Today, I bring you a Tale of Two Cupcakes.
One wonderful, the other… not so much (as in REALLY not so much). You can find them both at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot.
Sunshine Seasons is a much-beloved quick service spot where guests rave about the variety of options, the use of ingredients from the neighboring Living With The Land, and the desserts. You already know how we feel about the Strawberry Shortcake here. And the seasonal Apple Crisp. And the Mickey Oreo Cheesecake.
The list truly goes on and on — mostly because Sunshine Seasons’ Cast Members go out of their way to create unique treats that represent the seasons and celebrations of Epcot. And we’re always game to try their newest creations.
But, well, allow me to tell the Tale of Two Cupcakes. I’ll begin with the bad news first because I believe it’s always better just to get it over with. The Ursula Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons is… gross.
Ursula Cupcake
The “black mirror” lacquered glaze on the outside is Ursula-approved, I’m sure. The fondant scroll for Ariel’s contract is a cute touch (although we can see Ariel has printed her name, not so much signed it). On top is Ursula’s shell necklace — also the tool used to capture Ariel’s lovely singing voice — and more tentacle-y fondant touches.
Ursula Cupcake Toppers
Inside, the cake is… well, the real villain here. Okay, let’s be fair. The strange colors work for Ursula, I give you that. But the mousse flavor is artificial bubble gum. And not in a good way. Friends, we can’t let you make a deal with this cupcake. The Sea Witch herself couldn’t promise us enough in the way of legs to eat this again.
Interior
Phew! SO glad that’s out of the way — and that it’s only around through Halloween, anyway.
But with the bad comes the good — the really good! For Epcot’s 35th Anniversary on October 1, the park introduced three specialty cupcakes. We gave you the inside scoop on the Viking Cupcake, and now we can tell you that the Flower Pot Cupcake is as delicious as it is beautiful!
Flower Pot Cupcake
The level of thoughtful detail here is impressive. Real marigolds garnish the top (they’re technically edible, although I didn’t partake). And piped grass and leaves fill in around them.
Flower Pot Toppers
When you remove the flowers (as we’re sure most guests do), there’s even a bit of ‘soil’ (cookie crumbs). So perfect.
Soil
The cake itself is vanilla, and it’s moist and soft. And the terra cotta-colored frosting on top is mildly peanut buttery — the perfect complement.
Vanilla Cake
Inside the cupcake is a sweet center of strawberry jelly…
Grape Jelly Filling
…and a rich center of creamy peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Filling
It should come as no surprise that the flavors all work really well together. We think guests of all ages will be big fans of this one. And the fact that it so precisely represents the Land Pavilion makes us hopeful that maybe, maybe if it’s loved enough by guests, they’ll keep this one beyond it’s limited time run? Or bring it back again for the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, perhaps? Pretty please with a marigold on top?
What’s been your favorite seasonal Disney Parks treat? Let us know in the comments!
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Ahhh, a blog about cupcakes….wonderful! The Ursula cupcake sounds disgusting; mousse is a terrific dessert, but artificial bubble gum? Yuck! The flower cupcake is beautiful and if it is grape jelly rather than strawberry, I would love it! They should def have it available during the Flower Festival and all summer!