Happy Spring! At least, it’s Spring in Disney World where temperatures are starting to rise once more with warm days leading into gorgeous nights!
No matter what the thermometer says in your neck of the woods, why not enjoy a bit of spring with us here at the DFB as we travel all over Disney World to find out What’s New!?
Animal Kingdom
Okay, the surest signs of spring are happening at Epcot where the 2016 Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing. And we’ll be trekking there shortly! But we’ve just gotta start at Animal Kingdom, where there are nearly as many new food choices as there are at the Festival’s thirteen Outdoor Kitchens. Well, not quite… but close! Let’s have a look around…
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
First of all, a new assortment of Paninis and Sandwiches has landed at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Harambe Village.
Check out our review of the Roast Beef and Cheddar Panini, the Herb-Roasted Turkey Sandwich, and the Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich!
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
New at the Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks, Yeti Stout is now up for grabs!
Restaurantosaurus
New entree options at Restaurantosaurus include a Chili Cheese Dog (we bid adieu to the Macaroni and Cheese Dog) and a Roasted Chicken with Mixed Green Salad, along with Chili Cheese Fries as a side and a Warm Chocolate Turtle Brownie for dessert.
But that might be small news compared to all the new toppings now available at the Premium Toppings Bar!
We’ll have a full review of all sorts of these new eats at Restaurantosaurus soon!
Flame Tree Barbecue
is also changing things up with some MAJOR portions in their new entree selections.
Alas, no more Jumbo Turkey Legs, but check out the FULL Slab of St. Louis Ribs and the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler. (Check out that price tag, too. Fortunately these are easily shareable.) Here’s a quick glimpse before our full review to come!
Not quite up for the task of finishing off one of those platters? How about the new French Fries topped with Pulled Pork and Cheese?
Pizzafari
New entrees have also arrived at Pizzafari!
Namely, a gorgeous Shrimp Flatbread and a Heart of Romaine Salad with Shrimp.
Personally, though, I’m pumped about the Garlic Knots with a side of Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce.
Popcorn Drum
The popular Popcorn Drum has received a promotion of sorts with a listing on the signage at Mahindi (formerly Harambe Popcorn). It finds a home right next to the Musical Tumbler.
Harambe Market
Green Papaya Carrot Slaw
is a new side item for the food stations at Harambe Market.
Rivers of Light Construction
And who else JUST. CAN’T. WAIT. for Rivers of Light, the nighttime spectacular getting ready for its debut in Animal Kingdom?!? Here’s a little construction update…
Also kicking off in Animal Kingdom on April 22nd are not one, but TWO new street parties!
The Harambe Wildlife Parti and the Discovery Island Carnivale are sure to offer plenty of festive music, dancing and other entertainment for the celebrations, which will begin “after the sun sets.”
And now off to that little Festival we mentioned earlier 😉 …
Epcot
2016 Flower and Garden Festival
The 2016 Flower and Garden Festival is blooming all over Epcot!
Have you picked your must-try dishes yet? If not, you may want to take a peek at pics of ALL the food and drinks at this year’s thirteen Outdoor Kitchens! And also take a look at our Best of the Fest! Here’s a quick glimpse at just a few…
La Isla Fresca and the Cider House are the two brand new Outdoor Kitchens you’ll find around World Showcase this year, so be sure and stop by give them a welcome.
Lotus Blossom Cafe
And while the Festival is definitely the biggest news around Epcot, there is also a small change to report at Lotus Blossom Cafe in the China Pavilion, where Beijing Noodles and Vegetable Stir Fry now appear on the menu.
These new additions have taken the places of the previous curry options.
Fountain View
We stopped by Fountain View — Epcot’s Starbucks location — to try the Smoked Butterscotch Latte and Frappuccino.
We’ll have a review here for you soon! In the meantime, have you tried one at your local Starbucks?
Oh, and P.S. There’s a new cupcake at Fountain View, too! Check out the Caramel Apple Pie Cupcake…
Joffrey’s Espresso and Pastries
Stop by Joffrey’s Espresso and Pastries kiosks all over Disney World to see if they’re carrying the new Chocolate Chip Bear Claw and Red Velvet Donuts we spotted in Epcot.
It’s always fun to spy the Seasonal Beverages, too, like the current Iced Irish Cream Latte in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
La Cava del Tequila
Joffrey’s kiosks aren’t the only spots prepping for St. Paddy’s. Be on the lookout for special drinks at La Cava del Tequila in the near future, as they prepare to #paintcavagreen!
Now let’s take a stroll down Crescent Lake over to…
Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary
It appears salmon is no longer available at ABC Commissary, where it used to be an option on dishes such as the Asian Salad (now only available plain or with chicken).
In fact, the options have been greatly reduced, featuring only four entrees. (So long, Seafood Platter!) We’re guessing this is in prep for the whole place to close soon, but we don’t have official word on that.
Backlot Express
Over at Backlot Express, Sea Dog Sunfish Ale is the current spotlight adult beverage, replacing the Fiery Apple Cider.
Streets of America
And just a reminder… if your travels bring you to Hollywood Studios before April 2, be sure to stop by Studio Catering Co., High Octane Refreshments, and the Writer’s Stop to bid a fond farewell to these locations as the Streets of America area begins its transition to make way for the additions of Toy Story and Star Wars Lands to the park.
And don’t forget to catch the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show for the last time.
Magic Kingdom
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!
Springtime Treats
Hop on over to spots like Main Street Confectionery, Big Top Treats, and Prairie Outpost & Supply to grab classic treats like Cake Pops and Caramel Apples all dressed up in their springtime best.
Main Street Bakery
A Buttercream Mint Cupcake is the current seasonal cupcake featured at Main Street Bakery.
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Mosey on over to Pecos Bill’s to try the new Beef Nachos!
Pinocchio Village Haus
A Tiramisu Gelato has arrived at Pinocchio Village Haus.
And a No-Sugar-Added Raspberry Sorbet has replaced the No-Sugar-Added Mango.
Tony’s Town Square
The Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad appetizer at Tony’s Town Square has been replaced with Assorted Meats and Cheese.
Now, ready to step outside the parks?
Disney Springs
Disney Springs Water Tower
The Disney Springs Water Tower has arrived, which will serve as an entrance gateway to welcome guests to Disney World’s dining and entertainment district!
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
If you’re planning on knockin’ down some pins and grabbin’ a bite at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, you now have six new additions to choose from on the menu!
Chicken Parmesan, Beef Tacos, Fish Tacos, and a Mushroom and Swiss Burger have joined the line up, along with Dynamite Shrimp (fried, breaded shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce) and a Southern Burger (topped with pimento cheese, fried tomatoes and red pepper jelly).
Morimoto Asia
Going to see Cirque du Soleil? Be sure to hang on to that ticket stub, then visit the Forbidden Lounge at Morimoto Asia right after the show.
Just present your stub and purchase a beverage, and you’ll receive a complimentary four-piece Vegetable or California Roll (valid only on the night of the show)!
Check out the details here, and be sure to note that this offer is good through July 31st.
Raglan Road
The Mighty Festival is ON through March 17th at Raglan Road!
Check out all the details here regarding this celebration of Irish culture, complete with plenty o’ dancing, music — and even Celtic face painting — throughout the week.
Don’t forget 10 bucks for the cover charge that applies to guests 18 and over ONLY on March 17th… and don’t forget to WEAR YOUR GREEN!
Easter Eats
If you’re spending Easter Sunday in Disney Springs, you may be interested to learn about a few Easter specials just for March 27th. Fulton’s Crab House will feature Lobster Ravioli.
Wolfgang Puck Cafe is preparing to offer an Easter Pairing Experience.
Additionally, look for Portobello to feature Lamb Ravioli with a roasted mushroom sauce served with a house salad.
But if you can’t make it to Portobello on Easter Sunday, you’ve still got the rest of March to try their Irish Mule!
STK Progress
Here’s a sure… ahem… SIGN that STK Orlando is indeed “Coming Soon” to Disney Springs!
No word on an opening date — or even month — yet, but signage is up for this highly anticipated eatery.
B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. and AristoCrepes
Speaking of signs… these “Coming Soon” signs decorating refurbishment walls tell of two new Disney-themed food stops on the way to Disney Springs: AristoCrepes and B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.!
More to Come
And have you heard about the other new dining additions on the way to Disney Springs?
Be sure to check out this post to learn about D-Luxe Burger, Amorette’s Patisserie, and a whole new look and feel coming to Fulton’s Crab House!
Resorts
Polynesian Village Resort
The Oasis Pool (not to mention the Oasis Pool Bar and Grill) is preparing to welcome guests at the Polynesian. Soft openings are currently in progress, and the Grand Opening is set for March 17th.
And while we’re at the Poly… You now have an extra hour and a half to try to score an Advance Dining Reservation at ‘Ohana, where dinner will begin at 3:30 pm daily moving forward.
And remember, breakfast now starts at 7:30 am and ends at Noon, giving you more time to hang out with Lilo and Stitch in the morning!
Pop Century and Art of Animation
A Sesame Chicken entree is now an option at Everything Pop Food Court.
Missed breakfast at Landscape of Flavors? Fret not, as a Create-Your-Own Omelet option is now available at the Pasta Station throughout the day.
Contemporary Resort
The Force is strong with the Star Wars Cupcakes at Contempo Cafe…
Those are souvenir rings as the toppers, so be sure to pick your favorite of several characters from The Force Awakens. We’ll be taking a closer look at this one soon.
A Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake is also available now through April 2nd.
Allrighty, friends, that’s a wrap! Before we go, here’s a little more Disney for your day, courtesy of Caribbean Beach Resort!
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!
Fantastic updates – thanks so much so posting 🙂
I second that…..great updates….thanks so much.
Can I get picky and request a full size photo of the beef nachos at Pecos?
Love the direction AK is headed with all the interesting yummy looking snack options…..
Awesome updates looking forward to my trip and trying new things next month!
Thanks for the update! Aristocrepes looks really cool. I hope they continue the Aristocats theming well inside.
What a wonderful and so-very-thorough Newsletter! Thanks, AJ!
great updates! I can’t wait to try some of that yummy food at AK!
So many new things to try! We eat mostly QS meals so it’s great to see those locations getting a little love. Kind of bummed about the veggie curry at Lotus Blossom, as it was tasty and filling, but at least they kept my son’s favorite, must-have dish, the orange chicken.
The Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich would be 100% more tasty if it was warm. It was quite disappointing.
Your reviews are always the BEST!! I always look forward to my disney food update 🙂
Wow, what an update!! Very thorough! Thanks!
Will the full slab of ribs at Flame Tree be a QS credit?!
I noticed you mentioned the Writer’s Stop is closing – in a previous post you mentioned this is the home of the famous Carrot Cake Cookie. Where might I be able to find this treat come mid-April? (I’m so excited to try it!). Thank you!
Great updates! Loving that full rack of ribs… Ugh, 166 days to go until we are “home”
Thank you for all the great updates. Can’t wait till our next visit to Disney World.
Sally — You can get it at Sweet Spells at the front of the park!
The Caramel Apple Pie Cupcake at Srarbucks was one of the most incredible food finds i had on my last trip. Wow that thing was tasty !!