The year isn’t the only thing new around Disney World… we’re on the lookout for new eats, sweets, and refurbishment feats. Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside your ride vehicle at all times as we tour all four Disney World Parks to see What’s New!

Animal Kingdom

We’re starting out with another WILD trip to Animal Kingdom, which includes a couple of menu updates. At Yak & Yeti Restaurant, Firecracker Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Nachos for Two join the appetizers (the Dim Sum Basket for two remains), and Ginger Salmon with Japanese Udon has been added to the noodle dishes. Chicken Tikki Masala is among the new specialty entrees, and Malaysian Seafood Curry arrives under Wok selections.

Be sure to check out the Specialty Drinks for some fun new beverages: Pink Himalayan, Kiwi Kimono, and a Rickshaw Rickie.

Right next door at Local Food Cafes (also known as Yak & Yeti Counter Service), Korean Stir-fry Barbecue Chicken has replaced the Sweet and Sour Chicken.

At Dino Diner in Dinoland, U.S.A., the Snow Cone has been switched out for Nachos, served with just cheese or as Nachos Supreme (at least for these cooler months).

Tamu Tamu Refreshments has undergone another menu refresh, currently offering the Slow-cooked Chicken Curry, Vegetarian Curry, and Roasted Chicken Salad.

This isn’t entirely unexpected, as the menu here seems to go through a standard rotation. So, if you’re disappointed that the Slow-cooked Pulled Beef Sandwich is no longer available, Hakuna Matata. It could very well make its way back around in a few months.

And, as we discussed a few weeks back, Flame Tree Barbecue is closed for refurbishment with a tentative reopening of April 1st. Find out where you can find some of your favorite Flame Tree foods at other locations around the park!

Speaking of refurbishments, construction of

the presumed location of the Animal Kingdom Starbucks (formerly the merchandise spot Creature Comforts) is well underway. These shots are from the first days of the change, and we understand that lots of progress has been made since.

Hollywood Studios

While we’re on the topic of Starbucks ;), many of the walls have come down surrounding what will be The Trolley Car Cafe (formerly the L.A. Prop Cinema merchandise location), on Hollywood Boulevard.

The Big Hero 6/Baymax/Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing is available for a limited time at Counter Service locations all around the park.

The current seasonal beverage at Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks around Disney World, such as this one at Pixar Place, is Cupid’s Kiss: Chocolate, Caramel, Coconut, espresso and milk topped with whipped cream.

If you’ve visited The Hollywood Brown Derby, you may be familiar with the book in the entrance that displays autographs of celebrities that have visited the Derby in Hollywood Studios, reflecting the “where the stars dine” tradition and reputation of the original Hollywood Brown Derby restaurants.

I appreciated actor Sean Astin’s sentiment recently added to the display (dated within the new year). I thought I’d share in case others who love the Brown Derby (and/or “Lord of the Rings,” “Rudy,” or “The Goonies”) might enjoy it as well: “Here’s the thing about the Brown Derby, my parents lived it and I still love it!”

While lots-o’ merchandise is certainly nothing new in these parts ;), right around the new year something changed on a lot of the Four Park merchandise.

The Earful Tower is once again the primary icon representing Hollywood Studios on the newer items, since the Sorcerer’s Hat as we knew it (and loved or hated, as the case may be) is on its way to being no more.

Magic Kingdom

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket has hit the scene at popcorn carts all over Magic Kingdom!

And just a note that Liberty Tree Tavern will undergo a refurbishment starting July 6th, anticipated to last into the fall.

Epcot

The brand new Disney Parks Starbucks “You Are Here” Collection mugs debuted at Fountain View in Epcot (simultaneously, the Magic Kingdom mug was released at Main Street Bakery).

In World Showcase, it seems L’artisan des Glaces has another hit on their hands with the Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich.

Staying in France, what’s this we hear about the Pavilion’s plans for their upcoming Outdoor Kitchen for the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival via the twitter feed of L’artisan des Glaces? Something about a “Cocktail on a Stick”?!?

I’m game! How about you?

Disney World Website

If you take a glance at the menus on the official Disney World website, you’ll notice a recent change. Online menus now offer descriptions of the items (as opposed to just the names as in the past). Here’s a screen shot from a portion of the page dedicated to a hidden gem at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Boatwrights.

That’s it for this round! We’re looking forward to keeping you posted on all the food news yet to come in 2015…

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!