We are back at Landscape of Flavors in Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort!

Landscape of Flavors remains relatively unique by Disney Counter Service standards. Sure, it offers quick service eats served up food court-style in keeping with the dining set-up at the all Disney World Value Resorts. But with a Tandoori/Mongolian Station serving sides like Naan Bread with dipping sauces (and don’t get me started on the uber-tasty Cheesy Pesto Bread) alongside favorites like burgers and sandwiches, the best-of-both worlds approach to international flavors and American fare have earned this spot high marks since the resort first opened in 2012.

That said, while its reputation for entrees has been deservedly high, Landscape of Flavors hasn’t been a huge destination for desserts (Gelato Bar notwithstanding, of course!). So when I noticed a little something — or somethings — new in the bakery case, it definitely piqued my interest.

They’ve added Mini Whoopie Pies to the options, my friends! And my fellow Carrot Cake Connoisseurs will definitely want to read on…

Atmosphere

Just like Everything Pop at the neighboring Pop Century Resort, Landscape of Flavors is located directly past the resorts’s merchandise spot, the Ink and Paint Shop.

Oh, and be sure to check out the Storyboard Chandelier above you right before you enter! Several of the panels have been signed by Disney artists and actors involved with the films that the Art of Animation celebrates: The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. Among several others, you can search for Jodi Benson’s signature (she’s the voice of Ariel) as well as Pixar CCO John Lasseter’s. Newly signed panels feature the signatures of Pete Doctor, Jay Ward, and Jerome Ranft who worked on Cars, and also the latest Pixar hit, Inside Out. Pretty cool, right?!

After you’re done with your signature scavenger hunt, just continue through the merchandise shop to find Landscape of Flavors.

Like the resort itself, the four indoor dining areas are themed to the same Disney films I mentioned.  For instance, here’s the Cars section, decorated with “landscapes” from Radiator Springs and other scenes from the movie.

And even more landscapes decorate The Lion King section. You can get an idea of the cool lighting fixtures from this area.

Also similar to Art of Animation’s counterpart Value resorts,  a large wall of windows provide a view to the main pool area, which helps to brighten up the dining rooms. You can also find some outdoor seating near the Big Blue Pool as well. But before you dive in (or grab a drink at the Drop Off Pool Bar), you gotta fuel up…

Eats

As mentioned and as expected with Value Resort food courts, Landscape of Flavors offers different stations for various food types. Typical quick-service stations serve salads and burgers (the Surf and Surf Burger remains a hit) alongside the Create-Your-Own Pasta and Tandoori Stations.

But today’s gems can only be found in the Bakery Case!

Doesn’t that bottom row of Mickey Cupcakes bring a smile to your face?

The bakery case, of course, is a solid bet to find things like cinnamon rolls, chocolate croissants, tarts and cupcakes just about any time of day. But the new assortment of Mini Whoopie Pies are what stood out to me on my last visit!

Before I show you the flavors I chose, I should mention that they even had seasonal flavors available, including Peppermint and Pumpkin. No matter the flavor, they’re $3.29 a pop (or a snack credit entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan).

First up: Say Helloooooooo to the Mini Chocolate Whoopie Pie!

Okay, technically there were two chocolate options available; the other was a reverse version of this one, with vanilla cake and a chocolate middle. But the chocolate cake base won out since it looked to me like a whoopie pie Oreo!

Check out the garnish on top! For miniature snacks, there is nothing small about the presentation.

I don’t know if it’s due to its mini size, but I noticed the chocolate cake base was definitely richer than a typical chocolate whoopie pie. The dense base was well-balanced by the icing in between, which was light, soft, and sweet.

Yep, these are on the small side, but they’re SO rich that any more would be too much. Plus, minis sizes give you a great excuse to try more flavors… like this lovely little Mini Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie!

Like I could pass this up! Everyone knows one of my favorite things not only in Disney World, but in the entire actual world is the Carrot Cake Cookie over at Hollywood Studios. It pretty much sets the bar for carrot cake snacks everywhere, IMHO. So, how did the mini whoopie pie version stack up?

First, the resemblance is obvious, since the Carrot Cake Cookie itself is much like a whoopie pie.

Nothing but good news here, folks. It tasted AMAZING!

Just like the Carrot Cake Cookie, the cake base is super soft with a little bits of carrot throughout (in fact, I think the only thing missing from the super-sized Carrot Cake Cookie are the golden raisins). And just look at the rich cream cheese frosting taking over the middle….

Seriously, if you loooove the Carrot Cake Cookie (and why wouldn’t you?), you gotta grab this. Actually, while you’re at it, gather your traveling companions and several different flavors for an impromptu Whoopie Pie Party! Not a bad way to end a day… or start one, come to think of it 😉 .

Overall

Landscape of Flavors impresses once again! I sure hope these Mini Whoopie Pies make the long-term cut. They were soft and sweet just like they should be, and further seasonal options should provide even more mini fun. If you try any on your next visit to Art of Animation (and no joke, just checking out Radiator Springs in the Cars section of the resort is enough of a reason to stop by, even if you’re not staying there), I’d love to hear about it!

Which Mini Whoopie Pie would you try? Please let us know with a comment below!