Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 8 Things To Know

Do you like ketchup? And we mean – LOTS of ketchup?! Well, have we got the perfect restaurant for you! Ok, but seriously, even if you don’t like ketchup, Whispering Canyon Café is a resort restaurant you won’t want to miss. Check out these seven things to know below.

1 – A Stately Location

Whispering Canyon Café is a table-service restaurant located in one of Disney’s most stunning lobbies at the rustic yet stately Wilderness Lodge Resort. Once you enter the Wilderness Lodge, look to your left to easily spot Whispering Canyon Cafe. One of the best parts of dining here is the open atmosphere; you can look out over the impressive resort lobby while dining. The rustic appeal flows throughout the restaurant in the floor-to-ceiling woodwork. The western décor shines through with Cowboys and Indians in the wall art and on the chairs. Around the corner from the main dining area, you’ll find a few nooks that provide a more intimate dining experience, including a cozy fireplace. Even if you aren’t staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, this is one resort restaurant that is worth dropping in for.

2 – The Antics Are Back

During the pandemic, Whispering Caynon had a much more subdued experience than in the past. Guests going table to table, kids being invited to run in horse races, and the loud, bustling feel of the restaurant went missing for a few years. However, we’ve learned that these antics are back, and if you visited or have been avoiding returning to the restaurant because you heard it was too different, you can make those future reservations knowing that the classic Whispering Canyon experience is back!

3 – We Need Ketchup!

Speaking of antics, do you need some ketchup? If you ask for ketchup, you are going to get ketchup and LOTS of it! The server will ask you to yell, “We need ketchup!” Before you know it, whoever has all of the ketchup bottles will come running with one bottle and ALL of them. It’s rather hilarious to watch families try to fit all the bottles on their table among their plates and drinks. When another table needs ketchup, that family with all the bottles must deliver it to the next family requesting it.

4 – Kids Will LOVE It

With two children of our own, we can say this is a favorite stop for young ones. Whispering Canyon offers more than just some crayons and a coloring menu for kids! If you have to wait for a table, the kids can keep occupied with the table full of Lincoln Logs in the waiting area. The kiddos will love the atmosphere and the great children’s menu, including the all-you-care-to-enjoy kids’ skillet and other kid-friendly favorites! Also, as we mentioned above, children will be asked to run around the restaurant on hobby horses after dinner. Many kids absolutely love this; it makes the meal much better!

5 – Yummy Signature Skillets

While the fun atmosphere above is a huge highlight, we must say the food is AMAZING at Whispering Canyon. The cuisine matches the theme of the restaurant with western-inspired, hearty dishes for any hungry Cowboy or Cowgirl. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner have different menus that are tastebud-worthy! The star of each menu goes to the all-you-care-to-enjoy signature skillets. If you order a skillet, an actual skillet of food comes to your table and is replenished as often as you’d like.

• Breakfast and Lunch: For breakfast, you can order from one of three skillets, including The Heritage (Mickey waffles, biscuits, eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes), The Carnivore (cornbread, pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, corn, and potatoes), and The Lighter Side (oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, potatoes, and Mickey-shaped waffles). The cost is $26 per person.
• Dinner: When dinner rolls around, the skillets turn it up a notch in variety with four skillets to choose from including The Traditional (beef brisket, ribs, pork, chicken, veggies), The Pig (it’s all about the pork!), The Land and Sea (salmon, chicken, veggies), and Plant-Based (a veggie fan’s delight). The cost is $40 a person.

A skillet is the way to go, especially if you are hungry! It’s a great variety, and I really like dining at a buffet without having to get up out of your seat.

6 – Not a Skillet fan? No Worries!

If you aren’t looking for that all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, Whispering Canyon’s menus still have a great variety of goodness without the skillet. For breakfast, you can order an omelet, eggs Benedict, oatmeal, and more. For lunch, the sandwiches are delish, with selections like a turkey sandwich and a slow-smoked pulled pork sandwich. A burger and salads are also available. The dinner menu really features the skillets but also has a couple of entrees like the New York strip, salmon, and quinoa cakes.

7 – Dessert and Cocktails

Try the warm Granny Smith apple pie or the Pioneer chocolate cake for a delicious treat. And let’s not forget the adult beverages! Whether it’s a mimosa at breakfast or a glass (or bottle) from the long wine list at dinner – you’re sure to find that cocktail that is right for you.

8 – A Few Tips

Make the most of your Whispering Canyon experience by letting loose and enjoying the antics! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended. Go ahead and book your dining experience 60 days in advance. With this being said, there have been times Whispering Canyon is a good last-minute reservation to snag when needed.
• The Disney Dining Plan is accepted as one table-service credit. It’s a great bang for your buck when ordering a skillet!
• If you don’t want to be in the mix of the main dining room, ask to be seated in one of the back areas near the fireplace. You can also let your server know if you prefer to enjoy a quiet meal. They will cut the silly antics back for your table.
• Visiting Disney’s Wilderness Lodge over Christmas is wonderful because of the beautiful decorations, especially the massive Christmas tree in the lobby! This is an ideal time to dine at Whispering Canyon, as you can overlook the gorgeous tree while you dine.
• Easter and Mother’s Day are other excellent times to dine, as Whispering Canyon tends to offer special menus for these holidays.

Have a great time horsin’ around and dining on some “chuck wagon” grub!