We’re taking a quick trip around all four Disney World Parks and then making stops at several Resorts, where a lot of food news seems to be taking place as of late!
But we’re starting our “World”-wide tour at Downtown Disney, and taking a peek at how things are shaping up as the transition towards “Disney Springs” continues on. And we may even take a sneak peek at something coming to our friends in Disneyland on the west coast.
So, are you ready to see What’s New? Good! Because in the words of Peter Pan, “Here we GOOOOOOO…”
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Okay, so we’ve mentioned it a couple of times recently, but that’s because we’re happy that BabyCakes has a new home in Downtown Disney! Located at The Landing of what will be Disney Springs, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC has been up and running since 1 pm on Sunday, February 22nd.
Featuring gluten-free and vegan baked goods, this is great news for guests on some dietary restrictions. Read our opening day review here!
Flour and Sugar
Speaking of baked goods, Flour and Sugar is a little kiosk that can be found on the newly opened Marketplace Causeway. It sells pre-packaged cookies inspired by various cities in the Sunshine State.
We tried the Siesta Key Key Lime S’more, and we’ll have a review here for you soon!
Disney Springs Construction
All in all, things really seem to be picking up speed in Downtown Disney with the Causeway completed, allowing an easy stroll from spots around T-Rex to the Rainforest Cafe side at the Marketplace.
We’ll be sure to take a little tour along the path when we’re back with our Flour and Sugar review! The next thing we have our eyes on? Look for
construction to be completed on The Boathouse, currently anticipated for an April opening.
Raglan Road
While construction and completion remains the main focus, there are also just some good ol’ menu updates to tell you about at one of our favorite spots: Raglan Road!
Up for Brunch at Raglan? Pork Hash Tagged, Ellis Isle Steak ‘n Eggs, and Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes have been added to the line-up (just click on any of the menu images to enlarge).
New dinner entrees include the Double Joint (bone-in ribeye), Cod Cornucopia, and Proud Pork.
The Smoking Margarita is one of the new specialty libations, featuring tequila and Irish whiskey, agave nectar, and fresh lime sour with a smoked paprika and sugar rim. And you’ll spy a Ginger Mojito on the list as well.
In fact, we got to try a bunch of the new menu items recently, and you can check out our review here!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Trolley Car Cafe
In early February, The Trolley Car Cafe opened up for business and is now serving up Starbucks Coffee (along with both Starbucks and Disney treats) right on Hollywood Boulevard!
Read our Opening Day post here!
Hollywood Studios Quick Service Breakfasts
This recent addition has brought some changes to the Hollywood Studios breakfast offerings. Quick Service breakfast options now revolve around Trolley Car Cafe, Starring Rolls Cafe, and Writer’s Stop, as the eateries along Sunset Ranch are no longer serving breakfast (think Fairfax Fare, former home of the Egg and Cheese English Muffin).
Cinderella Premium Popcorn Bucket
And be on the lookout for Cinderella’s Coach, hitting Hollywood Studios this month in the form of this Cinderella Premium Popcorn Bucket!
It is in celebration of the live-action “Cinderella” film, coming to theaters everywhere on March 13th!
EPCOT
2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Is your calendar marked for March 4th? That’s the day the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins, and some details have emerged regarding new food and beverages that will be featured at some of this year’s Outdoor Kitchens!
And check a couple of super popular princesses who are joining in the floral fun! (Notice the wintry mix of flowers around Elsa meeting the summertime meadow around Anna!)
Tutto Gusto
In Italy’s Tutto Gusto, Gamberetti (shrimp and calabrian chili) can now be found under the Cavatappi options, and Tuscan Pork Ribs and Meatball Sliders have returned under Gusto Specialties.
Stay tuned for our review!
L’artisan des Glaces
Who’s up for Lemon Ice Cream with Crispy Meringues at L’artisan des Glaces in France? We tried it and it’s awesome!!!
Le Cava del Tequila
And would you look at this little cutie who has made her arrival at Mexico’s La Cava del Tequila? She travels with guests and has had her picture taken all over Disney World! You can follow her adventures on the La Cava Twitter feed.
Her name? Quite fittingly, it’s “Margarita”! (And, no, this isn’t Margarito, for those who are wondering.)
Yorkshire County Fish and Chips
In the UK Pavilion, we recently tried the dessert change up featured at Yorkshire County Fish Shop: Victoria Sponge Cake.
Look for our review here on the DFB soon!
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Bradley Falls
Word has it that the April 1 reopening for Flame Tree Barbecue (currently under refurbishment) has been pushed to later in the month. If you’re looking for some additional bites in the meantime, a Thai Pork Sandwich was spotted (and sampled!) by our friend Andy Jackson from Eating (and Drinking) Around the World at Bradley Falls.
Drinkwallah
And who would’ve expected to come across sandwiches at a spot by the name of Drinkwallah?
Though the focus here is on sips, an assortment of sandwiches can currently be found here as well.
We’re pretty sure this is only for the most popular times of the year, however, so get there fast if you wan’t ’em.
MAGIC KINGDOM
Pinocchio Village Haus
I know, I know… it seems like such a small thing. But I was happy to see the addition of marinara sauce to the Pesto Garlic Bread Knots at Pinocchio Village Haus.
The reason for my excitement? I felt like marinara was the one thing slightly missing from this savory snack!
RESORTS
Coronado Springs
Previously a breakfast and lunch only spot, Las Ventanas is now serving dinner, too. Additionally, it recently began accepting Advance Dining Reservations.
I really enjoyed breakfast there when this small Table Service restaurant opened last March, so it’s nice to know that more people will have a chance to give it a try!
Meanwhile, its neighbor, Maya Grill, has had a menu refresh.
Appetizers now include the Taquiza taco trio, Cocktail de Camaron (shrimp), and Carpaccio of Ahi Tuna. Among the new entrees are Red Snapper Veracruzana and Pan Roasted Cornish Game Hen. You’ll also find entrees made for serving 2 under “Seasonal Signatures.”
Moderate Resorts
It’s been fun to see the specific Resort-themed merchandise — including drinkware — popping up at Port Orleans – Riverside and French Quarter, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Coronado Springs. Here’s a glimpse!
I love the mugs, like this one at Caribbean Beach Resort, the best.
Wouldn’t you know… by the time I got to Port Orleans (my favorite!) to snatch a Riverside or French Quarter mug, they were sold out. These popular mugs should be coming back in stock, though, according to a Cast Member I spoke with. Fingers crossed!
Grand Floridian
The Tea Packages for Afternoon Tea at The Garden View Lounge have changed.
You can see the full menu of package options here.
Polynesian Resort
to the dinner menu at ‘Ohana!!
And one of our awesome readers kindly informed us that at Kona Cafe, the “New York Strip is now served with a maple bacon butter instead of teriyaki pineapple. It is served with choice of potato and seasonal veggies (mine was delicious broccoli). Half of an entire bunch of garlic cloves come roasted as well, ready for delicious spreading. It was incredible!”
Thanks so much for sharing, Emily!
Disneyland
Well, I don’t know if you can call this “What’s New,” since it’s really “What WILL be new”… But when I saw these adorable Mickey Balloon Popcorn Buckets coming to Disneyland in May as part of the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, I fell in love with this picture and had to share!
Who could resist?
Well, that wraps up this round of What’s New… Thanks for joining us! And until next time, Eat and Be Happy!
Have you spotted anything new during a recent trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it in a comment!
Dana says
We’re going to Disneyland for the first time ever this fall, and I can’t wait to get one of those popcorn buckets!
Penny says
I don’t expect to be back at the World for a while now so I’m quite excited to see the final transformation into Disney Springs by the time I do.
The overcrowding by the Lego Store on my last trip was a real fun-sucker as we all shuffled along. Seeing the bridge open now is a small celebration in itself.
Looking forward to reading your Victoria Sponge review – a very traditional British cake to have with a cuppa 🙂 Much happier to see that than the shortbread cookies (I love shortbread but it just seemed such a lazy menu item – some pre-packaged cookies, meh)
Wendy says
Dana — That is awesome! Hope you have a great first trip :)!!
Penny — Yes, that new bridge is going to provide some great relief, I think :). And it’s fun to hear your thoughts on the new UK offering. I’m in the same boat in that I love shortbread, but thought it was a really neat change up on the menu!
Amanda says
is the Cinderella’s coach popcorn bucket only at Hollywood Studios? Or are they at all of the parks?
Jess says
I LOVE that Cinderella popcorn bucket! I wish it had been available during Princess Half Marathon weekend! You may have already covered this and I just missed it, but I was devastated to learn that Pecos Bill’s no longer serves the legendary taco salad. I thought they were joking when they told me! That was my favorite lunch at the Magic Kingdom.
Evelynn says
Mmmmm….. Lemon ice cream sounds good and those Mickey popcorn buckets are adorbs! – words from my niece 🙂
Michael Nolan says
We tried the Siesta Key cookie a few weeks ago. I like the idea of the little kiosks