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 Smokehouse

On the West Side, The Smokehouse has introduced a new item: Smokehouse Nachos!

The Nachos can be customized with your choice of meat.

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.

While awaiting its rumored makeover, Planet Hollywood has undergone a fairly extensive menu revamp.

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.

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.

But the favorite might be the Ratatouille 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.

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.

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).

And we are in love with the new Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari at Namaste Café. Check out our review here!

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.

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 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)!

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…

… a Banana Coconut Mousse Dome and Rice Pudding with Strawberry Compote.

Germany

Hoping to pair your wine selection at Germany’s Weinkeller with a little something?

How about this Artisanal Cheese Plate, featuring German cheeses, a bit of Alpine ham, and a pretzel stick?

Italy

At Tutto Italia, the Fettuccine Campagnole has been replaced with Fettuccine “Vecchia Roma.”

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…

…because you bring us things like chocolate-dipped Meringues-the-size-of-our-heads!

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.

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.

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).

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).

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

Four Seasons Orlando

is now open!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

BoardWalk Bakery

– 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.

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 🙂 ).

That’s it for this round! Don’t forget to have yourself 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!