Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is one of those places you either keep going back to or avoid at all costs. It’s not the food that entices Guests back, or send them running, it’s the “interactive” nature of the restaurant. Not really for the shy, retiring type, things can get pretty rowdy here, although more so at dinner.

Not being the outgoing type, I’ve only ever eaten breakfast here before, many years ago. As we were on the Dining Plan and looking for different places to try on our mammoth 18-night adventure, we decided to be brave and give lunch a go.

I made an Advanced Dining Reservation for 1pm, and after checking in at the podium we took a seat with our pager while the kids had fun playing with the Lincoln Logs in the wait area.

The restaurant is on the first floor of the Resort and carries through the rustic lodge theme with mini versions of the lights that hang in the main lobby, and an abundance of wood.

We were seated in the corner,  just to the left as you enter the restaurant, kind of tucked away from the main action. I don’t recall our server’s name, but he was a nice guy, although he didn’t engage in any of the antics that this place is famed for. For anyone who’s not familiar with Whispering Canyon Cafe, the servers like to have fun with and embarrass guests, for example, if you ask for ketchup you may end up with more bottles of it than you know what to do with!

Our location meant that we weren’t close enough to get a good view of the “pony race” that takes place every so often, and our girls were too reserved to want to take part anyway.

Before long, our server brought us a basket of fresh-baked cornbread. OMG, this was absolutely delicious! The four of us had no sooner managed to polish it off and it was replaced with yet more!

I’d heard good things about the milkshakes here, so had to order one of the chocolate milkshakes, which didn’t disappoint.

Another thing that this place is famous for is its all-you-care-to-eat skillets.

The lunch skillet consisted of:
Smoked Pork Ribs, Oven-roasted Chicken, and Pork Sausage served with Cowboy Beans, Corn on the Cob, Creamy Coleslaw, Mashed Potatoes, and Fresh-baked Cornbread.

If you’ve read any of my previous dining reviews, you’ll know I’m a picky eater, and although I fancied the idea of the skillet I didn’t want everything that came with it. Our server gladly obliged in just bringing me a skillet of mashed potatoes and chicken – I asked if it was possible to get mostly white meat, which again was no problem. There was more than enough for one person and it all tasted divine.

DH opted for the slow-smoked pulled pork sandwich:
Cowboy Beans, Barbecue Sauce, and choice of Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad or French Fries

But he chose mashed potatoes for a change instead of fries or salad. He really enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich, although wasn’t that keen on the beans.

DD (aged 3) was reluctant to eat chicken that didn’t come breadcrumbed at that time, and our server kindly informed us that they had regular chicken nuggets available, rather than the grilled chicken strips which were on the kids’ menu. It came with macaroni in marinara sauce, veggies and fruit salad.

DH couldn’t find room for dessert (too much cornbread I think!) But I can always find room for sweet stuff and although I’m not a huge cheesecake fan I’d heard rave reviews of the S’mores cheesecake here and decided to give it a try.

New York-style Cheesecake on a Graham Cracker Crust topped with Chocolate Ganache and Marshmallows

It was as good as others have said, although too much after all of that cornbread, chicken and chocolate shake! I had a good try at finishing it but had to give up in the end!

We really enjoyed eating here, the service was good and quick, food hot and tasty, and a nice lively atmosphere. You shouldn’t be put off dining here if you’re not that outgoing, the servers are good at reading how involved or not guests want to get, and you won’t be picked on if you prefer to be left alone.