Today we’re talking everything from Mac & Cheese to Mine Trains, and from slushes to steins. Please join us for another trip around the World to see What’s New!

Magic Kingdom

Friar’s Nook

made waves around New Year’s when the menu changed to feature some very unique styles of Macaroni and Cheese, while hot dogs remained available as a choice. Well, they’ve been brought together in the form of a Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Dog.

Why not, right? They had all the ingredients handy since they introduced all that Mac & Cheese goodness to the menu, and it’s always a lovely thing to find more Mac & Cheese Hot Dogs available at Disney World!

But something a bit more unexpected has also arrived: Pot Roast Macaroni & Cheese has replaced the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (whaaaat…?!?).

Soooo, what’s it like? Stay tuned for our review!

Pinocchio Village Haus has reopened since its refurbishment. This Magic Kingdom Counter Service restaurant is known for its many rooms with beautiful artwork honoring the film Pinocchio, and it appears the refurbishment was just a general spruce-up with no major changes.

The entrée menu continues to feature flatbreads, and there are only small changes to report.

Those changes are found on the back of the menu: Lemonade Slush and Blue Raspberry Slush have replaced Pinocchio Punch (though you can find the same beverage at Sunshine Tree Terrace: All-Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam).

No sign of that Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, either, but the Slushes here do tend to change with some frequency, so we’ll see if Pinocchio’s conscience makes a return one of these days…

Liberty Square Market often reveals some surprises in the small signs around the registers in addition to the more permanent offerings listed on the hanging menu. While this snack stand has had Slushes available for a long time, on my most recent visit they were also offered in the souvenir Horseman’s Stein.

The stein itself has been available at Sleepy Hollow, but this was the first time I’d noticed it here. I adore anything to do with the old Ichabod Crane and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow film, so seeing this piece in other places makes me smile.

Sing it with me! “He’s the new school master! What’s his name? Ichabod! Ichabo-od Craaaaaane!”

There’s one more spot where you can grab a Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae (affectionately known here on the DFB as the “Mickey Pants Sundae”). This sign was spotted at the check-in counter for the Plaza Restaurant.

While these aren’t limited to the Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Emporium is the first place we first got to see the new line Princess and Villain mugs. On a more recent visit, we spied the remainder of the collection! Here is the Cinderella mug…

… and while the general design differs, we thought you might like to see the new Maleficent and Evil Queen mugs, too!

And among all these small changes, we sure can’t ignore the biggest change of all! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster was dedicated in New Fantasyland on May 2nd, with the official opening date for the public announced for May 28th.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is preparing for Star Wars Weekends 2014 beginning on May 16, and two all-new Star Wars Character Meals have already made their debut in advance of the celebration!

Breakfast is being served at Sci-Fi Dine-In with Darth Vader and some of his fellow Dark Siders at the Star Wars Galactic Dine In.

While over at Hollywood and Vine, Jedi Mickey and pals joined guests for dinner at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine! Check out our full review of this special event!

Even with all this going on, Hollywood Studios has still managed to remember and commemorate Earth Day with the return of the Worms in Dirt Cupcake, available this year through May 15th.

However, this guy did make a special appearance for May the 4th Be With You, and we’ll be seeing more of him when Star Wars Weekends kick in.

Did you know that Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner serves up Seasonal Shakes year round? The current shake is Pineapple with Toasted Coconut, and it’s always worth a peek to see what might be in store during your visit.

Toy Story Pizza Planet is offering its own souvenir cup!

And there is one small menu change to report at the Sci Fi Dine-In: the “Area 51 Salad” has been replaced by “Sci-Fi Salad“: Mixed Greens, Dried Cranberries, Granny Smith Apples, Blue Cheese Crumbles, and Sunflower Seeds tossed in Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Downtown Disney

Here is a glimpse at some of the ongoing construction next to Fulton’s Crab House of what is presumed will be The Boathouse restaurant.

We’re also still enjoying some of our favorite Downtown Disney haunts. If dessert is what you’re after, a stop at Ghirardelli’s is never a bad choice. And there is a new option on that long list of sundaes: the Crissy Field Cookie Bits Sundae.

In addition to cookies ‘n cream ice cream and Colossal Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookie crumbles, this sundae also features the new Ghirardelli’s Minis.

Resorts

Wilderness Lodge

Over at Wilderness Lodge, Whispering Canyon Cafe has re-introduced the All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Skillet to the dinner menu, featuring well-liked options such as Slow-roasted Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Roasted Chicken, Oak-Roasted Beef Strip Loin and Western-style Sausage.

In recent months, these offerings have been available in a slightly different format: the Build-Your-Own-All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Platter, which also had a fish option.

Now, an additional fish option appears under the entree list: Bandana Bandit’s Herb-crusted Cod (along with the remaining Trout dish).

Ranger John’s Chicken and Corn Tortilla Soup has also arrived on the appetizer choices.

Caribbean Beach Resort

There are a few menu changes to mention over at Caribbean Beach Resort’s table service restaurant, Shutters.

Under the appetizers, the new items are Chicken Sancocho and Caribbean Crab and Seafood Corn Dogs (okay, Shutters, you’ve made me curious!). These replace the Mahi Mahi Bake and the Chorizo Black Bean Soup.

For entrees, the Garlic Lime-Seared Chicken Breast replaces the Seared Chicken Breast, and the Pan-Seared Jerk-Rubbed Mahi Mahi replaces the Chili-Rubbed Mahi Mahi over Conch Chowder.

Port Orleans — Riverside

I saw this scrumptious-looking, bubbly Cherry Cobbler over at Port Orleans – Riverside Mill Food Court. For a small bakery section, you can often find some pretty yummy goodness down by the Riverside (Port Orleans fans, do you now have that song in your head, too?)!

Grand Floridian

One of the Grand Floridian’s Signature Restaurants, Citricos, has announced an exclusive event: the Citricos Wine Dinner- Domaine Serene.

On July 24^th, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy five delicious courses of food and wine. The event also offers very limited seating in the Chefs Domain. The price is $155 per person (inclusive of gratuity) plus tax (credit card guarantee is required to book this experience). Interested guests may call (407) 824-3988.

Whew! So, that’s it for this round! 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!