It’s time to take another stroll around Disney World and see what’s new and awesome! We’ve got parade pics, Olaf apples, Gaston-themed headwear, and more! Won’t you please join us 🙂 ?
Fun “Frozen” Finds
Everything’s coming up “Frozen” at Walt Disney World to celebrate the release of the movie on Blu-Ray and DVD.
Blue “Frozen” Treats
Olaf the Snowman has been bestowed a true Disney character honor… He’s now a Candy Apple!
Olaf Candy Apples
Keep an eye out for him in candy locations like Sweet Spells, Main Street Confectionery, Candy Cauldron, and Goofy’s Candy Company… I’m hoping he’s here for the long haul!
You may also spy some favorite treats in a blue hue for a very limited time, including Mickey Krispy Treats and Marshmallow Wands.
Blue “Frozen” Marshmallow Wands
Downtown Disney
A recent walk around Downtown Disney revealed that the Disney Food Trucks are making their way around. Previously housed primarily between Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues (and occasionally spotted in the grassy area next to Bongos Cuban Cafe), the Food Trucks we’re spotted in new and different places around the West Side.
For instance, the World Showcase of Flavors truck was parked across from Splitsville.
World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck across from Splitsville
And Fantasy Fare has been spotted over in the Marketplace (this is the spot next to World of Disney where Santa’s Chalet can be found during the holidays).
Fantasy Fare Food Truck next to World of Disney
However, the one thing certain about the Food Trucks is that they are ever-changing 🙂 . And we know something new is coming thanks to these Food Truck Park signs found around Downtown Disney.
Food Truck Park coming to Downtown Disney Orlando
What’s to come? Only time will tell!
The first sure sign of spring at Disney World is the Flower & Garden Festival. But a smaller sign is seeing all the things available to stuff your Easter basket at Ghirardelli.
Ghirardelli Easter Merchandise
Ghirardelli Easter Merchandise
Ghirardelli Easter Merchandise
The Starbucks construction site on the Marketplace side is really starting to take shape. You can now see the triangular top peeking out above the walls, matching the “Coming Soon” artwork.
Starbucks Construction
Artwork on construction walls for Starbucks
And as new things arrive, we also say goodbye to a few things, too… . We bid adieu to Pollo Campero, Bodie’s All-American, and Babycakes NYC in the Marketplace today.
Pollo Campero and Bodie’s All-American
Be sure to keep an eye out for Babycakes selections in the refrigerated section in select Resorts!
You’ll find the Downtown Snow Company kiosk on the path from Marketplace to Pleasure Island.
Downtown Snow Company
This modest little stand serves Shaved Ice and Cinnamon Glazed Roasted Nuts. On my last trip, I spotted a flavor-filled update to the Shaved Ice options. I’ve got to find out what “Wedding Cake” Shaved Ice tastes like!
Downtown Snow Company Shaved Ice Flavors
Over on the West Side, The Smokehouse has posted official operating hours, which fluctuated a bit during opening weeks.
The Smokehouse
The Smokehouse Hours
You’ll be able to grab a Smoked Turkey Leg or Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. I’d recommend an evening visit, since there’s a higher chance you might catch some live music!
Magic Kingdom
Well, you know we adore the Cake Cups over at the Cheshire Café, so we couldn’t resist giving you one more glance at the two new flavors… White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake!
White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cups
Oh… and there’s the small matter of the new Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Festival of Fantasy Tangled Float
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Festival of Fantasy Maleficent Float
Still… Cake Cups!!! 😉
A few weeks ago, we took a look at the recently renovated indoor seating at Casey’s Corner. Now, the outdoor seating refurbishment has been revealed, offering more umbrella-covered spots from which to view the new parade, or just enjoy a hot dog with a perfect view of the Castle.
Outdoor Seating at Casey’s Corner
Gaston’s Tavern and Be Our Guest Restaurant Merchandise
For anyone looking to channel their inner-Gaston, this nifty hat can now be yours… complete with antlers!
Gaston’s Tavern Hat
I actually found this at Hollywood Studios, but I’m guessing it’s a pretty safe bet that you can also get it at Bonjour Village Gifts, right next to the place it honors: Gaston’s Tavern (the price is $21.95).
Gaston’s Tavern Hats
While it was difficult to tear my eyes away from that hat, I also noticed this Tapestry Throw featuring the lovely mosaic from the movie which was stunningly replicated at Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Beauty and the Beast Tapestry Throw
Beauty and the Beast Tapestry Throw (image on packaging)
Hollywood Studios
Okay, now this may not exactly be “news,” but it was news to me! I’ll confess, I haven’t seen Fantasmic! over at Hollywood Studios in about a year.
Fantasmic!
Since it had been a while, I wanted to celebrate the occasion with a Mickey Pretzel. When I walked back to the snack stands, I couldn’t help but take a peek at the full menu. To my surprise, you can enjoy a Bread Cone during Fantasmic! Choices are Mac & Cheese and Fiesta Chili-Cheese.
Fantasmic! Snack Stand Menu
This is noteworthy because Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner removed Bread Cones from the menu in favor of Turkey Legs and Pork Shanks a while back (so, Min & Bill’s is where you can grab a Turkey Leg when Toluca Turkey Legs is closed).
Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner
Min & Bill’s Menu
And Marketplace Snacks in Downtown Disney removed Bread Cones months ago to offer an Italian Caprese Wrap and a Grilled Vegetable Sandwich instead.
Marketplace Snacks in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney
Marketplace Snacks Menu
So, it’s good to know that Bread Cones are still in existence somewhere in Disney World… just the thing to nosh while watching Mickey take on Maleficent!
Epcot
While the Flower & Garden Festival remains the big food story at Epcot, one small change has also taken place. The Donkey Cart that can occasionally be spotted in the Italy Pavilion is now offering Lemon Sorbet and Spumone Gelato.
Stand in Epcot’s Italy
Italy Cart Menu
The liqueurs and sparkling wines remain; however, the Pizelle has been removed from the menu for now.
Resorts
over in Coronado Springs has switched back entirely to a cold grab-and-go lunch and dinner menu, after offering a limited hot menu for a while.
Cafe Rix Sign
Cafe Rix Menu
This change comes in light of having a new option for hot lunch (and breakfast!) over at the recently opened Las Ventanas.
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!
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Never had it at Disney, but Wedding Cake is one of my favorite shaved ice flavors! If you can get half wedding cake, half vanilla topped with cream- that is THE BEST! (I find it really weird they don’t have vanilla on the list…)
Jessi — that’s cool! I’ve never heard of this flavor anywhere before :). I’ve noticed Snow Company tends toward tropical/fruity flavors, so it will be interesting to see if they bring in others like this (or vanilla, as you mentioned!).
Sad to see Babycakes go 🙁 I hope they will open up something similar somewhere else on property!
Wendy – These “Whats new” posts are great as they supply me with a checklist for my next trip. It’s almost as good as being there – well not really, but still very, very helpful and fun to read.
Steph — I’m bummed to see Babycakes go, too. I’m not Gluten-Free, but I have friends who are so I’ve visited with them. I was always impressed with the cupcakes, and know it was a great option for so many. I’m glad they can still be found at a few Resorts, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they’ll pop up in more places.
Alan — Thank you so much for your kind words — they’re much appreciated! Here’s hoping your next trip comes soon so you can check some things off your list :)!
Love the idea of the wraps!!! And do those “Frozen” themed marshmallows have twisty straws intead of sticks? Cuz that would be awesome!
Angelina, yes, those are Mickey Straws :). Over the past few months, I’ve noticed the straws in just about all the marshmallow wands — it seems they’ve replaced the old sticks almost entirely, and you’re right… they are a great touch!
Do you happen to recall how much the Beauty & The Beast tapestry throw was? I know someone who would love that 🙂 Thanks!
Hi, Cheryl! It’s $74.95. I just saw it available on the Disney Store online, as well :).
Wendy,
I love all the foodie things you share with us, including all the great pictures. I know I read that you will be able to find Babycakes items in “select resorts”. My 4 y/o granddaughter is g/f and I would greatly appreciate it if you happen upon which resorts have any Babycakes items would you share them with us or me?? Thank you so much for all you do.
Hi, Pat, and thanks so much for your kind note :)! Currently, Babycakes can still be found at: All Star Sports, the Art of Animation, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club and Boardwalk Resorts. Primarily, I’ve seen them as a mini-pack (an assortment of four mini cupcakes sold together). I’ll have an eye out to see if they are offered anywhere else in the future (I’m keeping my fingers crossed :), and will be glad to keep you posted through these updates! Thanks again!
My husband and I recently had lunch at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner. We both purchased the Chocolate Milkshakes and 1 Pork Shank to share. The Pork Shank was plenty big for both of us and the milkshakes were delicious! Highly recommend!
Bread cones filled with macaroni & cheese……YES, PLEASE! I’ve never seen those before at Disney.