Whew! It sure has been a news-y few weeks for Disney World! From the debut of the long-awaited Rivers of Light show in Animal Kingdom, to the announcement of a brand new fireworks spectacular on the way to Magic Kingdom, to the return of another annual Festival at Epcot: the 2017 Flower and Garden Festival.
Fresh Epcot
But it sure doesn’t stop there, because we’ve got even more news to explore… by checking out WHAT’S NEW around Walt Disney World!
Epcot
“You can learn a lot of things from the flowers…”
Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival
The 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is running from March 1 – May 29, 2017!
Beauty and the Beast Topiary
China Pavilion Topiary
Anna and Elsa Topiary
This year, the Festival will feature two new Outdoor Kitchens in addition to the returning thirteen.
Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer from La Isla Fresca
Look for Northern Bloom and The Berry Basket to join the line-up, and find out what each and every Outdoor Kitchen will be serving by checking out the FULL LIST of menus!
And watch our video about our recommendations for this year’s festival here!
And, hey, if you’re in Epcot for the Festival anyway… why not plan a visit to La Cava del Tequila ?
La Cava del Tequila
That’s where you can find the new Horizons Margarita Shot commemorating one of my favorite former Epcot attractions — Horizons!
@cavadeltequila Twitter
Salud!
The current rotating specials at Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion (typically featuring one drink and one pasta) are the Limoncello Mule and the Truffled Fettucine.
Pasta Special
Featured Beverage
After taking in all the flowers and blooms (and margaritas and mules ) by day at Epcot, you may want to spend your evening in…
Animal Kingdom
Our next stop is Animal Kingdom, where the aforementioned Rivers of Light evening spectacular is in full swing at long last!
Rivers of Light Animals
Rivers of Light Lion Projection
Rivers of Light
Rivers of Light Owls
Notice for Visitors to the Ampitheatre
This also means that Rivers of Light Dining Packages are now available for booking, with dining options at Tusker House Restaurant and Tiffins (where, by the way, Grilled Swordfish and Smoked Wagyu Beef Bolognese are two new entree options).
Tiffins sign
Tiffins Menu
Don’t forget to check out our video about how to grab a seat at the new nighttime event with NO stress and NO wait!
And right next to the FastPass+ entrance to the show’s beautiful amphitheater, Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks is now serving popcorn for your enjoyment during the performance.
Thirsty River Bar sign in Rivers of Light Ampitheatre
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks Food Menu
Likewise, the nearby Drinkwallah now serves Cinnamon-Glazed Almonds and Pecans as snack options at spots close to the show have amped up their choices a bit.
Drinkwallah kiosk
Drinkwallah Menu
And, of course, all sorts of items commemorating Rivers of Light are up for grabs at the park’s merchandise locations.
Rivers of Light Mug
Rivers of Light shirt
Rivers of Light Wand
Rivers of Light Lanyard
It feels as though an entirely new era has begun in the park, with the additional announcement that Disney World’s newest land, Pandora — The World of AVATAR, will open on May 27th!
Pandora Construction signs
Entry Bridge into Pandora
This also means that Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu (the land’s main dining establishment and drink station, respectively) will open at the end of May as well.
Satu’li Canteen Concept Art ©Disney
Of course, we like to keep our eyes peeled for small changes, too. For instance, did you know you can now buy Warm Cookies and Milk at select ice cream carts around the park?
Ice Cream Cart Menu
Cookies and Milk at Ice Cream Carts
And some are currently carrying Miss Vickie’s Chips and Bud Light Margaritas.
Miss Vickie’s Chips
Bud Light Margaritas
For those wondering where they can find Gluten-Free treats now that Terra Treats has removed some of those options, it looks like you can just cross the path to Creature Comforts, where Gluten-Free Doughnuts are now found in the bakery case.
Creature Comforts
Gluten-Free Doughnuts
Just to keep you updated on a recent story we’ve been keeping our eyes on… For a short time, Flame Tree Barbecue Sauce was no longer available at Flame Tree Barbecue .
Flame Tree Barbecue Sign
Though we still spotted the Sweet and Spicy variety, the signature sauce was recently replaced by Heinz packets.
Heinz Packets in Flame Tree Barbecue Sauce
So, we were THRILLED to notice the return of the Flame Tree Barbecue Sauce on a more recent visit! Hooray!!
Return of Flame Tree Barbecue Sauce
AND we were able at long last to grab the new-ish Buffalo Chicken Chips at Trilo-Bites!
Trilo-Bites Menu
Perhaps now that the pace is definitely picking up in Animal Kingdom, we’ll find this seasonally open spot in operation more often… which is great news when you’re looking at options like these chips. (We’ll have a full review of ‘em very soon!!)
Buffalo Chicken Chips
A couple of small kiosks with big snack bites have once again changed their offerings. A new BLT menu is being served at The Smiling Crocodile.
The Smiling Crocodile
Smiling Crocodile Menu
And Eight Spoon Cafe has a pumped-up Mac and Cheese menu.
Eight Spoon Cafe Menu
Magic Kingdom
Celebrate a “Tale as Old as Time” with the new Belle Cupcake found in spots like Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery and Big Top Treats!
Belle Cupcake from Big Top Treats
This pretty vanilla cupcake is in honor of the new live-action Beauty and the Beast film, coming to theaters on March 17th.
Next time you’re in Tomorrowland, you may think that Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is closed due to the sheer number refurbishment panels around it.
Construction Walls surrounding Cosmic Ray’s
But you can still walk on in, grab a Barbecued Pork Bacon Cheeseburger, and spend some time with Sonny Eclipse, because while the walls are covering up an expansion to the outdoor seating areas, the restaurant itself is still open.
Sonny Eclipse Entertains at Cosmic Ray’s
So that’s an update on an old favorite. But there’s also a new sipping spot on the way to Tomorrowland, as the Magic Kingdom prepares to welcome its very first Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk!
Joffrey’s Coffee
You’ll find Joffrey’s in every other park, but until now the closest place you could find a Joffrey’s kiosk to Magic Kingdom has been at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Better yet, the new Tomorrowland stop will be the ONLY place you will find the More S’mores Latte.
Heading towards the Wild West, the Frontierland Popcorn Cart is THE only place you can find a unique flavor of fresh-popped popcorn.
Frontierland Popcorn Cart
It’s Maple Flavored!
Frontierland Popcorn Cart Menu
(And, yes, you can refill your Refillable Popcorn Bucket with the Maple, too!).
Frontierland Popcorn Cart Maple Popcorn
While we’re in Frontierland… have you heard about the Secret Menu Item — otherwise known as the Nachos Rio Grande Challenge — at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe?
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
What’s that? NO, you say? Well, you’ll definitely want to remedy that by reading (and watching!) about it here!
Nachos Rio Grande set up
Making our way to Adventureland, the Jungle Skipper Canteen has a new appetizer with the Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas (which replaced the previous Arepas).
Skipper Canteen Entrance
Cachapas on the Appetizer Menu
And there’s one more item to add to your new Morning Breakfast list at Magic Kingdom.
©Disney
The Egg, Ham, and Tomato Waffle Sandwich is officially on the menu at Sleepy Hollow.
Hollywood Studios
Sweeping changes continue to be the name of the game at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but one recently took everyone by surprise: Starring Rolls Cafe closed on February 5th.
Starring Rolls Cafe Closed
We are still waiting to hear what’s to become of this beloved space. Is it simply undergoing a long-term refurbishment, or is there something to the rumors that the spot may be transformed into extended seating for the neighboring Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge?
Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
While we wait for an answer to that question, it’s good to know that many of the signature snacks that put Starring Rolls on the map, like the Butterfinger Cupcake (a/k/a the Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake) can be enjoyed at the nearby Trolley Car Cafe.
Trolley Car Cafe sign
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake
The Trolley Car is also the only place where you can find the Starbucks “You Are Here” Mug for Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” Mug
Much like the park itself, even the mug has received a makeover with the removal of the Earful Tower and the addition of a scene from Fantasmic!
Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” Mug
Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” Mug
And finally, a Red Velvet Whoopie Pie has been added to the Whoopie Pie selection at Sweet Spells.
Sweet Spells
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie
All Around the World
Epcot isn’t the only place where the sights of spring are hopping up! Get used to seeing this guy back in confectionery cases all over Disney World.
Easter Bunnies
Easter Bunny
Even the Big Ol’ Donuts at some of the Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks are sporting spring colors (along with just a few sprinkle snowflakes left for good measure ).
Big Ol’ Spring Donuts
Let’s see… would you rather have a new Candy Pinwheel, a Candy Fan (now with Elsa), or a Candy Light Saber?
Candy Pinwheels
Candy Pinwheels
New Elsa Candy Fan
Candy-filled Light Saber
Candy-filled Light Saber
Decisions, decisions ;). But I think I’ve gotta go with the Saber… it lights up!
Okay, so this next one isn’t food related, but how can we resist mentioning these Disney VHS Tape Notebooks that have been taking Disney merchandise locations by storm?!?
Aladdin VHS Notebook
Aladdin VHS Notebook
Lion King VHS Notebook
Beauty and the Beast VHS Notebook
How many of you still have your original VHS copies ?
Pressed Coin Collectors can spot happy Dole Whips, Turkey Legs, and Mickey Ice Cream Bars in the artwork inside of the latest Coin Collection book.
Pressed Coin Book
Pressed Coin Book
Pressed Coin Book
Staying in stationery, a few notepads and handy lists are featuring some Disney treats and sweet spots, such as Main Street Popcorn, Minnie’s Bake Shop, and Goofy’s Candy Co.
Minnie’s Bake Shop Shopping List
Main Street Popcorn Notepad
Goofy’s Candy Co. Notepad
Speaking of Goofy’s Candy Company… we thought we had seen the last of Goofy’s Powered Candy when it disappeared last year, but it’s made a return to the parks!
Goofy’s Powdered Candy
From The Confectionery to Zuri’s Sweets Shop and beyond, some fun new flavors include Sour Peach, Sweet Root Beer, and Birthday Cake.
And as Disney continues to gear up for the release of the live action Beauty and the Beast film on March 17th, there is plenty of merchandise to match, including these Emma Watson as Belle mugs.
Belle Mugs
Belle Mug
Disney Springs
Two long-awaited openings have taken place in Disney Springs since our last trip around the World!
Planet Hollywood Observatory
The refurbished Planet Hollywood Observatory opened in late January, bringing a new look, new menu items, and new spots for taking in a drink complete with a great view of Disney Springs.
Inside Shots
Supernova Shakes
Stargazer Lounge Sign
And Paddlefish — formerly Fulton’s Crab House — began welcoming guests on February 4th.
Paddlefish — Outside View
Rooftop Bar — Back, Seating
Southern Sangria and Not Everyone’s Margarita
Be sure to check out the updated — and beautiful — seafood and steaks spot here!
Oysters — Up Close
Seasonal selections at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar feature Mac’s Pork Belly Sliders and Matterhorn Rosti, and the limited time “Jocktails” are the Mariontini and the Smoking Bulleit.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Seasonal Offerings
Woo Hoo!! Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is now selling Doughnut Mix!
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC sign
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