Ready for another trip around the World? We’re heading to three parks and a few resorts to check out holiday treats, gingerbread feats, and new menu eats! And which Counter Service location is now serving up steak? Just read on to find out and see What’s New!
HOLIDAY TREATS
Red and green aren’t the only colors taking over Disney World now that the holiday season has launched around here… hues of blue decorate the festive snacks at this year’s brand new “Frozen” Gingerbread Display at the Contemporary Resort!
We tried the Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato…
Read our review and see all the other treats available at the new display here!
Get ready for all your favorite Disney World bakery items (we’re talking Krispy Treats, Candy Apples, and Mickey Macarons) to be dressed up for the holiday season in spots like the Main Street Confectionery, Seashore Sweets, and Big Top Treats.
And now let’s look into some ways the Parks are getting into the spirit of the season in their own unique ways…
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Even though all eyes are on the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights to celebrate the holidays, there are a few spots that haven’t entirely abandoned autumn just yet 😉 . Quick Service locations around the park including Starring Rolls Cafe, Studio Catering Co., and Pizza Planet are serving the Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing.
You can read our review of this cupcake, which we anticipate will be around through Thanksgiving.
But the winter holidays are indeed all the rage already, as evidenced by several other items around the Park! If you find yourself on the Streets of America to see the Osborne Lights in the evening, snack carts are once again offering festive fare.
And Joffrey’s Coffee Carts all over the World, such as this one on Pixar Place, have added Egg Nog Lattes to their seasonal offerings.
Speaking of Pixar Place… Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway is where we spotted this souvenir holiday mug absolutely covered in a bajillion Disney characters, all the way from the Fab Five to some unexpected classics! It takes three pictures to show them all!
Other locations such as Rosie’s All American Cafe and Catalina Eddie’s had this mug featuring the Fab Five and Chip and Dale.
Haven’t had enough holiday souvenir items yet? Good… ‘cuz here’s the popcorn bucket!
Olaf has been given a holiday makeover, with his typically white sprinkles now being red and green. Find him at Starring Rolls Cafe and Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post.
But it’s not all holiday news… do you remember a few weeks ago when we gave you a sneak peek of some new dishes coming to Mama Melrose’s? Well, they have arrived! Seared Fennel-Crusted Tuna joins the appetizer list, while Saltimbocca (a Pork Tenderloin dish), a Fish of the Day option, and Pappardelle Pasta are now among the entree choices. New desserts include Tiramisu, Cannoli, and a “Chirardelli” Chocolate and Cherry Tort.
We’ve come to the conclusion that Mama Melrose is a hidden gem when it comes to serving up a steak. But there’s another place you can grab one, and it’s a rather unlikely suspect… ABC Commissary has added a New York Strip Steak to their menu, along with a Roasted Salmon dish.
Also behind those Commissary doors is the Big Hero 6 “Personal Beverage Companion” Souvenir Sipper.
MAGIC KINGDOM
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
is in full swing at the Magic Kingdom, along with some very merry treats specific to the party, like the Holiday Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern, and the Peppermint Sundae at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
Check out our review of these special snacks here!
At Be Our Guest Restaurant, the Tropical Fruit Cream Puff dessert has been replaced with an Éclair à l’Orange.
Offerings change rather frequently at Liberty Square Market, but now that the cooler months are here you may have more of a chance to try their Tomato Bisque Soup, which would be a nice accompaniment to one of their Baked Potatoes.
I loved this little Fantasyland Standby Entrance kitchen timer magnet at the Emporium…
And check out these Jack Skellington Mood Magnets!
EPCOT
At Future World’s Coral Reef, a Baked Cheese Manicotti with Griddled Lobster Tail, Rustic Tomato Stew, and Basil Oil has replaced the Lobster and Shrimp Orecchiette Pasta.
Guests dining like (and with!) royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall now have a new choice in the form of House-made Butternut Squash Ravioli. And now, unique to the Dinner Menu, guests can choose from Roasted New York Strip, a Grilled Pork Chop, and Vilt Lapskaus (Venison Stew).
In Morocco, Spice Road Table is accepting Advanced Dining Reservations for dining times starting December 2nd.
They also have a few menu changes in store. More on that soon!
RESORTS
The Grand Floridian
Not to be outdone by the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian chefs are hard at work preparing this year’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House, getting ready for its official opening on November 21st.
It’s been announced that Citricos will offer a Princess Dining Experience for breakfast and brunch while Cinderella’s Royal Table is closed for refurbishment from January 8th extending to March 2015.
Florida Fish Tacos have made their way to the Grand Floridian Cafe Lunch Menu.
I don’t know if those will tempt me away from my beloved Grand Floridian Burger, but perhaps I could be swayed…
Animal Kingdom Lodge
At Sanaa, lunch options now include a Peri Peri Sandwich (Roasted Chicken Breast on Ciabatta) and Grilled Beef Sirloin Steak.
For dinner, Tinashe Scallops can be found on the appetizer list. The “Slow-cooked in Gravy” options (yum!) now include Lamb Curry. Also new to the entree menu are Tandoori Lamb, Surf and Turf Braai (Grilled Beef Sirloin and Tandoori Shrimp), and Tandoori Marinated Pork Tenderloin.
And there you have it, folks! Another round of What’s New has come to an end… but all the fun of the holiday season is just beginning! 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!
Sue says
I want the standby entrance kitchen timer ASAP. Wish I’d seen it when I was there two weeks ago.
mike says
In this page you said the GF Gingerbread house opens on Nov 23rd. Here is says the 21st.
Do you know which day it is?
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/11/17/2014-gingerbread-house-displays-at-walt-disney-world/
Lynne says
Yeah! I want the timer too! How would one go about getting it when there is no trip planned?
Tricia says
If you have the SKU you can call Disney Merchandise for the timer. I want one bad too.
Angelina says
yumm…butternut squash ravioli!!!! That timer is cute too!
Lynne says
The timer is available thru Disney merchandising. The timer itself costs $9.95, however the shipping is also $9.95. Twenty bucks for a little timer is kind of steep. I’ll have to think about it…
AJ says
Mike — It’s the 21st!
vk says
Was just at GF tonight, gingerbread house opening is Nov 21 at 10 a.m.
rebecca says
AJ-Do you know if they will have the Minnie ceramic very merry mug this year at WDW and where to get it. I got Mickey with my Dole Whip but cannot find Minnie.
Roz in Louisiana says
Can’t wait to get to WDW! We have only 11 days to go…..Christmas is such a great time to be there…I’m ready for my Gingerbread shingle from the GF…. and we always bring some home with us.. See Ya Real Soon!