HAPPY OCTOBER!!! Milder temps have returned to Walt Disney World where we’re checking out What’s New in all four parks, Disney Springs, and a few of our favorite Resorts. AND it’s still high time for Pumpkin Spice, Candy Corn, and All Things Autumn.

Sooo… what are YOU going to be for Halloween?

Hollywood Studios

Well, If you’re a cupcake at Starring Rolls or Trolley Car Cafe, you might be dressed up as Jack Skellington!

The white chocolate Jack Skellington sits atop a Carrot Cake base in both spots.

And though Jack is exclusive to Hollywood Studios, keep an eye out for Halloween-themed cupcakes in the various confectionery cases all over Disney World, like this batch at Sweet Spells.

At long last, we know what’s on the menu at the new — seasonally open — Sunshine Day Cafe.

Look for Hot Dogs — including the return of the Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog to the Studios! — when the spot is open on peak crowd days for the park.

Hot Dogs can also be spotted on the updated menu at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner.

The Carolina Foot-Long Hot Dog is a new addition, as are the Pulled Pork Sliders and Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos.

Alas, no more of that Barbecued Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese that we loved so much. BUT, don’t worry about the absence of those famous Min & Bill’s Milkshakes from the menu — they’re still there; they’re just not listed on the main menu.

Seasonal Shakes are still part of the scene, too. Just ask a Cast Member about the current selection (it was still the Star Wars Blue Milk Shake on our last visit).

If you’ve seen the ceramic Chip mug that’s been available for a few years now at merchandise spots around Disney World, you may also be interested to see this Kids’ version that we spotted in the Studios.

But while we’re out and about checking out the latest, we’ve also had to say goodbye to a true gem. Writer’s Stop closed its doors in late September.

And here’s a glimpse at the nearby construction walls in the area. The difference in the skyline (or lack thereof) is striking.

But we know there is LOTS of great stuff to look forward to… and some of it sooner rather than later! For instance, we’re able to spy more and more fun signage and details added to the upcoming PizzeRizzo with each visit to Hollywood Studios!

Rizzo the Rat is getting ready to offer at least two things to his Muppet friends in the VIP booth: Pizza! And Beer!

And speaking of Muppets…

Magic Kingdom

If there is a better way to brush up on your knowledge of the U.S. of A. than catching the new show starring The Muppets in Magic Kingdom, I don’t know what could be!

The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History shares the stories of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and the Declaration of Independence throughout the day in Liberty Square.

I gotta admit… I was a little starstruck seeing this guy live 🙂 .

Hooray! The bakery case in Main Street Confectionery opened from its refurbishment much earlier than anticipated.

And a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads is now available at Main Street Bakery.

A couple of treats that disappeared earlier this year returned to Magic Kingdom. The Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich is back on the menu at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. (But before you buy one, find out how this item has changed here.)

But we were thrilled to see the Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel back at The Lunching Pad!

And there is still time left to grab the Poison Caramel Apple at spots like Big Top Treats.

Of course, if you’re in the mood for chocolate (and who isn’t?), maybe you’d rather grab one of the new boxes of Frozen Milk Chocolate Mint Truffles, or Minnie Mouse Milk Chocolate Cake Batter (yum!) Truffles that are available at snack and merchandise locations like Big Top Treats around Disney World.

Minnie’s right, you know… Chocolate IS a dream come true!

Merchandise locations are also selling a new variety of prepackaged Shortbread Character Cookies. So far we’ve spotted Classic characters, like members of the Fab Five and Pals…

… and several Star Wars friends and foes (who is which depends upon the side you’re on, of course 😉 ).

But new Star Wars treats aren’t limited to cookies… these Star Wars Character Krispy Treats come in packs of two for $9.99.

And now you can try some Star Wars Cotton Candy in Resistance Raspberry!

Keep an eye out for Candy Corn-colored Cotton Candy in the Magic Kingdom, too 🙂 .

Epcot

2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is going strong. You can still enjoy this year’s Festival offerings (but check out ALL the menus, food, and drinks first!) through November 14th!

You can read our Best of the Fest picks here, OR check out the video on the NEW DFB Youtube channel! And here’s a peek at some more of the Food and Wine fun we enjoyed this month…

We attended our first Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It event with Erin McKenna of Babycakes fame (you can try Babycakes treats any time at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Disney Springs).

We learned how to make the allergy-friendly brownie batter on our own, then enjoyed tasting the finished product when it was served to us.

We also got to check out a brand new Food and Wine Festival Special Event: Behind the Scenes of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Even though this particular Special Event has wrapped for this year’s Festival, we REALLY hope it comes back next year… read all about it here!

Future World

Before hitting the Festival offerings yourself, you may find yourself at Fountain View to energize with some java.

When you’re in there, you’ll likely spot the new Caramelized Apple Pound Cake.

And the Candy Apple Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons (an apple spice cake with cream cheese frosting) plays up the season’s favorite fruit as well.

Sunshine Seasons is also home to a vegan Pumpkin Soup and Beef Chili for the season.

The kiddos can now choose a Dole Pineapple Mango Mixation as a side option.

And the bakery case has a bit o’ Pumpkin Bread tucked inside.

We COULDN’T HELP but notice the HUGE new combo (along with a pretty huge new price tag) on the Electric Umbrella menu! The French Dip Burger is offered with french fries, apple slices, a fountain beverage and a dessert for $19.49. (Gulp.)

But take heart! If that seems a bit much (for an already HUGE burger), you can still order it without the combo — you just won’t see it listed on its own on the menu.

World Showcase

Who’s ready for more pumpkin goodness?!? Now, in most of the country, signs of fall include changing and falling leaves and a cooling crisp to the air. In Florida, we know it’s fall when the Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake comes back to the Funnel Cake Stand, as I always say!

And the Pumpkin Spice Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich is back for the season at L’Artisan des Glaces in France.

Seasonal specialties go beyond the Pumpkin Spice Caramel Square found inside Germany’s Karamell-Küche…

You can already find the Egg Nog Caramel Square!

Other additions include the return of the Salted Caramel Cupcake and Caramel Gingersnaps, and the super-awesome new Mickey Rice Krispy Treat with Caramel.

La Cantina de San Angel is offering a new Avion Fresh Lime Margarita on the Rocks and the option of a Tequila Casa Noble Blanco floater.

But that might just be wetting your whistle for the possible new bar under construction in the Mexico Pavilion.

It truly is the end of the Phineas and Ferb era… the final Phineas and Ferb menu item — Perry’s Power Pack — was removed from the menu at Fife & Drum Tavern.

And inside The American Adventure’s Liberty Inn, there is a smaller menu now, but it does include a couple of new items.

A Surf and Turf option joined the lineup (NY Strip Steak and Fried Shrimp), along with a Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and a Barbecue Pork Sandwich.

The Pizza Window at Via Napoli has increased its hours of operation for at least the next several weeks.

Remember that the window serves thick pizza slices, more like school cafeteria pizza than what you’ll find inside the Table Service restaurant.

Also in the Italy Pavilion, the Italy Snack Cart is now serving its regular Limoncello and Orangecello… in cocktails!!

Animal Kingdom

Though you won’t find as much autumn celebration in Animal Kingdom as you will at the other parks, there are still some signs of the season here and there, like this Mummy Cake Pop spotted at Creature Comforts.

Harambe Market debuted a new dessert.

The Warm Malva Spice Cake has taken place of the African Milk Tart.

Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks is serving up a new Chicken Wrap (but they’ve removed the Pork Sandwich and the Turkey Sandwich).

At Flame Tree Barbecue, the Watermelon Salad has been replaced with a Safari Fruit Salad.

And could the amphitheater to host the Rivers of Light Evening Spectacular be preparing for the show once more?

Recent weeks have brought rumors of rehearsals and previews, and we can’t wait to hear more!

Disney Springs

Happy Halloween

from Disney Springs!

Marketplace

Even some of the new kiosks in Disney Springs are bringing out some seasonal dishes!

AristoCrepes is serving up Cinnamon Apple Crepes.

And B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is offering an Oktoberfest Bratwurst Special.

But that’s not all… new dishes on the regular menu include an Italian Sausage along with a Vegetarian Sausage, both topped with peppers, onions, and marinara.

And this House-made Pretzel Braid is served with mustard and a mini cheese fondue.

Did you hear about the seasonal Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich?

Get it while the gettin’s good!

Burgers & Brews Tuesdays have made their debut at both Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex: $25 for a specialty burger with a draft beer served in a souvenir pilsner.

Rainforest Cafe is also serving a new trio of Asian dishes.

Look for Korean Spicy Stir-Fry Chicken, the Southeast Asian Trio, and Shiitake Hoisin Steak and Coconut Shrimp on the menu.

The Landing

Dim Sum Brunch

is now a weekend option at Morimoto Asia!

This two-course, prix-fixe brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays for $27.

And stop by Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar for HAPPY HOUR from 3:00 – 6:30 PM Monday through FriYAY!!!!

Check out the current Seasonal Menu while you’re at it, which features Junior’s Thanksgiving Flatbread and Mac’s Pork Belly Rueben along with Autumn Smash and Smoking Bulleit cocktails.

Construction continues on Paddlefish, slated to open in late November.

Meanwhile, they’re preparing recipes behind the scenes, like this Southern Sangria cocktail.

Work continues on The Edison as well, now scheduled for a Spring 2017 opening.

Those new items at The Ganachery that we mentioned last month remain, along with some additional options. Ganache includes Pumpkin Spice Latte, Cinnamon Apple, Coconut, and Peanut Butter.

And house-made Salted Caramel Trail Mix and Chocolate Toffee Crunch are on the shelves as well.

Raglan Road has been working with local breweries in recent months, and the result is a new line of Raglan Road Signature Brews!

Options include Tri Wishes Grand Irish Red (created with Crooked Can Brewing in Winter Garden, FL), Miriam’s Irish Coffee Stout (Coppertail Brewing in Tampa, FL), Planted Strawberry & Lime Hard Cider (Keel & Curley Winery in Plant City, FL), and Bloomsday Pale Ale (Orange Blossom Brewing in Orlando, FL).

Seasonal cocktails include Spiced Caramel Apple Martini, Bailey’s Pumpkin, and the Dublin Donkey.

You can also now enjoy some of Raglan Road’s Weekend Brunch items on the regular weekday lunch menu! These include the Proud Porkie (Guinness braised pulled pork), Green Isle (avocado and broad bean salad, spaghetti zucchini and marinated cherry tomatoes served on sourdough bread with pub crisps), and The Big Q (a red quinoa and white bean burger, Dubliner cheddar, grilled zucchini, herb aioli and tomato chutney on a wholegrain bun).

Oh, Raglan Road will be gaining a new neighbor, too… Wine Bar George by Master Sommelier George Miliotes will open next door in the Fall of 2017.

Town Center

A Caramel Apple Shake is on the Artisanal Gelato Shakes menu through November 10th at D-Luxe Burger.

We were able to try some of the seasonal offerings at Amorette’s Patisserie, like the Fall Petit Cake.

One here’s one more seasonal special in the Town Center for ya!

Sprinkles is serving up an Apple Pie Ice Cream Special.

Resorts

Wilderness Lodge

With thanks to our friend Daniel Staten for the heads up, we stopped by Trout Pass Pool Bar to check out the seasonal specialty, Witch’s Brew!

It’s available through the end of the month, and you can learn more about it here.

While there, we couldn’t resist trying a Mt. Rainier from the Daily Drink Specials menu.

We also popped into Roaring Fork for a Pumpkin Cupcake with Cinnamon Frosting, which is topped with the cutest mini pumpkin macaron!

Contemporary Resort

You had to know Wilderness Lodge wouldn’t be the only place with a Pumpkin Cupcake! Here’s the version available at Contempo Cafe.

Art of Animation

And ditto for Landscape of Flavors, where the Pumpkin Cupcake is Halloween themed.

Keep your eyes peeled for Pumpkin Gelato, too.

Grand Floridian Resort

Gasparilla Island Grill

was offering new Gourmet Pizza Slices on our most recent visit.

However, the Resort just began a refurbishment for the Counter Service spot. Currently the reopening date is listed as December 15th on the Disney World website.

In the meantime, Grand Floridian guests can stop by Mizner’s Lounge for grab-and-go items and Grand Floridian Cafe for a To-Go menu, while Beaches Pool Bar and Grill will also serve breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner.

Pop Century

At Everything Pop, an Open Face Salmon BLT has replaced the Salmon Burger.

New Flatbread options are Bruschetta, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and Garden Vegetable.

Boardwalk Inn

Outside at Boardwalk Joe’s  Marvelous Margaritas…

… there’s a new Marvelous Watermelon Margarita on the menu.

We hope you’ve had fun with us on our latest Tour Around the World, where one of THESE…

… is always waiting for you 🙂 !

In the meantime, thanks for joining us! 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!