HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Disney World!! The season is rolling right along with festive treats and special events. And, as always, there’s plenty of other food news to go around: menu changes, new eats (did somebody say “Barbecued Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese?!”), completed refurbishments, ongoing Downtown Disney construction, and more. So join us on another trip around the World to see What’s New…

EPCOT

Holidays Around the World

is in full swing at Epcot! This annual festival shares holiday traditions from around the globe through story, music, and — our favorite! — FOOD!

Remember, this is the only time of year to grab such treats as Happy Face Fried Cakes at the Joy of Tea in China, Gingerbread Ice Cream at L’artisan des Glaces in France, and Panettone sweet bread at Italy’s Gelato Stand.

But there’s plenty of non-holiday food news as well… Starting in Morocco, Spice Road Table has not only started taking Advance Dining Reservations — they’re also now accepting the Disney Dining Plan.

To offer guests the ability to maximize their one Table Service plan credit, this tapas-based restaurant is now also serving full-sized entrees, including Coriander Crusted Rack of Lamb, Roasted Chicken, and a Mediterranean Vegetable Platter, among others.

Staying in Morocco, Tangierine Cafe debuted new entrees as well: a Meatball Platter and Saffron Rotisserie Chicken.

At the United Kingdom’s Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, the corned beef dinner dish has had a makeover: it’s now Strongbow Cider-braised Corned Beef, served with English Baked Beans (which is also a new side item on the menu) and Root Vegetable Slaw.

For lunch, the English Breakfast Burger has been replaced with a Welsh Pub Burger (Angus Beef Patty with Bass Beer, Irish Cheddar Gratin, Bacon, and Battered Leeks).

Ciao from Italy! Tutto Italia has a few menu changes: a new appetizer is Fior di Latte Calda (mozzarella, pomodorini, foccacia, and olive oil). Recent entree additions or makeovers include Lasagna al Forno (previously Bolognese), and Risotto Gamberi e Aragosta (previously featuring shrimp, this dish now includes both shrimp and lobster).

The Norway Beer Stand is now serving Einstok White Ale.

Among a few seasonal offerings, the Refreshment Cool Post has added a Frozen Elephant to their beverage options: Frozen Coke and Amarula Cream Liqeuer.

It appears to be similar to the (non-frozen) Brown Elephant that we enjoyed at the Cool Post during the 2013 International Food and Wine Festival, so it’s fun to see this on the menu! Sundaes here have been updated, too, featuring Dutch Chocolate and Dulce de leche frozen yogurt and a choice of white chocolate pearls or pretzels for garnish.

White Cosmopolitans are now available at the Refreshment Port.

And we’re thinking there’s just a bit of time left to try the current seasonal offerings at Joffrey’s Coffee Carts around the World, like this one between the UK and Canada Pavilions.

Seasonal specialty selections include a Gingerbread White Mocha Latte, Peppermint Mocha Latte, and an Eggnog Latte with Bailey’s.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner

has added a couple of artisan Macaroni and Cheese dishes to their menu: Buffalo Chicken and Barbecued Pulled Pork (Hello!).

Be sure to check out our full review of each of these new items!

At 50s Prime Time Cafe, Dad’s Stuffed Pork Chop (with Gouda cheese, cranberry, apples, and herbs) is now on the menu. And Cousin Brandon’s Grilled Salmon (with maple bourbon butter sauce, broccolini, and sweet potato-bacon hash) replaces Cousin Barry’s Poached Salmon.

Sorry, Barry… we hope you’ll still visit the family.

If you’re watching the Osborne Lights dance on the Streets of America, you can stop by Herbie’s Drive-In for the new S’mores (they look like little “hot pockets” for easier carrying).

And you can now add a shot of Bacardi Superior Rum, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, or Three Olives Cherry Vodka to your Coke or Lemonade Frozen Cooler.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Exposition Park

in Downtown Disney’s West Side is now open! This is the new location for the four Disney Food Trucks (though they’re still apt to roam, as trucks will!).

Take a photo tour of the park here (and check out our review of Superstar Catering’s Slow-cooked Pot Roast Sandwich)!

Of course, even as projects are realized, work continues all over Downtown Disney as it transitions to Disney Springs. Here are a few recent shots of what will be The Hangar and The Boathouse restaurants.

And the Springs Bottling Co. sign now rises above what will be Morimoto Asia, anticipated to open summer of 2015.

What’s better than hanging out with friends, enjoying a pint (or two!), and listening to live music at Raglan Road?

Be sure to check out Raglan’s newest band, Reel Ó Gránde. Showtimes for all the excellent music and dancing at Raglan Road can be found at the Raglan Road website.

And a big CONGRATULATIONS to Raglan Road’s Chef Kevin Dundon for winning a Taste TV Award for his PBS television series, “Modern Irish Food”!

RESORTS

All Star Music Resort

Intermission Food Court

is open again after a four-month long refurbishment.

See the results here!

Grand Floridian

A Holiday Turkey Sandwich featuring Roasted Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce can currently be enjoyed at the Grand Floridian’s Gasparilla Island Grill.

Is this a temporary addition, or will it find a home on the regular menu like the Holiday Sandwich at Downtown Disney’s Earl of Sandwich? Time will tell!

Thanks so much for joining us on another trip around the World! 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!