food IS a theme park
The Halloween decorations are up and the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is ON! It MUST BE FALL in Walt Disney World!
Halloween Decorations at Magic Kingdom
So please join us for a very pumpkin-spiced edition of What’s New 
! [Read more…]
When Toy Story Pizza Planet closed in January for a refurbishment it was immediately wondered if the Hollywood Studios pizza spot would reopen with a new theme.
The former Pizza Planet
A short time later, a few clues began to lend weight to rumors that the quick service spot might reopen with a Muppets theme. First, there was the arrival of construction walls around the closed restaurant with more than a subtle hint of that classic Muppets humor. [Read more…]
For those keeping track of changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week, there’s one more to add to the list. You already likely know that the construction of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land is now officially underway, as evidenced by the very recent closure of Streets of America fixtures such as Studio Catering Co. and the Lights! Motors! Action Extreme Stunt Show to make way for the new ventures.
Construction Walls Blocking the Streets of America
But what about Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano? It was always part of the former Streets of America section of the park, and yet it’s still in operation. (Yay!)
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Well, it’s now part of the newly renamed Muppets Courtyard! The new name of this area of the park is revealed in the updated Guide Map for Disney’s Hollywood Studios (it’s listed on the bottom right of the shot below). [Read more…]
Okay, let’s face it: construction walls covering up refurbishment areas in Disney World are something we’re pretty used to seeing. They cover everything from the upcoming Frozen Ever After attraction in the former home of Epcot’s Maelstrom to Avatar Land in Animal Kingdom to the ongoing transformation of Disney Springs, and then some.
Walls outside of Planet Hollywood’s refurbishment in Disney Springs
And we’re bound to spot more and more very soon as Disney’s Hollywood Studios expands to add both Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land.
There are just a few days left to enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will have its last run on January 3, 2016.
The final year of this well-loved holiday lights display coincides with construction for entire new lands coming to Hollywood Studios. Perhaps you’ve heard of a little film franchise called Star Wars? Yep, its getting a land of its own, along with Toy Story Land on the way as well.
While that’s not exactly “new news” anymore, the fact that Toy Story Pizza Planet is closing for a lengthy refurbishment may come as a surprise to some guests visiting Hollywood Studios in the new year.
According to wdwmagic.com, Pizza Planet will begin a major refurbishment on January 19, 2016, which will last late into the year. And, indeed, no times are available for Pizza Planet starting January 19th on the Walt Disney World website.
Screenshot of Pizza Planet calendar on the Disney World website
Word on the street has it that when the location reopens (projected for November), it may not reopen as Pizza Planet, but as a new eatery entirely. These rumors certainly make sense, given the future of Toy Story Land. Reopening a new and improved Pizza Planet in the upcoming land could result in a more immersive experience. [Read more…]
It’s almost September, but everyone knows that we’re still looking at summertime temps to continue in Florida — expanding well into October (at least). So you may find it good to know about some cold adult refreshers that have popped up in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in recent months!
Let’s start on Commissary Lane at the ABC Commissary.
The ABC Commissary
The Cold Front not only promises a relief from the heat, but it’s also well in keeping with Frozen Summer Fun (which won’t conclude until September 7th, so you’ve still got time a little time to catch it!).
Nothing says “I love you!” like a giant pile of frosting. And some of our favorite spots throughout Disney World are featuring extra special love-themed desserts this weekend.
Cupcake lovers have lots of options. We think the Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake at Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery should top the list. After all, what goes better with your favorite Starbucks beverage than a big chocolatey cupcake??
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake at Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery
But the Raspberry Panna Cotta Cupcake from BoardWalk Bakery also has us intrigued. It’s like two desserts in one, and reminds me a bit of the Master’s Cupcake at Be Our Guest Restaurant, which features Grey Stuff — Cookies and Cream Panna Cotta.
Raspberry Panna Cotta Cupcake from BoardWalk Bakery
If you like to have your cupcakes and eat them too (plus you’d like a couple other things), then head to the Beach Club Marketplace for the Sweetheart Dessert. It includes Cupcakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and Chocolate Truffles. Best of all — there’s two of everything, so no sharing required. 
Sweetheart Dessert from Beach Club Marketplace
If we had a vote right now for Disney’s cutest couple, I’m pretty sure that Lady and the Tramp would probably score in the top 3. So it’s fitting that they’re the face of amore on a cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios right now.
Lady and the Tramp Cupcake
We had a chance to try this one for ourselves the other day, and it’s pretty adorable. Featuring Red Velvet Cake and whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting, it’s also delicious. You’ll find it at The Trolley Car Café, Starring Rolls Cafe, ABC Commissary, Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., Rosie’s All American Café, and Fairfax Fare.
Lady and the Tramp Cupcake — Inside
However, I personally want to drive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge right now for some of these [Read more…]
Wondering what the latest cupcake at Hollywood Studios is these days? Well, look no further than Counter Service spots such as Starring Rolls, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Pizza Planet, Rosie’s All American Cafe, and Studio Catering Co. for the Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing and Caramel Drizzle!
Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing at Starring Rolls
You’ll see it by that title in the locations above, but since that’s a suuuuper long name, let’s just call it the Big Hero 6 Cupcake, since the special guest star on this one is a white chocolate Baymax topper!
Big Hero 6 Cupcake
By the way, he is one hearty hero. It’s almost like getting an additional chocolate lollipop with your cupcake, like with the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake found at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery (though not quite so substantial).
Baymax Topper
With a HUGE mound of banana buttercream frosting and [Read more…]
We have more Frozen food news for you out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! (Frozen food! Get it? Ha!) Last week, we told you about the Frozen Summer Fun Package — complete with Dessert Party!
Today, we’re back with our very first look at some of the Frozen-themed treats that you can find throughout the Park!
The Studios bunch continues to delight guests with all kinds of ways to celebrate the epic success of the Disney animated film Frozen this summer. Perfect, right? Who doesn’t love a cool breeze on a HOT Florida day?
And in addition to super cool attractions like ice skating, guests can also snack and drink their way through Arendelle!
Let’s start with a few refreshing drinks! The one that we’re most excited about is the “Let It Glow”! This non-alcoholic cocktail will be perfect for the whole family! A refreshing concoction of Pineapple Juice, Grenadine, and Ginger Ale — it comes with a fun souvenir Glow Cube. I can’t wait to try this one!
“Let It Glow” Non-Alcoholic Cocktail
For grownups, there are two fruity options that come with an extra kick — the Summer Berry Margarita and the Blue Dream. While the Margarita features the fruits of summer, the Blue Dream is a magical mix of Citrus Vodka, Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps, Sweet-and-Sour Mix, and Pineapple Juice. And since both of the adult beverages come with a Glow Cube as well, everybody’s happy!
Summer Berry Margarita and Blue Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You’ll find all three daily from 4-10 p.m. at Animation Bar and Idol Bar.
But WAIT until you see the snacks!!! They clearly have my number with this one. Over at
Guess who made it back to Hollywood Studios this year?
The Easter Bunny … though, not in the way that you may think! Check out the ears on the White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake!
White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake
Of course, as Disney food fans, I suppose we’ve all grown rather accustomed to the fact that many of our favorite foods come with EARS.
A classic Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar!
Mickey Pretzel with Plastic Cheese
Mickey Waffles
So, while it was not altogether surprising, it was still fun to spot THESE ears popping up once again in the current specialty cupcake!
White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes in Starring Rolls Bakery Case
The White Chocolate Raspberry cupcake – a return from previous years – can be found at several Hollywood Studios Quick Service locations, including Toy Story Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, Studio Catering Co., and Starring Rolls Cafe. Just look for this sign:
White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake Sign at ABC Commissary
This cupcake is [Read more…]
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