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!
Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display
We tried the Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato…
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.
Holiday Bakery Case
Ornament Candy Apples
More candy apples!
Holiday cupcakes
Red and Green Mickey Macarons
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.
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.
Streets of America Snack Cart Menu
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.
Seasonal Joffrey’s beverages
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!
Holiday souvenir cup
Holiday souvenir cup
Holiday souvenir cup
Other locations such as Rosie’s All American Cafe and Catalina Eddie’s had this mug featuring the Fab Five and Chip and Dale.
Fab Five holiday mug
Fab Five holiday mug
Haven’t had enough holiday souvenir items yet? Good… ‘cuz here’s the popcorn bucket!
Holiday Popcorn Bucket
Holiday Popcorn Bucket
Holiday 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.
Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake
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.
Mama Melrose Entrance
Mama Melrose menu
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.
ABC Commissary Entrance
Also behind those Commissary doors is the Big Hero 6 “Personal Beverage Companion” Souvenir Sipper.
Big Hero 6 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.
“Celebrate the Season” with Mickey and Minnie!
Holiday cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern
Peppermint Sundae at 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.
Be Our Guest Restaurant Sign
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.
Liberty Square Market
I loved this little Fantasyland Standby Entrance kitchen timer magnet at the Emporium…
Standby Entrance kitchen timer
And check out these Jack Skellington Mood Magnets!
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.
Coral Reef sign
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).
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Snow White at Akershus
In Morocco, Spice Road Table is accepting Advanced Dining Reservations for dining times starting December 2nd.
Spice Road Table
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.
Building the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
Building the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
Building the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
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.
The gates to Citricos
Florida Fish Tacos have made their way to the Grand Floridian Cafe Lunch Menu.
Grand Floridian Cafe Entrance
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.
Sanaa check-in
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!
