It’s time to explore all that’s new in the kingdom — the Magic Kingdom, that is. Today we’re bringing you some fresh eats at a seasonal restaurant, a bit of new merchandise, and progress on two major construction projects. Put on your Jumbo Minnie Bow: it’s time for What’s New in Magic Kingdom.

What’s New in Magic Kingdom Dining

Summer heat is on full blast in central Florida, and with it come summer crowds! Hence the renewed menu and recent reopening of seasonal Adventureland quick service spot, Tortuga Tavern. We reviewed the new menu items here.

Swashbucklers who need to fill their barrels will want to know that the Ropa Vieja was delicious, but the Jerk-Smoked Brisket Sandwich needed a little more jerk.

Nearby (literally adjacent with a shared kitchen nearby) Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and and Cafe has a Spicy Mickey Dome Cake on the menu. It’s a little lighter on the spice than we expected, but it’s heavy on the chocolate so we’re not complaining too much. 😉 See our full review here.

In Liberty Square’s Columbia Harbour House, a Grilled Plate (a choice between Grilled Shrimp Skewer and Grilled Salmon) has replaced Grilled Salmon.

Over in Tomorrowland, Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies has removed the Adventure is Out There Character Cone and replaced it with a Monsters, Inc.,-inspired Cone 2319. See our review of this mango/vanilla swirl here!

At the confectioneries on Magic Kingdom — Main Street Confectionery and Big Top Treats — the bakery cases are packed with sweet treats, including the feature red, white, and blue of July 4th items. We spotted cookies, cupcakes, caramel apples, and more!

At the Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, two 4th of July offerings are available: the It’s a Party Sundae and the Birthday Cake Sandwich.

We gave these a try yesterday, and they’re as sweet and celebratory as you might imagine. We enjoyed the It’s a Party Sundae, which includes a bed of red velvet cake with birthday cake ice cream. It’s… drippy. Grab some napkins, otherwise you’ll be wearing the party all day. 😉

Same with the Birthday Cake Sandwich, which might even be messier because you’re supposed to pick this up. Notice that when we stopped in for these yesterday morning, they didn’t yet have the red, white, and blue sugar cookies for the sandwich. (See our review here for details.)

We did find the 4th of July-styled sugar cookies at Main Street Bakery, so if you must have one (without the ice cream, unless you go buy a bowl of Birthday Cake Ice Cream at the Parlor — which you can!), head there!

What’s New in Magic Kingdom Construction

Walkway construction on the Liberty Square/Fantasyland path continues

. This project is widening the path, and the rebar placed for the new wall appears to be fully encased in cement. The size of the path is a little clearer now, as the old wall is starting to come down, too.

We’re gonna cycle on over to the Tron Coaster construction site, which is visible from Tomorrowland…

…and from Goofy’s Barnstormer in Fantasyland.

Looking FUN!! The Tron coaster will open in Magic Kingdom in 2021.

What’s New in Magic Kingdom Merchandise

Mickey’s Star Traders has a few new-to-us items. This rainbow backpack is colorful and Mickey-fied!

And we love finding Nightmare Before Christmas merch year-round. This pin set features some favorites! (We didn’t tear the package, we promise!)

This must-have See You Tomorrow baseball cap can be found at Emporium, too.

Emporium also has Stretchy Attraction Bracelets. We spotted Teacups and it’s a small world versions.

They’ve also got some pretty luggage tags. This design is the Minnie Icon we’re seeing on merch around the World.

And for the gal who overpacks: we know who you are, and we love that you have everything, snarfblats, dinglehoppers, and all.

Finally, at Emporium we spotted the Briar Rose Gold Ears from Disney Tails that we saw in Disneyland earlier — which means… wait for it… you and your pooch can wear matching Minnie ears. And we only have one question: who among you “dream[ed] a thing more than once” and made these come true?

Agrabah Bazaar is carrying a selection of The Lion King merchandise. Furry purses and graphic tees harken the opening of the live action film this month!

In the Briar Patch, we found a few cute items. Br’er Fox and Br’er Rabbit are ready to be turnin’ around… in your reusable shopping bag. 😉

And Br’er Bear sold out yesterday, but we found him today!

We’re also spotting these a-DORable Br’er Wishables in the Park. Br’er Rabbit with stars in his eyes is just too cute. Click here to see ALL of the Br’er Wishables!

Also at Briar Patch: our Dream Friends (in more ways than one!) Mickey and Minnie snooze peacefully. Totally unrelated question: how old is too old to buy yourself a plush to sleep with? Asking for some friends…

At Frontier Trading Post we spotted some fun merch options.

Customizable MagicBands and phone cases have been around for a bit, but we also spotted the new-to-us customizable magnets! See our post here with more details!

If you’re looking to add a 4th of July pin to your collection, there’s a Mickey and Minnie pin for that, and it’s too cute.

Magic Kingdom Moment of Zen — with Characters!

And finally, your Magic Kingdom Moment of Zen, now with characters! Giden and Honest John from Pinocchio were meeting near the flagpole on our visit to the Park.

They’re so adorably scruffy! For those who don’t know, during Mickey’s 90th celebration year you’ll see surprise, rare characters at the flagpole every day!

And Snow White — sweet, resourceful Snow White — had no line when we visited her near City Hall. Her location’s a little hidden, so she’s often just staring off into space as princesses are wont to do from time to time. Don’t forget to say hello when you’re in the Kingdom!

And with that, it’s off to work we go! Thanks for tagging along on our walk through Magic Kingdom. And don’t go too far because we’re bringing you more What’s New throughout the week!

Who’s your favorite character to meet with in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!