It’s our very first Trip Around the World of 2017 to check out What’s New!!

And things have sure started out with a bang, especially at…

Epcot

Festival of the Arts

A brand new Epcot event has begun… Welcome to the Festival of the Arts!

This new Festival celebrates the Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts, and is a veritable FEAST for the eyes, ears, and tastebuds!

It runs weekends (Fridays – Mondays) through February 20th. So, if you’re planning an Epcot visit between now and then, you’ll definitely want to check out our Best of the Fest to read all about the MUST-EATS at the event’s Food Studios!

Remember, even if it looks too pretty to eat… it’s not 😉 ! We were wowed by the sights AND the tastes at the Food Studios, and we can’t wait to hear what you think of them, too!

Of course, the Festival isn’t the only new thing at Epcot…

Future World and World Showcase

The current Seasonal Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons is Chocolate Cherry.

A few new items on the Lunch Menu at Tutto Italia in the Italy Pavilion include Risotto di Zucca con Gamberi and Tortellini di Ricotta.

And the Scaloppine di Pollo con Funghi e Tortellini alla Panna (cheese tortellini in a cream sauce paired with chicken cutlets and mushrooms) Lunch Special is only available for a very limited time, so catch it while you can!

The Saffron Rotisserie Chicken has returned to Morocco’s Tangierine Cafe (though the Wraps and Sliders have been removed from the menu).

At the UK Pavilion’s Rose & Crown, the Meat Pie appetizer is now listed as the House-made English Pastry, and is made with chicken instead of pork.

Poutine Alert! Le Cellier Steakhouse is currently serving Montreal Poutine alongside the Le Cellier Signature Poutine.

This version features French Fries topped with Montreal-smoked Brisket, French Onion Gravy, Gruyere Cheese, Pickled Vegetable Slaw and a Mustard-Beer Sauce (it’s a slightly different version from the Montreal Smoked Beef Poutine served in the past).

Venison Osso Bucco is a new entree, and the most recent seafood offering is a Smoked Soy Lacquer Striped Bass.

Remember that GINOURMOUS PRETZEL — officially named the Jumbo Pretzel — we spotted in the Germany Pavilion last month?

It’s been joined on the Bier Stand menu by another new addition: the Lebkuchenherz (Gingerbread Heart).

And finally, at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Skalldyrsgryet is a new Casserole-style version of the previous Fiskueppe entree (made with Scallops, Mussels, and Shrimp).

And the new Vegan-Vegetarian entree is the Gronnsaksgrateng… though I’m sure your server will understand if you simply say, “I’d like the Roasted Vegetable Terrine with braised lentils, please” instead 😉 .

Magic Kingdom

There’s a new way to start the day in Magic Kingdom, with the “Let the Magic Begin” Welcome Show taking place at Cinderella Castle every morning. Main Street, U.S.A. and its shops are open to guests prior to the show, which means you can start your Magic Kingdom day a little earlier, and enjoy several new breakfast options!

Of course there’s always Main Street Bakery (the Magic Kingdom Starbucks location), where a Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant and Double Fudge Pound Cake can currently be found in the bakery case.

But there are definitely some less-expected offerings to try! For instance, how would you like a Hash Brown-topped Hot Dog at Casey’s Corner as you rise and shine?!?

Or you can wakey-wakey with a trio of Croissant Doughnuts!

In fact, the full Casey’s menu is available even in the earliest hours, allowing you the chance to try the new rotating menu of Specialty Hot Dogs any time of day.

The offering will change every month, so be sure to pay Casey a visit and check it out on your next trip!

And have you seen the new DONUT SUNDAE at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor???

The other key offering from the Plaza (among assorted muffins and cereal), includes a plate of Mickey Waffles.

YES!!! Mickey Waffles at an in-park Counter Service spot at last!

Even The Confectionery is offering a new grab-and-go choice with a prepackaged Hostess Cinnamon Roll for $2.65.

(But if you’re in the market for a Cinnamon Roll, we’d recommend waiting until the rest of the park opens to grab one at Gaston’s Tavern instead). Check out all the details on new breakfast choices at the Magic Kingdom, and stay tuned for more reviews on these options coming soon!

Now, here’s a little something we’ve noticed at a few Counter Service spots in the Magic Kingdom. Several paper plates and bowls were sporting a new design, which is fairly minimalist, save for the not-really-from-Walt-Disney quote lining the edges. (Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald actually wrote this quote for the Horizons ride in Epcot.)

These could simply be a transitional design from the holiday plates to a new year-round plate, but we’re not yet sure.

Oh, and remember how we found out before the end of 2016 that, moving forward, beer and wine will be served at four more restaurants (in addition to Be Our Guest Restaurant)?

Our friend Daniel Wanderman shared this picture with us of the selection at the Jungle Skipper Canteen.

Liberty Tree Tavern features, among other beer and wine choices, Sam Adams Boston Lager and Iron Horse Fairy Tale Celebration Cuvee Brut, while Tony’s Town Square is serving Luce dell Vite “Lucent” Super Tuscan and Birra Moretti Lager. Options at Cinderella’s Royal Table during lunch and dinner include Sparkling Wines and Champagnes such as Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Rosé and Rosa Regale Sparkling Red (and, yes, a $320.00 bottle of Cuvée Dom Pérignon Brut, if you’re so inclined to splurge).

Hollywood Studios

Pop-up Bars

around Hollywood Studios are serving two new Star Wars-themed drinks.

The General features Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Bols Blue Curacao, and sweet-and-sour.

And this tribute to The Princess is made with 1800 Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, Monin Wildberry, sweet-and-sour, and cranberry juice.

Olaf is once again featured on the current Seasonal Cupcake at Hollywood Studios Counter Service spots, but this time the flavor is Marshmallow (as opposed to the more regularly offered Olaf Carrot Cake).

And though this isn’t necessarily new, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen Sushi available at Starring Rolls, so it was nice to spot it on our last visit.

Animal Kingdom

We were surprised on a recent trip by Terra Treats to find some major changes had come to what was formerly known as the “Allergy-Friendly Kiosk.”

Several of the Gluten Free items were removed from the menu (such as GF Bagels, Cupcakes, Cookies, and Doughnuts). New to the spot? Buffalo Chicken Wings, served warm in a batch of three.

And by the way… Churros are back at Dino Bite Snacks!

Of course, we’re already looking forward to summer at Animal Kingdom, as we all…

… PREPARE FOR PANDORA — The World of AVATAR!

All Around the World

Some “LOVE”-ly seasonal drinks are currently available through February 20th at the Joffrey’s Coffee and Pastry kiosks all over Disney World: The Valentine’s White Mocha (with raspberry) and the Amore Cocoa Latte (with dark chocolate and coconut).

The Cupid’s Kiss Latte (with caramel and coconut) has made a return as well.

Even more characters have joined the lineup of the new-style Character Shortbread Cookies. Namely, the Pixar gang!

And check out this Mr. Potato Head Midway Mania Mug…

Some new Main Street Popcorn treats have started to show up in tins throughout merchandise locations.

Keep an eye out for Popcorn Caramel Bark and Popcorn Brittle.

A few locations that serve your basic Assorted Chips (places like Liberty Square Market, Sunshine Seasons, and Anaheim Produce) are now featuring Mickey-shaped Veggie Chips by Good Health, in addition to the standard Doritos, Cheetos, and the like.

A few new Mood Chocolate boxes have joined the ever-growing list of new options. Take, for example, this C-3PO and R2-D2 “These Are the Chocolates You Are Looking For” box of Milk Chocolate Crispy Truffles.

But once again, you’ll understand if we’re a little partial to The Princess…

Speaking of Star Wars, these Stacking Meal Sets, which include a plate, a bowl, and a tumbler each, just recently hit the scene.

Okay, these next items have nothing whatsoever to do with food, but still… MONORAIL HIGHLIGHTERS!!

And Trash Can Highlighters!

Disney Springs

Details are starting to emerge surrounding construction for The Edison.

You can now read “1901” (Walt Disney’s birth year) and “Power & Light” in the etched signs peeking above the construction walls.

Work continues at the upcoming Paddlefish as well, where the restaurant’s sign and paddlewheel are well in place.

And the Planet Hollywood Observatory is indeed COMING SOON!!

Advance Dining Reservations may currently be made for dates beginning February 1st.

You can enjoy quite a nice view of the Observatory from the Coca-cola Store Orlando Rooftop Bar.

That’s where you can also enjoy a new cocktail featuring the infamous Beverly soda of Club Cool fame… Beverly’s Revenge!

Or maybe NOT enjoy it 😉 . See what we mean here!

Some new items on the menu at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming include the Thigh High Chicken Biscuits Starter and Braised Short Ribs Entree.

Southern Snap Beans are a new Side (and the sides here should definitely NOT be overlooked!).

There is also some more outdoor seating in front of the restaurant… all the better a spot from which to sip a Moonshine Flight!

Stop by the bar at Portobello Trattoria for Contenta Ora… also known as Happy Hour!

Pizza and wine selections will be featured Mondays through Fridays from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:00 pm.

Amorette’s Patisserie has added a few sandwiches to their ever-growing list of options: the Three Meat Classic Italian and Serrano Ham and Cheese.

And for something sweet to wrap up your trip to Disney Springs… find Hot Cocoa Spoons at The Ganachery.

Resorts

Contemporary Resort

Grab a buddy for this one, my friends… because guests 21-and-over can now dive into a HUGE shareable cocktail at The Wave. Check out the Seven Seas Lagoon!

We’ll be taking a MUCH closer look at this one soon!!

Coronado Springs

We’re not sure if these Sportspacks being sold at Pepper Market are new or simply new-to-us, but we noticed these by the cash registers on a recent visit.

The packs include your choice of four snacks and four drinks for $24.99, with a refill option for your pack as well.

All Star Music

Start your day at Intermission Food Court with a new Honey Bun, available in the mornings.

The Sweet and Salty Cupcake now comes with Mickey Pretzels and crumbled bacon, and Black Forest Cupcakes have also made their way to the bakery case.

All Star Movies

Some fun new character-themed items at World Premiere Food Court include an Almond Cherry Minnie Cake…

… and “Tangled” Blondies!

You’ll also spy a cute twist on a Mickey-shaped food: Mickey Cupcakes with Gold Chocolate Coin ears!

Grand Floridian

Gasparilla Island Grill

has reopened from its recent refurbishment, and while the space remains much the same (the exception being the addition of Coke Freestyle machines), the menu received a makeover, with a focus on artisan ingredients used for the made-to-order Sandwich Bar, the “Create-Your-Own Salad” Bar (which is now a Yogurt Bar in the mornings), and the thin crust pizza.

Save room for dessert!

Well, that’s a wrap! And even though we’ve been at this whole 2017 thing for a few weeks already, I sure hope it’s not too late to wish you…

… a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 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!