It’s time to take another trip around the World, from Downtown Disney to EPCOT… and we’ll be visiting all sorts of Disney Resorts along the way! Strap in, folks, because there’s always something to find when you’re searching for What’s New at Disney World with the DFB!
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Construction
The name of the game all over Downtown Disney these days continues to be, of course, construction for the transformation into Disney Springs. Here are a few recent shots of what will be The Boathouse restaurant, which seems to be coming along nicely.
The Boathouse construction
The Boathouse construction
The Smokehouse
On the West Side, The Smokehouse has introduced a new item: Smokehouse Nachos!
The Smokehouse
The Smokehouse Menu
The Nachos can be customized with your choice of meat.
Smokehouse Nachos on menu
Menu Changes
We’ve got a few menu refreshes in some Table Service locations, too. Those dining at Portobello can now enjoy Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan, and guests at lunch have two new sandwich choices: a salami and pepperoni Calzone and a Caprese sandwich.
Portobello
While awaiting its rumored makeover, Planet Hollywood has undergone a fairly extensive menu revamp.
Entrance to Planet Hollywood
Noteworthy among the additions are Tex-Mex Egg Rolls, Kalbi Short Ribs, a Lobster Roll appetizer, Chicken Piccata, Marsala, or Parmigiana, and a “Thanksgiving Every Day” entree.
Kitchen Accessories
Ever since The Marketplace Co-op opened, I can’t resist stopping by to see if they’ve added anything to the fan-focused merchandise (we love pretty much EVERYTHING at Disney Centerpiece!). I got a chance to check out the tiny pop-up WonderGround Gallery kiosk, and think the “It’s a Small World” mug reflects the feel of the Mary Blair’s artwork beautifully.
WonderGround Gallery
“It’s a Small World” mug
Do you remember those cute kitchen towel sets we spied a while back? One of our DFB readers let us know of a couple more (thanks, Mel! 🙂 ), and now we’re seeing them just about everywhere! Here is the Castle Set, followed by Winnie the Pooh.
Castle Kitchen Towel Set
Winnie the Pooh kitchen towel set
But the favorite might be the Ratatouille set.
Remy kitchen towel set
First, because the film’s theme (and star, Remy!) is perfect for the kitchen; and second, because it comes with its own recipe for Ooh-La-La French Toast!
Frozen’s Anna and Elsa aren’t the only ones who’ve been honored with their own Disney lollipop. Sofia the First has joined the lollipop ranks, too! We found this one at The World of Disney Store.
Sofia the First Berry Lollipop
DISNEY FOOD TRUCKS
The Downtown Disney Food Trucks have experienced a small menu changes. We’ve already mentioned the completely refreshed menu at the Superstar Catering Food Truck, and have sampled the Sticky Chicken and Waffles at Fantasy Fare.
Superstar Catering Food Truck
Superstar Catering Food Truck Menu changed earlier this summer
Fantasy Fare Chicken and Waffles
The World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck has replaced the $18 Lobster Roll with a Grilled Chicken Breast Gyro (a la the Greece marketplace at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival).
New menu at World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck
And we are in love with the new Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari at Namaste Café. Check out our review here!
Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari on Menu
Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari at Namaste Cafe
By the way, a similar version of the Lamb Meatball Flatbread Sandwich that we liked so much at Superstar Catering can now be enjoyed at Namaste Café.
Lamb Kefta on Namaste Cafe menu
As of now, the Downtown Disney Food Trucks remain location independent as they await their future home base, Food Truck Park, which is still very much in construction phase.
Food Truck Park construction
Food Truck Park construction
Food Truck Park will be tucked between the new West Side Starbucks and Bongos Cuban Café. The concept art posted in front of the construction gives you a better idea of what’s to come (yep, that’s a glass elevator bringing guests to the overlook)!
Food Truck Park concept art
Food Truck Park concept art
The Disney Food Trucks have been spotted in other spots around the World, too. Namely, at All Star Music Resort (more on that later in the post)!
EPCOT
Sunshine Seasons
We’ve got two new desserts to choose from in the bakery case at Sunshine Seasons…
Sunshine Seasons Sign
… a Banana Coconut Mousse Dome and Rice Pudding with Strawberry Compote.
Banana Coconut Mousse Dome in case
Germany
Hoping to pair your wine selection at Germany’s Weinkeller with a little something?
Germany Weinkeller
How about this Artisanal Cheese Plate, featuring German cheeses, a bit of Alpine ham, and a pretzel stick?
Artisanal Cheese Plate
Artisanal Cheese Plate
Italy
At Tutto Italia, the Fettuccine Campagnole has been replaced with Fettuccine “Vecchia Roma.”
Tutto Italia
It’s made with arugula & basil pesto, spinach, and burrata cheese, bringing a meatless dish to the Pasta options.
France
Oh, Les Halles, how we love you…
Les Halles
…because you bring us things like chocolate-dipped Meringues-the-size-of-our-heads!
Meringue
Seriously — this is bigger than fist sized! No more tiny treats for you!
Morocco
You’ll find an expanded selection of refreshing Oasis Slushies at the Spice Road Table Juice Bar.
Spice Road Table Juice Bar
The updated Royal Blue joins the Moroccarita, Habibi Daiquiri, and Sultan’s Colada, and the all-new Smoothies (made with fruit) sound terrific in Tropical Breeze and Mixed Berries Delight.
Oasis Slushies and Smoothies menu
Each option is available with or without alcohol.
JOFFREY’S COFFEE
Here’s a spot we rarely chat about, but thousands of guests walk by every day. We’re talking about the Joffrey’s kiosk at the Ticket and Transportation Center (where guests catch a Ferry boat or Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, or transfer by Monorail over to Epcot).
Joffrey’s kiosk at the TTC
Known for Joffrey’s Coffee and sweet treats like the “Big ‘Ol Donut,” you can now get a salt fix as well, with a soft pretzel (though not the Mickey-shaped variety).
Joffrey’s kiosk menu at the TTC
But the much bigger Joffrey’s news is that Joffrey’s has created coffee blends honoring some of our favorite Disney restaurants!
From Tusker House to the Hollywood Brown Derby, and Citricos to Napa Rose, Joffrey’s roastmasters worked in partnership with Disney chefs to create each blend (available online).
RESORTS
Four Seasons Orlando
is now open!
Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World
Check out our Sneak Peek featuring some of the innovative dishes from three of their five restaurants: the Italian restaurant Ravello, PB&G (standing for Pool Bar & Grill), and Lickety-Split, the in-house coffee, dessert, and gelato bar!
The Polynesian Village Resort
You read that correctly — The Polynesian Resort has officially begun the process of reverting back to its original name of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! You can see it “in action” on the Walt Disney World website.
New Polynesian Village Resort Sign
Just one more change as we look towards the full transition, including the addition of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto here on the east coast as well as a refurbished Captain Cook’s.
In other Polynesian news, Kona Island (the sushi bar, not to be confused with Kona Cafe) will be closed from August 8 until September 30 to accommodate further lobby construction.
Kona Island Coffee Bar at Polynesian Resort
The Beach Club Resort
Now, really, we can’t have a “What’s New” post without spotting some bit of Frozen food, can we ;)? The Beach Club’s Marketplace now has vanilla cupcakes featuring some of our Frozen friends.
The Marketplace at Beach Club
Frozen-themed cupcakes
All Star Music Resort
Note’able Grab ‘n Go
is the current spot to get some quick eats while staying at All Star Music as the Intermission Food Court undergoes a four-month renovation, reopening in late December. Take a tour here of this temporary dining location!
Note’able Grab ‘n Go sign
Temporary space seating
But that’s not all! We’d like to thank one of our awesome DFB Readers (much appreciated, thrifty s!) for letting us know that rotating Disney Food Trucks have been spotted near the All Star Music Pool serving hot breakfast and dinner options! Breakfast options have included Waffles with Strawberries and Fresh Whipped Cream and Smothered Biscuits with gravy and caramelized onions. Good morning!
BoardWalk Inn
– known for pastries and baked goods galore – is currently carrying two prepackaged Gluten-Free sandwiches in their grab ‘n go case: Roast Beef and Turkey.
Come On In!
Gluten Free Sandwich packages
Ingredients label on Gluten Free Roast Beef
July’s Red (Velvet), White, and Blue Cupcake has been replaced with a Black Velvet and Whipped Cream Cupcake (the white chocolate spiral toppers and edible sparkles, however, remain 🙂 ).
Black Velvet Cupcake with Whipped Cream
That’s it for this round! Don’t forget to have yourself a Magical Day…
Wishing You a Magical Day!
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!
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Those new kitchen items are too cute! I must have just missed them when I was at Downtown Disney a few weeks past, though that’s probably better for my wallet! 😛
It’s nice to hear that there’s still an option for hot breakfast food via the trucks while the ASM food court is closed. The idea of shlepping over to the the other All-Stars for food is the only thing I’m not looking forward to for my trip next moth.
Oh, I’m so excited for those gluten free sandwiches!!!
Thanks for all the info – it has my head swimming but is very exciting. Must get those Castle towels!
The cheese plate in Germany is NOT new…
Are those Jeoffery coffees served at the establishments they are named after?
As far as mech goes, I’m holding out hope that the Haunted Mansion shop will open by the time I’m there and feature some kitchen stuff. Then again I’m a sucker for Remmybsonthey might be on the list!
Becca — Ha! I know what you mean, there is always something adorable coming out these days it seems!
Randi — Hope you have a great trip! I love AS Music, and was excited to hear about the trucks being in use there. Hope to see it with my own eyes sometime soon.
Dana — I thought those were cool, too! I haven’t seen them in other resorts yet, but am going to keep my eyes peeled for them.
Elaine — thanks for the comment! Hope you enjoy your towels once you get them :)!
Dani — Thanks for the info! I apologize for the error — I thought I caught it on return after a hiatus, but maybe I had just hit up Weinkeller on off times for it on some recent trips :).
Galloping Gourmand — I spoke with a manager at The Wave the other day, and at least at that location they hadn’t received it in-house at that point (though the announcement of the blends was only about 2 days old at the time, so it’s possible that already may have changed). I hope they will soon, that would be cool. And SAME HERE on the Haunted Mansion merchandise — I can’t wait to see what they come up with!
The frosting on that Frozen cupcake looks amazing!!!
I’ve just got back from a Disney trip-keep an eye on the tea towels if you plan to purchase. Some of them, like the ratatouille ones, are different material, and where they have attached the price tag it leaves a hole in the towels! Big enough to be noticeable although I don’t know if it might shrink after washing. A cast member told me they have had some returns on the ratatouille ones. I purchased the alice in wonderland ones instead but was a shame- Ratatouille is so cute!
I love that Its a Small World Mug. Does anyone know if I can just call them directly and have them ship it?
I just got back this am and had the best time. At fantasmic they have the cones!!! One with chili and one with mac & cheese. I got the chili one and it was awesome. I tried the cronut at epcot, it is now on my must eat list for every visit. I also had chicken fried chicken at pop for breakfast. It was a fried chicken cutlet with scrambled eggs on top with white sausage gravy!!!!! A-Maze-Ing!!!! Next time I need to try the home fries casserole!!