Editor’s Note: Cheshire cake cups are no longer available.
So we all have our Disney food favorites.
You know them — the ones that would result in tears, anger, and staged protests if they ever disappear from menus. It’s okay. You can admit it.
Because I’d totally be leading the charge if they ever stop serving Dole Whip Floats.
But even with all the amazing favorites that give us warm fuzzies (and, in my case, cause me to go back to Disney parks over and over again), I still love Disney’s mission to surprise and delight guests with new offerings. It seems like every week, there’s something they’re debuting that I go nutso over — and off I go to add it to the next trip’s “must-eat” list.
Today, I’m offering a run down of the latest things that are on the list for my next trip. I’ve tried a few already, and others are completely new to me. And even though I’ll be in the ‘World smack dab in the middle of the holiday season, I’m saving room for these treats!
Gourmet Cake Cups at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe
You Guys. I have a new FAVORITE obsession. And this time, it starts with Cake. And ends with Cup. Instead of the other way around.
We brought you the first look at the new Gourmet Cake Cups at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe just recently. This spot in Fantasyland, formerly known as Enchanted Grove, has always been cute, but it’s never numbered among our “must-visits.”
But that has changed completely since they introduced these amazing treats.
I mean seriously, you would think they picked up the phone, called me, and said, “AJ, we’re making a new treat, and you’re in charge of R&D.”
The parfaits are a topsy-turvy, whimsical take on a cupcake, turning the über popular treat into what it should be: a vehicle for frosting. I mean really, when was the last time you ate a cupcake and said, “Gee, that was pretty good, but I really could have used more cake.”
Um. Never.
And this cake cup got it RIGHT.
So it was a given that I made a beeline for Cheshire Cafe about five minutes after I checked in on my recent trip. And then I proceeded to think about this snack for the rest of the trip. And will I be right back here to have another on my next visit? You betcha!
Starbucks at Disney World!
We all know that Disney coffee used to be the stuff of legends. Bad legends. Scary ones. Like horror movies.
That is to say that the vast majority of guests, as much as they love Disney, have never been very happy with the coffee served there.
Well, Disney heard and responded. Whether they were tired of people bringing pre-purchased Starbucks cups into the parks, or they just saw an option for some good revenue, many guests are very excited that Starbucks has moved into the Disney Parks. You’ll find Starbucks stores located at the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom and at Epcot’s Fountain View.
More park locations are planned for the future. (We’re guessing Writer’s Stop is next.)
Even though some fans of Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery aren’t happy with the absence of their cherished favorites, many have chimed in that the opportunity to get good — and oftentimes, their favorite — coffee is a huge plus within the Happiest Place on Earth.
I think it will be a long time before Starbucks lovers get over the novelty of strolling down Main Street USA with their favorite seasonal latte in hand, or peering at Spaceship Earth with through a window emblazoned with the familiar siren.
L’Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream and Sorbet
I knew that we were in for a special treat when Disney announced that the très popular Patisserie Boulangerie would be getting a larger space within Epcot’s France Pavilion. And Les Halles, the new bakery, is seldom without long lines and pleased patrons.
But who knew when they opened the new ice cream shop in the former boulangerie location that it would be super charming?
L’Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream and Sorbet has quickly won fans with its 16 varieties of French-style ice creams and sorbets, which are made right on the premises (believe me — I’ve seen the ice cream machines in the back!).
With unique rotating flavors like Profiterole, Caramel Fleur de Sel, and Pomegranate, this is definitely not your neighborhood ice cream chain.
Rich and creamy with fresh flavors, I can’t wait to have a scoop (or two). But it doesn’t stop there — you can also choose from some fun ice cream options. A must-try is the ice cream sandwich with a twist — made with French macarons! This thing is out of this world!
OR — if brioche is your weakness, try the brand new Brioche Pressed Ice Cream Sandwich. I love how France is expanding the definition of home-made ice cream sandwich — already a favorite of mine! Just imagine, it’s like a brioche and ice cream panini! Hot and fresh right out of the press. Pretty amazing.
And if you’re looking for a creamy option to add to the Drinking Around the World tour, check out the Ice Cream Martini — your choice of two scoops, topped with Grand Marnier, Rum, or Whipped Cream Vodka! (!!!!!!!)
Just About Everything at the All-New BoardWalk Bakery
has been a food lover’s destination at Walt Disney World for quite a long time. So many of the bakery’s specialties have places in our hearts. I so love their Cheesecake Brownies that they’ve become a permanent fixture at Disney Food Blog Snack Attack dessert parties!
But the space here was incredibly small. Barely a handful of people could fit inside, even though it served breakfast and counter service lunch items, and also hosted one of the BoardWalk Inn’s refillable mug stations. It was big news when the space closed for an upgrade.
When it reopened, many of the most-loved sweets were re-imagined, and the pastry chefs introduced some truly outstanding additions.
On the morning the bakery re-opened, I headed over and surrounded myself with boxes of baked goods — check out our full review of the newly-opened bakery for the proof — and found lots of brand new favorites among the old ones. The Salted Caramel Ganache marries rich caramel and fleur de sel for one of today’s hottest flavor combos.
I also absolutely adore the brand new Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie. Candied Bacon, you guys!
Top prize, believe it or not, goes to what might just be my very favorite pastry in all of Walt Disney World. And those are seriously big shoes to fill.
But the Lemon Merigue Tart is equal to the task. With a lemon curd that has enough sour to stand up to the rich and sweet, the staff here have truly achieved perfection!
Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant
One of the most highly anticipated features of the New Fantasyland expansion was Be Our Guest Restaurant. Situated in Beast’s Castle, the setting — both inside and out — are truly enchanted.
If you’ve ever wanted to escape into a film, here’s your chance!
While dinner is a table service, sit-down affair requiring tough-to-score advance dining reservations, lunch is counter service, and a little easier to get to. Granted, you may face some long lines, but I think they’re worth it!
If you aren’t interested in waiting, take heart: fast passes for Be Our Guest lunch are being tested, and look like they’re going to be an awesome option for guests who like to avoid waiting whenever possible.
With house specialties like Braised Pork that’s slow roasted for eight hours, how can you resist?
When it comes time for dessert, you MUST try the Grey Stuff Cupcake! It’s delicious!
And when the fabulous food is served on real plates with silverware instead of plastic forks, you hardly feel like you’re eating fast food.
All American Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
When the mood strikes for an old-fashioned sundae while I’m in Magic Kingdom, only a visit to Main Street Ice Cream Parlor will do!
I’ve always loved this spot on Main Street USA for its cozy charm. But when they recently introduced the All-American Sundae, I was smitten all over again!
Generous helpings of hot fudge AND hot peanut butter topping melt the ice cream ever-so-slightly, mingling the flavors gloriously. It’s instantly become one of my favorites!
What’s my favorite thing about this indulgent treat? It’s another great way to show off my peanut butter devotion!
So there you have it — my top picks for the 6 new things you MUST try if you’re heading to Walt Disney World for the first time in 2013. I know, I know, it’s hard to venture away from your sentimental favorites, but trust me on this. I have a feeling you’ll find a few new loves on this list like I did.
Pencil in an extra workout or two to offset the calories. Or just run your first lap around the parks each morning! Whatever it takes.
Now I want to hear from you! Will you be trying any of these 6 New Things? Or do you have a New Things List of your very own to tackle? Leave a comment and let’s hear all about it!
Lola says
The carrot cake cookie is here to stay! As for the Starbucks – can’t say I am too impressed that they managed to get into Disney but it sure does beat the coffee they were serving before SB. However, that said…if you order an afrogado, or a coffee float in MK near the flying carpets, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a big heaping bunch of vanilla soft serve ice cream on top of hot coffee. (Not SB!)
Thought I had found all the rare “treats” and the not-to-be-missed snacks at WDW as I go at least once a week. But you have uncovered a bunch I didn’t know about! WHERE is the Cheshire Cafe? That cup of cake looked fab. And the macaroon ice cream cookie treats – it’s first on my list tomorrow! I was disappointed at first in the gelato place at epcot – they had just opened up when I decided to try it. Sounds like it’s worth a second try!
Thanks! I will stop by again…
Joan says
I was wondering if any of these options count as the “snack” on a meal plan? or how do you determine what would be a “snack” option? It will be our first timing visiting and we have a meal plan that includes a snack each day. Thank you!
PS – just found this blog yesterday and I’m clicking every link absorbing all the info I can! 🙂 We head to Disney in December!
AJ says
Joan — So glad you found us! Many of these count as snacks on the meal plan. Usually most items under $5 will be a snack on the Disney Dining Plan. Check for the little purple DDP symbol next to items on the menu to tell if it counts as a snack or not, or just ask the nearest Cast Member!
Donna J says
The cinnamon roll at “Gaston’s Tavern” is tops on my list! Its the size of a dessert plate and about 4 inches tall ~ awesome!
Amanda says
The dole whip is glorified sherbert with pineapple juice on it. I love sherbert but standing in line for 30 minutes to get this treat everyone said I had to have was worthless. I have had sherbert all my life and if you have too..save your money and calories and time for something else. I did enjoy meeting people from around the country amd sharing love of disney!!
Noelle says
Addicted to your blog! I’m going to Disneyworld for the first time and I keep feverishly checking your blog to see what I should do/eat while I’m there. Thank you!
AJ says
Thanks Noelle!
StephM says
I wasn’t feeling well on our trip these past 2 weeks, so I wasn’t able to eat much. But one of the days I did manage to take my time and eat I had one of the hotdogs w/ Mac &cheese topped w/ Panko at The Friar’s Nook. To say I loved it would be an understatement. Yes, believe me, I was shocked to like it that much too. the bun was typical, dry on the outside, so I just ate it w/ a fork and knife on the inside. I’m making my dogs at home this way now. SO delicious! And yes, that Grey Stuff cupcake at BOG was incredibly good! I wanted another! That’s also saying something. I usually think Disney food is meh at best. Personally, I haven’t cared for a single dessert I’ve gotten at the bakery at the Boardwalk like you guys like. Cupcakes are usually dry and/or lacking sweetness for my buds.
nomeus says
allow me to introduce the citrus whip……
1 cup straight vanilla dole whip from aloha isle
1 cup straight frozen orange juice slush from sunshine tree terrace
place on on top of the other in a clear plastic cup obtained from sunshine tree. when you dig in with your spoon, be sure to get a balanced mix of both vanilla and oj. this is a superior treat to both the dole whip and citrus swirl post 2012. prior to 2005 (before they removed the citrus swirl) it used to be real vanilla soft serve ice cream swirled with frozen oj slush. in 2005, the swirl was just plain orange sherbert ice cream. in 2012, they brought the swirl back but took a major short cut by replacing the vanilla soft serve ice cream with a ice milk dairy protein product.
try the citrus whip that i invented! it is VERY tasty.
Lissy lou says
OMG!! These are def not the 6 I would pick!!!
Here’s my list : mickeys kitchen sink
Strawberry & vanilla cup cake ( with the card & rose ) from Cheshire cafe
Baklava from Morocco epcot
Moose head lager Canada epcot
Carrot cake – from Boardwalk bakery
Multigrain croissant with cup of cocoa from Boardwalk bakery
Carrot cake cookie sandwhich – hollywood studios ( just can’t think where??)
But hey my list is endless!! I’m a real Disney foodie & can honestly say there’s nothing I do not like …….except macarons ….hate macarons!!!
Elizabeth says
We were looking forward to having a cupcake at the cheshire, but they don’t offer them anymore.
Brooke says
Elizabeth — Yes! We were so sad to hear this. I will update this post with that info as well. Thanks so much for reading!
Emily Cart says
I really reccomend the Mac and cheese from the Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom. It is amazing, and I got the porek one, so it was barbeque Mac and cheese. This is seriously one of the best foods I had at Disney World
Christina says
Curkshire cake cup is no longer available. I was told yesterday that it hasn’t been around for awhile (not sure if that means for months or years). March 2017
Brooke says
Christina — Yes, that’s correct. We have an editor’s note at the top of the post indicating that the Cheshire Cake Cups are no longer available. We are super sad about this fact. 🙁
Tatum says
I am bummed that star bucks is at Disney. I am not a fan of their coffee but i love Joffreys!
JRiley says
Guess I’m out of luck when it comes to coffee if Disney’s is no good. I hate Starbucks. Guess I’ll order some from the grocer to make in our room. Not good!!!