It’s time for another Trip Around the World to check out all the latest eats and happenings… and maaaaaybe a couple of construction walls, while we’re at it ;). Because while April showers might bring May flowers, this month is also bringing LOTS of changes to the Disney World parks!

And nowhere else is that more true than…

Hollywood Studios

“Please Pardon Our Pixie Dust”

It’s already been over six months since it was announced that MAJOR changes are on the way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the construction of Toy Story and Star Wars Lands.

Of course, it will be quite some time before those Lands are realized, but early April brought some of the first physical signs of change as the Streets of America section of the park (including eateries such as Studio Catering Co., High Octane Refreshments, Herbie’s Drive-In and the Pretzel Garden) was officially closed to make way for construction.

Ripple effects of the change are being seen throughout the Park, starting with a re-theming of sorts for Writer’s Stop, which — for the time being, at least — is serving as a de facto lounge serving a limited appetizer and drink menu primarily to guests awaiting their Advance Dining Reservation at the neighboring Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant.

Check out our review of the new eats here… Oh, and rest assured that you can still grab a Carrot Cake Cookie at Sweet Spells since it’s no longer at the Writer’s Stop!

Not all locations in the former Streets, though, have seen the final curtains. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, for instance, is still very much in operation… though now it is located in the newly re-named Muppets Courtyard.

But that’s not the only change for Mama’s, where the menu has seen a few small adjustments as well. A Shrimp Campanelle has replaced the Chicken Campanelle, and you can now find a Vegetable Lasagna instead of the previous Pappardelle Pasta.

Meanwhile, next door the signage for Toy Story Pizza Planet was officially taken down, making way for a new name — and very likely a new Muppets theme — when the space reopens in late 2016.

And though it will be quite some time until Star Wars Land is complete, you’ll still want to be on high alert for First Order Stormtroopers in the park, led, of course, by Captain Phasma.

You can catch them marching from the Star Wars Launch Bay to the stage for the newest Star Wars show — A Galaxy Far, Far Away.

As always, though, less high-profile changes, additions, and tweaks continue throughout the park, starting with…

Raspberry Cupcake

The current featured cupcake at the Studios is the Raspberry Cupcake, and it features none other than the rarely-seen Thumper atop a pile of White Chocolate Raspberry Buttercream!

Look for it in Counter Service locations all over the Studios such as Starring Rolls, ABC Commissary, and Fairfax Fare.

Sunset Boulevard

A stroll down Sunset Boulevard will reveal a few new items. The Jumbo Turkey Legs at Toluca Legs Turkey Co., for instance, are now available with either a side of Chips or with Baked Beans and Corn.

Find a Frozen “Cosmo” at Fairfax Fare, made with Sky Vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice.

Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

A new Gin-Gin Mule featuring Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin is now one of the Contemporary Classics on the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge menu.

Backlot Express

A Caprese Sandwich has joined the lineup at Backlot Express.

(Alas, the Blue Milk Panna Cotta didn’t make the longterm cut among the Star Wars-inspired items).

Oasis Canteen

The menu at Oasis Canteen has received a complete overhaul. Bye-bye, Funnel Cakes. Hello, Chicken Nuggets, available in original and new Sweet Chili-glazed.

We’ll have a full review of these for you soon!

You’ll also spot a new Mickey Brownie on the menu (though it’s not to be confused with the new Mickey Brownie over at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory over at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter).

This one is more of a Brownie Pop, complete with a stick.

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner

Grab a new Veggie Wrap at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, where a side of Mac and Cheese is also now available (along with the already well-established Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese).

And now we’re off to…

Epcot

Yep, the 2016 Flower & Garden Festival is still going strong. Don’t gorget that you have until May 30th to catch it this year!

And while you’re there, you can check out the new Cookies n’ Cream Funnel Cake at the Funnel Cake Stand in the American Adventure Pavilion.

In the mood for something more savory? Try the new house-made chips (or Crisps! 😉 ) at the Rose & Crown Beer Stand, available in Original or Salt & Vinegar.

There is an addition to the menu at the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party as well. It now includes a Nacho Bar.

(Not your typical “sparkling dessert,” maybe, but I’ll take it!)

You can now grab some Ranch-style Coleslaw or Tomato Bisque Soup to go along with your big ol’ French Dip Burger at the Electric Umbrella.

And, of course, construction continues in the Norway Pavilion, where the Frozen Ever After attraction and Frozen Character Meet and Greet location are being prepped for their anticipated summer opening.

Magic Kingdom

Main Street, U.S.A.

If you can’t get enough of Disney’s latest hit, Zootopia, be sure to keep an eye out for Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps floating by in the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party.

Once you finish all that moving and shaking, stop right by the corner… Casey’s Corner, that is, where you can now enjoy the popular Corn Dog Nuggets as part of a Meal (with French Fries).

And NOW, you can grab any of the Hot Dog entrees in a Foot-Long version! That includes the Chili-Cheese Dog and the Barbecue Slaw Dog.

Check out these adorable Tea Cups available in merchandise spots around Disney World like The Confectionery!

And, yes, the saucers are attached — just like on the Mad Tea Party attraction!

Frontierland

A new Taco Burger has replaced the Southwestern Burger at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.

You know, in case you’re in the mood for a little beef topped with… more beef 😉 .

Tomorrowland

Okay, we have no idea how long this will last, BUT the TIE Fighter Popcorn Bucket — previously only available at Hollywood Studios — was spotted in Tomorrowland.

And HERE’S a tip: that $19 price is six bucks less than the $25 it costs at the Studios.

Fantasyland

At Pinocchio Village Haus, Breadsticks with Marinara have replaced the Garlic Knots.

And, finally, stepping back into the Hub… summer visitors to Disney World will be able to enjoy the new Castle show, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, for which the Castle’s stage is currently under construction.

Animal Kingdom

Well, it’s our final stop! Although with this month’s visit to Animal Kingdom we aren’t talking as much about what’s new as much as… well, what’s not new. Specifically, Disney announced that the highly-anticipated Rivers of Light Evening Spectacular will not debut on April 22nd as scheduled. However, construction walls around the theater have been taken down…

… and further details regarding the menus for the upcoming Tiffins Signature Restaurant and Nomad Lounge have been revealed, showing that there is still a LOT of great stuff to look forward to in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

So, that wraps up our tour, my friends! As always, 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!