Jump to content

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: December 20, 2016


Disney4me
 Share

Recommended Posts

Are your halls decked? Are your presents wrapped? Are you bursting with anticipation as you’re getting ready to celebrate the HOLIDAYS?!?

Cinderella Castle all lit up!

Cinderella Castle all lit up!

Because it’s the Most Wonderful — and Delicious! — Time of the Year at Walt Disney World! And we’re taking a tour around the Parks, Disney Springs, and several Disney Resorts to find out What’s New for this most festive season!

Resort Gingerbread Displays

It’s GINGERBREAD TIME!  A wonderful tradition across several Deluxe Disney World Resorts each year are over-the-top, larger-than-life Gingerbread Displays. Last month, we caught glimpses of the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resort’s displays in progress, and since that time we’ve been back to see them up and running!

Contemporary Gingerbread Display

Contemporary Gingerbread Display

Of course, the Grand Floridian’s display is not only a gorgeous Gingerbread House…

Grand Floridian Gingerbread Store

Grand Floridian Gingerbread Store

… it’s also a fully functioning treat spot!

Gingerbread Ornament

Gingerbread Ornament

Truffle Pops

Truffle Pops

My personal favorite — the Gingerbread Carousel — is back at the Beach Club.

Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club

Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club

The horses on the Carousel are uniquely themed each year. Now, who does this year’s fleet remind you of :) ?

Donald Duck Horse

Donald Duck Horse

Mickey Mouse Horse

Mickey Mouse Horse

The BoardWalk Inn is trying something new this year. Rather than one large Gingerbread Display (last year, it was Ginger’s Bread & Cookie Shoppe), the Resort’s Pastry Chefs have created individual Gingerbread Creations, reflecting a theme and inspiration of their choosing.

Boardwalk Inn Display

Boardwalk Inn Display

Individual Gingerbread House

Individual Gingerbread House

Individual Gingerbread House

Individual Gingerbread House

Individual Gingerbread House

Individual Gingerbread House

Individual Gingerbread Display

Individual Gingerbread Display

Feeling inspired by the displays? Then you can attend a Bakery Activity — or the Gingerbread Academy — to try your own hand!

Holiday Baking Activities at the BoardWalk

Holiday Baking Activities at the BoardWalk

Gingerbread Academy sign

Gingerbread Academy sign

Be sure to check out our full photo tour and review on this year’s Gingerbread spots and snacks!

Epcot

Happy Holidays Around the World from Epcot!

Holidays Around the World at Epcot

Holidays Around the World at Epcot

This annual celebration of the season as it’s celebrated around the globe is back… only this time, it’s been enhanced with seven Marketplace Booths featuring regional and global cuisine.

American Holiday Table Booth

American Holiday Table Booth

And, BOY, did they bring in some GOODIES!

Cheese Fondue from Alpine Haus

Cheese Fondue from Alpine Haus

The event is still running through December 30th, so be sure to check out our very favorite items — like the Cheese Fondue at Alpine Haus, and the Slow-Roasted Turkey Dinner at American Holiday Table — before you go!

You can also see pictures of EVERY SINGLE FOOD ITEM here!

Slow-Roasted Turkey from American Holiday Table

Slow-Roasted Turkey from American Holiday Table

Duck Confit from Alpine Haus

Duck Confit from Alpine Haus

But maybe you’re not going to get the chance to attend this particularly festive festival.  Well, don’t worry… because a brand new Festival will follow shortly after, when the Festival of the Arts makes its debut in January 2017!

Epcot Festival Dates for 2017

Epcot Festival Dates for 2017

It will be followed promptly by the Flower & Garden Festival (which will feature two new Outdoor Kitchens) in the Spring… but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Because in the meantime, we’ve got bigger things to conquer.

And I do mean BIG. Get a load of the new JUMBO Pretzel in the Germany Pavilion!

Jumbo Pretzels in Germany

Jumbo Pretzels in Germany

This baby is GIGANTIC. It’s also 10 BUCKS. Seeing as it’s a “snack” that two can easily share, that brings things to $5 apiece…

Germany Hovels Menu

Germany Hovels Menu

Stop by the Popcorn Cart in the Canada Pavilion for a Chilled Maple Cafe, which will hopefully remain around for the cooler weather that lingers beyond Holidays Around the World.

Canada Popcorn Cart Menu

Canada Popcorn Cart Menu

It features Joffrey’s Le Cellier Blend Coffee with Brown Jug Maple Bourbon Cream Liqueur and topped with ExlPure MAPLE COTTON CANDY!

And though these are not exclusive to Epcot, that’s where we first spotted the current Joffrey’s Seasonal Drinks: the Gingerbread Cookie Latte, the Wintery White Latte, and the Peppermint Mocha Latte.

Seasonal Espresso Drinks

Seasonal Espresso Drinks

Look for them at any of the Joffrey’s Espresso and Pastry kiosks around Disney World, for at least the next few weeks!

Magic Kingdom

Everyone in Magic Kingdom is excited to celebrate the season!

Main Street, U.S.A. Fire Chief, Mayor, and Suffragettes

Main Street, U.S.A. Fire Chief, Mayor, and Suffragettes

Magic Kingdom Decorations

Magic Kingdom Decorations

Just a few menu changes to let you know about here, but they are rather small in comparison to the BIG news that four more Magic Kingdom Table Service restaurants (in addition to Be Our Guest Restaurant) will begin serving wine and beer very soon.

Liberty Tree Tavern

Liberty Tree Tavern

These include Liberty Tree Tavern, Cinderella’s Royal Table, the Jungle Skipper Canteen, and Tony’s Town Square.

Tony's Town Square

Tony’s Town Square

To learn more — including why this change is so surprising — click here.

Now back to those menu changes we mentioned, starting with a new Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.

Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café

Dessert Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

Dessert Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

If you are traveling to Magic Kingdom as the holiday traffic picks up, you’ll have more of a chance to find seasonal locations in operation like Tortuga Tavern and Golden Oak Outpost. Also included on that list is Tomorrowland Terrace.

Entering Tomorrowland Terrace!

Entering Tomorrowland Terrace!

Here, a Strawberry Shortcake has replaced the Coconut Tres Leches Cake for dessert.

Sides, Dessert, and Kids' Menu

Sides, Dessert, and Kids’ Menu

These aren’t the only menu updates at the Magic Kingdom.

Jingle Cruise sign

Jingle Cruise sign

Jingle Cruise Boat

Jingle Cruise Boat

Jingle Cruise decor

Jingle Cruise decor

It seems the Jungle Cruise Skippers have a special holiday menu to look forward to as the Jingle Cruise sails on throughout the rest of the season!

Seasonal Crew Mess Menu

Seasonal Crew Mess Menu

Seems like a nice change of pace from the usual…

Regular Crew Mess Menu

Regular Crew Mess Menu

But maybe that’s just me ;) .

Hollywood Studios

Just a few weeks ago, we said “Welcome” to Rizzo the Rat and his new dining establishment, PizzeRizzo!

Welcome to PizzeRizzo!

Welcome to PizzeRizzo!

The City's Top Rated Pizza

The City’s Top Rated Pizza

Read our first review from this new Counter Service eatery!

Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza from PizzeRizzo

But while we say “Hello” to that new spot, we’re VERY happy to say “Welcome Back” to an old favorite… the Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel is back at Hollywood Studios at select Pretzel Carts!

Pretzel Cart

Pretzel Cart

We’ve been hoping for this since this classic snack found its way back to Magic Kingdom a few months ago.

You’ve still got a couple weeks left to catch the Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Sign

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Sign

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

… and all the festive food and drink at Sunshine Day Cafe to go along with it!

Sunshine Day Cafe Menu

Sunshine Day Cafe Menu

Evergreen Spritz

Evergreen Spritz

Stollen Bites

Stollen Bites

They’ve also added German Pretzels to the seasonal offerings, and you can add a souvenir Christmas Light Glow Cube to any beverage for $3.50.

German Pretzel and Glow Cube signs

German Pretzel and Glow Cube signs

This year’s Chocolate and Candy Cane Holiday Cupcake can now be found at Counter Service spots all over the Studios, including The Trolley Car Café and Starring Rolls.

Holiday Cupcakes

Holiday Cupcakes

Holiday Cupcake

Holiday Cupcake

Anaheim Produce has brought back the Candy Cane Kah-lada for the season.

Candy Cane Kah-lada at Anaheim Produce

Candy Cane Kah-lada at Anaheim Produce

Candy Cane Kah-lada

Candy Cane Kah-lada

And the Winter Berry Margarita and Twinkling Twilight are available once again at the Pop-Up Bars around the park.

Pop-Up Bar Menu

Pop-Up Bar Menu

Sweet Spells has added Pumpkin to its Whoopie Pie selections!

Sweet Spells

Sweet Spells

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie

If you’re looking for more than snacks and drinks, though, you may want to try out the new “fast-casual” dinner at ABC Commissary.

The ABC Commissary

The ABC Commissary

They’re switching it up from the typical Counter Service setup (which still exists for lunch) to a new system where you order and pay for your dinner at the counter, then go to a table and wait for it to be delivered right to you.

Chimichurri Steak ©Disney

Chimichurri Steak ©Disney

Drinks are likewise refilled for you by a Cast Member. Read more about it here, and look for a review soon!

Stop by Mama Melrose’s to try the new Wood-Grilled Chicken and Penne Pasta, or the Seasonally Inspired Chef’s Selection (which is currently Osso Buco).

Mama Melrose's Menu

Mama Melrose’s Menu

Animal Kingdom

Jambo — and Season’s Greetings! — from Animal Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree

Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree

Further construction at Flame Tree Barbecue has been completed, and the result is expanded seating in a lovely new dining gazebo along with a covered walkway.

Flame Tree Barbecue Gazebo

Flame Tree Barbecue Gazebo

Flame Tree Barbecue Walkway

Flame Tree Barbecue Walkway

Flame Tree Barbecue Gazebo

Flame Tree Barbecue Gazebo

Flame Tree Barbecue Gazebo

Flame Tree Barbecue Gazebo

The Halibut dish at Tiffins has been replaced by a Hoisin Glazed Grouper.

Tiffins sign

Tiffins sign

Tiffins Entrée Menu

Tiffins Entrée Menu

And the current coffee brew at the Anandapur Royal Tea Company is the Kenya Muranga Blend.

Specialty Coffee Menu

Specialty Coffee Menu

Kenya Muranga

Kenya Muranga

Disney Springs

Marketplace

Merry Christmas from the Christmas Tree Trail in Disney Springs!

Christmas Tree Trail

Christmas Tree Trail

Fifteen trees themed to Disney characters and films can be found in the Marketplace. Here’s a quick glimpse at just a few…

Jungle Book Tree

Jungle Book Tree

Jungle Book Tree

Jungle Book Tree

Cinderella Tree

Cinderella Tree

Cinderella Tree

Cinderella Tree

Alice in Wonderland Tree

Alice in Wonderland Tree

Alice in Wonderland Tree

Alice in Wonderland Tree

You know what else can now be found at the Marketplace? Dole Whip!

Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Grab yours — under the name Pineapple Soft-Serve — at Marketplace Snacks.

Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs

Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs

Dole Whip signs at Marketplace Snacks

Dole Whip signs at Marketplace Snacks

For other sweet treats, you’ll want to check out Goofy’s Candy Co. where some new additions to the seasonal standards include this adorable Mickey Holiday Sugar Cookie (with just a hint of almond flavor).

Giant Mickey Christmas Sugar Cookie

Giant Mickey Christmas Sugar Cookie

And a CARAMEL POP. Woo!

Caramel Pops

Caramel Pops

At B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., the Bratwurst and Cheese Spatzle has replaced the Portuguese Sausage.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. menu

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. menu

Remember the Holiday Turkey Poutine that showed up at The Daily Poutine (thick-cut fries all topped with turkey and Thanksgiving trimmings)?

The Daily Poutine

The Daily Poutine

Well, we were pumped to learn it will remain around for the remainder of the holiday season!

Special Menu -- Holiday Turkey Poutine

Special Menu — Holiday Turkey Poutine

It’s GOOD, folks.

Holiday Turkey Poutine

Holiday Turkey Poutine

So good, in fact, that it’s the one Thanksgiving guest you’ll be glad extended its stay ;) . Hey-OH!!

Town Center

Winding into the Town Center, you’ll spot news signs at the future home of The Polite Pig, coming in Spring 2017!

The Polite Pig signs

The Polite Pig sign

The Polite Pig

The Polite Pig sign

It will be just steps away from Amorette’s Patisserie where they are decking the halls with these beautiful Lemon Chiffon Ornament Dome Cakes and Red Velvet Snowballs. Read our review here!

Ornament Dome Cake

Ornament Dome Cake

Snowball

Snowball

Snowball Description

Snowball Description

These are in addition to pieces like the mini Mickey Mousse Chocolate Chiffon Cakes, and the Goofy Dome Cake.

Mickey Mousse

Mickey Mousse

Mickey Mousse

Mickey Mousse

Goofy Cake

Goofy Cake

Mickey Peanut Butter Blondie Cookies are new in the Patisserie, joining the Savory and Sweet Crepes that hit the scene last month.

Peanut Butter Blondie Cookies

Peanut Butter Blondie Cookies

Crepes at Amorette's

Crepes at Amorette’s

Crepe Menu

Crepe Menu

More seasonal sweet treats are available at Sprinkles, where they are serving up Gingerbread Cupcakes.

@sprinkles Twitter

@sprinkles Twitter

And a Bacon and Bleu Burger is now on the menu at D-Luxe Burger.

D-Luxe Burger sign

D-Luxe Burger sign

D-Luxe Burger Menu

D-Luxe Burger Menu

The Landing

Yes, Virginia, it DOES get cold in Florida… occasionally ;) . And Joffrey’s Tea Trader’s Cafe is prepared with a seasonal selection of Winter Warmers.

Joffrey's Tea Traders Cafe

Joffrey’s Tea Traders Cafe

Winter Warmers

Winter Warmers

Raglan Road still has until Fall of 2017 to welcome its future next door neighbor, Wine Bar George, but groundbreaking has occurred and construction is underway!

Wine Bar George Construction

Wine Bar George Construction

Wine Bar George Rendering

Wine Bar George Rendering

Meanwhile, directly on Raglan Road’s other side at Cookes of Dublin, we were surprised to see that the menu has been rather significantly downsized.

Cookes of Dublin -- Outside

Cookes of Dublin

Cookes of Dublin Menu

Cookes of Dublin Menu

I already miss you, Vintage Bacon and Cheese Dip! Maybe — if we’re all REALLY GOOD — Santa will see fit to bring you back one of these days… . (FYI — AJ stopped in and voiced a sincere complaint on this one.)

A few Disney Princesses have received a place of honor on their very own Chocolate Bars at The Ganachery.

Princess Chocolate Bars

Princess Chocolate Bars

Princess Chocolate Bars sign

Princess Chocolate Bars sign

These Chocolate and Nut Trees are just around for the season!

@DisneySprings Twitter

@DisneySprings Twitter

And seasonal selections of ganache include Apple Pear and Amaretto.

@DisneySprings Twitter

@DisneySprings Twitter

Stop by Morimoto Asia for a Winter Wonderland.

Morimoto Asia

Morimoto Asia

It’s made with White Chocolate Godiva, Vodka, and Peppermint Schnapps.

@MorimotoAsia Twitter

@MorimotoAsia Twitter

Just across the way at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Moonshine Flights have been added to the drink options!

Homecoming Sign

Homecoming Sign

Choose any three Moonshine flavors and receive a pickle juice chaser and candied pecans along with them.

@DisneySprings Twitter

@DisneySprings Twitter

Also, you can now find Braised Short Ribs served with sweet mashed potatoes and broccolini and a new Apple Pie a la Mode Cocktail on the menu.

@DisneySprings Twitter

Braised Short Ribs @DisneySprings Twitter

@DisneySprings Twitter

Apple Pie a la Mode Cocktail @DisneySprings Twitter

Follow things up with… more cocktails ;) at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Or perhaps you’d prefer a small bite to eat. The current seasonal food menu features a Matterhorn Rosti and Pork Belly Sliders.

@DisneySprings Twitter

@DisneySprings Twitter

And for dessert?

Vivoli il Gelato

Vivoli il Gelato

Stop by Vivoli il Gelato for one of the seasonal flavor options.

@DisneySprings Twitter

@DisneySprings Twitter

Pumpkin SpiceAmaretto, and Maple Pecan make up the holiday offerings.

Resorts

Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory has reopened from its lengthy refurbishment to debut a new look.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Mardi Gras Parade Props Near the Ceiling

Mardi Gras Parade Props Near the Ceiling

AND new food items!

Cajun Grit Bowl with Shrimp

Cajun Grit Bowl with Shrimp

House-made Cheese Coffee Cake

House-made Cheese Coffee Cake

Cajun King Burger

Cajun King Burger

House-made Pecan Praline

House-made Pecan Praline

Check it all out here!

Wilderness Lodge

Though Wilderness Lodge doesn’t feature a Gingerbread Display, that doesn’t mean that guests there will be missing out on some Seasonal Snacks!

Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree

Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree

Holiday Treats at Wilderness Lodge

Holiday Treats at Wilderness Lodge

Holiday Treats at Wilderness Lodge

Holiday Treats at Wilderness Lodge

And Territory Lounge is currently serving coffee and pastries once again from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm daily.

Territory Lounge

Territory Lounge

Find out about the Wilderness Bark Latte — one of the featured beverages on the Specialty Menu — here.

Territory Lounge Coffee Menu

Territory Lounge Coffee Menu

Roaring Fork has a cute Raspberry Seasonal Cupcake up for grabs.

Raspberry Cupcake

Raspberry Cupcake

And outside at Trout Pass Bar, some festive holiday beverages made their debut.

Trout Pass Pool Bar

Trout Pass Pool Bar

DFB Reader Chelsea B. kindly shared her photo of the Elf Elixir (Godiva White Chocolate and Peppermint Schnapps) with us. A Snowball Martini (Godiva White Chocolate and vanilla) and Smoky Mountain Cider (Cider with Apple Moonshine) are also available.

Elf Elixir and Other Holiday Drinks at Trout Pass Pool Bar

Elf Elixir and Other Holiday Drinks at Trout Pass Pool Bar

Read her review here!

Contemporary Resort

In addition to the Gingerbread Treats mentioned earlier, an Egg Nog Spiced Cupcake has found its way to Contempo Cafe for the season.

Contempo Cafe Entrance

Contempo Cafe Entrance

Eggnog Spiced Cupcake

Egg Nog Spiced Cupcake

Look for a Gingerbread Santa Hat Cupcake from December 23rd through 25th, too!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

The fast, casual breakfast option at Sanaa in Animal Kingdom Lodge — the Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast — has passed its trial run, and can now be considered a regular option for your breakfast choices!

Sanaa

Sanaa

It’s available daily from 7:00 – 10:00 am.

Kuamsha Breakfast Menu

Kuamsha Breakfast Menu

Hot Station with Bobotie

Hot Station with Bobotie

Banana Bread, One of the Breakfast Offerings

Banana Bread, One of the Breakfast Offerings

Find out more about this new option here.

Polynesian Village Resort

Following in the footsteps of Grand Floridian’s Gasparilla Island Grill and the Contemporary’s Contempo Cafe, the procedure for receiving your food order at Captain Cook’s has changed.

Captain Cook's Ordering Area

Captain Cook’s Ordering Area

Place your order and then, when it’s ready, a Cast Member will deliver your food directly to your table.

@danielstaten

@danielstaten

We’d like to thank our good friend Daniel (@danielstaten on Instagram) for the info… and the pic of the Seared Chicken Breast with pineapple sambal, red quinoa and edamame salad (His thoughts on the dish? “So good!”).

Boardwalk Inn

Before we wrap (a few more presents…), I’m guessing we could all use a little Yule Fuel right about now. Wanna know where you can get some?

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

At Big River Grille and Brewing Works! It’s their current seasonal brew.

Yule Fuel Tap

Yule Fuel Tap

MANY THANKS to you for joining us on all of our trips Around the World in 2016! We hope you enjoyed them, and we can’t wait to take you along for more fun-filled food adventures in the year to come.

Until then, we’d like to wish you a VERY Happy Holiday!

Have you spotted anything new during a recent trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it in a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...