Hi Alan,
You and I must be kindred spirits. I, too, am a huge fan of the souvenir mugs at
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. I dined at that establishment the week after it opened in the hopes of experiencing the new menu, enjoying a Schweitzer Slush and scoring a souvenir mug. The food was great, the Schweitzer Slush is now one of my favorite drinks at Magic Kingdom Park, but they were out of souvenir mugs. Gasp! The horror! Right?
I asked my server at the restaurant if guests could just walk up and purchase a Schweitzer Slush in a souvenir mug at the podium and, alas, that was not an option. So I wouldn't count on being able to purchase a souvenir mug unless you dine there. Given that information, I would recommend you choose one of the following routes:
- Make your advance dining reservation at the restaurant and let your server know that your children do not have an adventurous palate. This is very common and the chefs know how to deal with it. They can make dishes that will appeal to most children in addition to preparing meals already on their menu that are pretty tame like Smiley's Little Croc of chicken noodle soup and Junior Skip's Mac & Cheese.
- Enjoy a quick solo meal at the Canteen while your wife dines with your children elsewhere.
- Ask the Cast Member who greets you at the restaurant podium if they would be willing to sell you a souvenir mug. Let them know that the menu is not one that would work with your family's preferences. While they were not willing to sell souvenir mugs at the podium when the restaurant opened, perhaps their policy has relaxed since then. It certainly doesn't hurt to make a polite request.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that the Jungle Skipper Canteen Souvenir Mug will be added to your collection soon.
Best wishes,
Jill