurant from the main lobby of the hotel. I could see that there were a handful of tables still occupied, but I was not entirely convinced that we would not be turned away. The “Howdy” we received from the cast member standing behind the podium was certainly more encouraging than the “I’m sorry we are closed…” that we had gotten early at the Concourse Steakhouse. I don’t think it was until after we were seated and our server asked, “What can I get for you?” that we completely relaxed.

A quick glance at the menu and its “High Noon Offerings” led me to believe that we were being offered similar choices to those we had been denied at our first choice for lunch. Listed on the menu were a collection of salads, sandwiches and burgers all weighing in at around $10.00. There was also a scattering of entrees including “Mustang Sally’s Meatloaf” and the house specialty the “Famous All-You-Care-To-Eat Canyon Skillet”, most ranging from a little over $10.00 to $14.00.

Two of my lunch companions began debating just how much lunch they were going to order knowing that they would be eating at one of Disney’s perennial stuff yourself silly dinner locations called ‘Ohana’s later that night. Not faced with this dilemma my other lunch companion and I ordered Big Mike’s Burger.

There was a spilt decision among the two who had yet to order with one ordering the Clam Chowder Soup and the other ordering the Marshall’s Chicken Sandwich.

The large mason jars of ice cold drinks that accompanied our lunch orders were both refreshing and welcomed following the long, hot and unexpected journey that brought us here. Our hamburgers although prepared well done were moist and tasty and the Chicken sandwich was also appetizing and satisfying. And I don’t think I can remember a complaint be offered regarding the Clam Chowder and the ice cold refreshing beer that was served with it.

The desire for a relaxing and enjoyable lunch that had originally chased us out of the Magic Kingdom was more than realized. Having lunch at one of the resort restaurants, while most guests are enjoying the parks, is always a good bet. Next time however we will make a direct connection and avoid the initial disappointment and the extra effort we experienced today.

Marshall's Chicken Sandwich
Grilled marinated chicken breast sandwich topped with espresso BBQ sauce, bacon, Tillamook cheddar and steak fries $10.99

Big Mike's Burger
Grilled burger with lettuce and tomato, served with steak fries $10.99

Soup of the Day
$3.99

Partial sample of other menu offerings

High Noon Offerings

All-You-Care-To-Eat Canyon Skillet
Featuring smoked pork ribs, oven-roasted chicken and pork sausage, served with baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, Yukon gold mashed potatoes and fresh baked corn bread, served Family Style $13.99 per person

Sister Sharon's Smokehouse Stack
Turkey, ham, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, with shallot mayonnaise, on asiago focaccia bread, served with potato chips $8.99

Little Nutty Chicken Salad
Mixed greens and marinated grilled chicken breast, Tillamook cheddar, candied walnuts, and honey-roasted walnut vinaigrette $9.29

Wild Bill's Fried Chicken
Three piece fried chicken with corn on the cob, baked beans and steak fries $10.29

Mustang Sally's Meatloaf
Meatloaf with buttermilk mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables $10.99