New Pressed Pennies In Disney World

Pennies

I've loved collecting pressed pennies since I was a little kid. They're the perfect souvenir: small and portable, inexpensive, and easy to store or display once you get back home. I have pennies from places I've visited all over the country, but the vast majority have come from Disney Parks. 

As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disney World, 53 new designs have popped up throughout the parks. While I prefer the old hand-crank machines where I can use my own carefully saved pre-1982 copper pennies, many of the new automated machines contain new, uncirculated pennies. Either way, they're still a fun collectible. 

Designs include 50 single character designs, one Mickey and Minnie celebration design, and two resort coins. Here's a list of the characters you can find:

• Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Chip, and Dale
• Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Cheshire Cat, Lady, Tramp, Dumbo, Timothy Mouse, Mad Hatter, Tinker Bell
• Simba, Timon, Pumba
• Pua, Hei-Hei, Miguel, Dante, Bruni, Olaf, Joe Gardner
• Sebastian, Flounder, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Genie, Abu, Stitch
• Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Bambi, Thumper, Gus-Gus, Jacques
• Woody, Bo Peep, Nemo, Dory, Frozone, Edna Mode
• Figment, Orange Bird, 
• BB-8, R2-D2

If you'd like to collect these new designs on your next visit to the parks, Disney has actually made finding the machines easier. Just open the My Disney Experience app and search for "Coin Press Machines". Select "Find On Map" to see machine locations throught the Walt Disney World Resort. 

More 50th Anniversary Treats Arrive in the Magic Kingdom

All images: Disney

Have you seen the latest 50th Anniversary Celebration treats to arrive in the Magic Kingdom? It looks like a delicious collection of culinary delights. 

The Chilling Chamber Push Pop can be found at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. The Push Pop features vanilla cake, graham cracker crumbs, and caramel buttercream, topped with a chocolate quicksand stretching room portrait. There, you can also find the Doom Berry, a blackberry ginger beer with EARidescence Sugar and a Haunted Mansion themed straw.

The Always Tea Time Slush will be available at the Cheshire Café. It looks intriguing, but the flavor is currently a mystery.

Two treats can be found at Pinocchio Village Haus. The Orange and Almond Tart is topped with orange blossom cream, roasted almonds, and a chocolate it's a small world disc.

The Croque Monsieur Flatbread is a Flatbread topped with bechamel sauce, sliced ham, sliced tomatoes, and Gruyère cheese.

Gaston’s Tavern is the place to find the Donald Duck Dome Cake. The dome cake features lemon mousse with blueberry filling, citrus cake, and buttercream.

A new float can be found at Aloha Isle. The Crooning Flowers Float is lime and vanilla soft-serve swirl over pineapple juice topped with a blue chocolate feather.

The Golden Oak Outpost has a new sandwich. The Slue Foot Sue Fish Sandwich is a fried fish sandwich with cilantro lime slaw and poblano mayonnaise. 

The Cheers to 50 Years! Sundae can be found at the Plaza Resturant. It's an over-the-top concoction made of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, pretzels, hot fudge, fudge, caramel corn with chocolate drizzle, chocolate chip cookies, and whipped cream with a cherry on top. Wow, thats a lot!

And finally, a new cinnamon roll is available at the Main Street Bakery. The Anniversary Cinnamon Roll is dusted with EARidescent sugar and the 50th logo pressed penny chocolate. 

EPCOT's Harmonious Looks Quite Beautiful

Disney

The next nighttime show to arrive at EPCOT will be "Harmonious." The show blends projections, music, and fireworks into a world celebration spectacular. The description from Disney sounds amazing:

The show moves through three distinct chapters, inviting us to gather on the shores of World Showcase Lagoon, celebrate the countries and cultures of the world, and ultimately unite to create a bright tomorrow. “Harmonious” begins with a sunrise, and as the world awakens around us, we set out on a journey that takes us across the globe. It’s a dazzling and diverse feast for the eyes and ears, from the South Pacific home of “Moana” and a Middle-Eastern interpretation of “Aladdin” to “The Jungle Book” in India, China’s legend of “Mulan,” the European nations that inspired “Brave” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and so much more.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at this beautiful new show.

"Harmonious" makes its debut on October 1, 2021, just in time for Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration. 

Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Commercial

Disney

Can you believe Walt Disney World is celebrating 50 years of magic this fall? Starting October 1, guests can expect to find surprises around every corner as part of the 18-month long celebration. 

Coco Comes To Mickey's PhilharMagic

All images: Disney

Mickey's PhilharMagic is one of my favorite shows in the Magic Kingdom. Guests head into the theater, don their "opera glasses" and travel alongside Donald Duck on a musical trip through favorite Disney animated movies. The story is a lot of fun and it's a perfect spot to beat the summer heat or sudden downpours of hurricane season.

While the show is already great, Disney Imagineers have decided to "plus it" with a new scene from Pixar's Coco. The "Un Poco Loco" scene will be added to the show in Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland Paris on July 17. It will appear in the Magic Kingdom later in the year as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. I can't wait to see how this new scene fits in. I'm sure it will be hilarious!

Rocket & Groot

The statues from Disney's Fab 50 Character Collection are so much fun. They were installed throughout the parks as part of Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration. I love finding them and using my MagicBand+ to hear them speak. There are characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, but Rocket & Groot may be my favorite. 

Disney KiteTails Is Coming To Animal Kingdom

Disney

This October 1, as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, a new show is coming to the skies above Animal Kingdom. "Disney KiteTails" will soar above the Discovery River Theater several times daily. A team of performers on land and the lagoon will fly kites and oversized props representing characters from The Little Mermaid, a bug's life, Finding Nemo, Jungle Book, and The Lion King. 

Some of the kites are as large as 30 feet long and are inflated by moving through the air. Original arrangements of favorite Disney songs will accompany this fantastic display. It looks amazing.

The 2021 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Menus Are Here!

All images: Disney

This year's EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is going to be the longest one ever! Beginning on July 15th and continuing until November 20th, the festival will be loaded with delicious things to eat, musical performances, and fun collectibles to bring home. There will be seven new Marketplaces this year, although some won't open until October 1, as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration. CORKCICLE is the sponsor this year, so keep an eye out for their products throughout the Marketplaces and Festival Shops. 

The menus for all of the Marketplaces are here and they look amazing. I can't wait to start trying all of the new dishes alongside old favorites!

Earth Eats hosted by Impossible (Between Imagination! and Refreshment Port)

• The Impossible Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream & Spicy Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun 🥕
• Impossible Three-Bean Chili 🥕🥖🧋
• Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea🧋

The Noodle Exchange (Near Traveler’s Café)🧋

• Traditional Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho with Shaved Beef, Enoki Mushrooms, and Thai Basil 🥖🧋
• Char Siu Pork Udon with Enoki Mushrooms, Bok Choy, and Soy Pickled Egg🧋
• Shrimp and Coconut Curry Rice Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Thai Basil 🥖🧋
• Tofu Pho with Enoki Mushrooms and Thai Basil 🥖🥕🧋

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE (Near Port of Entry)

• Shimmering Strawberry Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone
• Banana Bread with Mixed Berry Compote 🥕
• CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Australia (Near Port of Entry)

• Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, & Snap Peas 🥖
• Roasted Lamb Chop with Sweet Potato Purée, Bush Berry Pea Salad, and Pistachio-Pomegranate Gremolata 🥖
• Deconstructed Pavlova with Pastry Cream, Citrus-macerated Berries, and Lemon Myrtle Meringue 🥖

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin (Near Canada)

• Braised Beef Poutine: French Fries, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce, Cheese Curds, and Gherkin Relish 🧋
• Maple Boursin Cheesecake with Whipped Boursin Maple Bourbon Cheese and Candied Pecans

Ireland (Near United Kingdom) 🎃

• Fisherman’s Seafood Pie
• Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard
• Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy

Canada

• Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce 🥖

Appleseed Orchard (Canada Theatre)

• Apple Crumble Tart 🧋
• Apple Chips 🥖
• Frozen Apple Pie
• Cinnamon Apple Cider 🧋
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Brazil (Between France and Morocco) 🎃

• Moqueca: Brazilian Seafood Stew featuring Scallops, Shrimp, and White Fish with Coconut-Lime Sauce and Steamed Rice 🥖
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions 🥖
• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread 🥖

Belgium (Between France and Morocco) 🎃

• Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
• Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache
• Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina 🧋

• Fried Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce 🥕🧋
• Grilled Kebabs with Couscous, Tomato-Onion Salad, and Garlic Aïoli 🧋
• Lemon-Garlic ChickenMoroccan Spiced LambHarissa-marinated Beef Tenderloin Tips
• Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Zaalouk, and Zhoug Dips 🧋
• Pistachio Cake with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Candied Walnuts 🧋
• Fresh Orange Juice 🧋
• Fresh Blood Orange Juice 🧋
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Greece (Near Morocco)

• Spanakopita
• Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey 🥖🧀🧋
• Lamb Moussaka 🧋

Hops & Barley (American Adventure)

• New England Lobster Roll: Lobster with Herb Mayonnaise on a Griddled Roll
• Hot Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Cream and Pickled Vegetables 🧋
• Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

The Rotunda Bistro (American Adventure Rotunda)

• Chilled Smoked Shrimp Salad 🥖🧋
• Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tart with Gruyère and Crème Fraîche 🧋
• Chilled Crab & Avocado Parfait with Caviar 🥖🧋

Spain (Between Italy and Germany)🎃

• Charcuterie with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette 🥖
• Spanish-style Paella with Rice, Chorizo, and Shrimp 🥖
• Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika 🥖

Germany

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese 🧀
• Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
• Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

The Alps (Near Germany) 🎃

• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Alpine Ham, Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
• Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
• Blueberry and Almond Frangipane Tart with Crème Fraîche  

Kenya (Outpost) 🎃

• Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato & Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw 🥖
• Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-scented Couscous

Refreshment Outpost

• Spicy Githeri with White Beans, Pigeon Peas, Ben’s Original Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, and Kachumbari Slaw 🥕
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

India (Near China) 🎃

• Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa, and Coriander Pesto Dips
• Korma Chicken with Basmati Rice, Crispy Chickpeas, and Spiced Yogurt Sauce 🥖
• Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas, and Ben’s Original Basmati Rice 🥖🥕
• Mango Lassi

The Swanky Saucy Swine (Near Disney Traders) 🧋

• Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese 🥖🧀🧋
• Roasted Porchetta with Pork-fat Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Lemon-Parsley Salsa Verde 🥖🧋
• Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with Green Onions and Peanuts 🧋
• Crispy Pig Ear Salad with Fire Roasted Tomatillo Sauce, Pickled Red Onions, Queso Fresco, Roasted Corn Salsa, and Avocado Cream 🥖🧋

Hawaii (Near Disney Traders)

• Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLE Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Teriyaki-glazed SPAM Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Tuna Poke with Eel Sauce, Spicy Mayonnaise, and Crispy Shrimp Chips🧋
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts 🧀

Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience 🧋

• Garlic-Parmesan Wings with Celery and Ranch 🥖🧋
• Barbecue Wings with Celery and Ranch 🥖🧋
• Teriyaki-Sesame Wings with Celery and Ranch 🧋
• Traditional Buffalo Wings with Celery and Ranch 🥖🧋
• Mango-Habanero Wings with Celery and Ranch 🥖🧋
• Cheese Flatbread 🧋
• Pepperoni Flatbread 🧋

The Donut Box (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

• Candy Jar Donut made with M&M’S, SNICKERS, and TWIX 🧋
• Sriracha-glazed Donut 🧋
• Chef’s Donut of the Day 🧋
• The Donut Box: Pack of the 4 Daily Donuts
• Crispy Chicken on a Sriracha-glazed Donut
• Strawberry Smoothie
• CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN (Near Test Track)

• The Corned Beef Corner Route: Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions, and Beer-Cheese Fondue 🧀
• The Chimichurri-up Offense: Charred Chimichurri Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Cilantro Aïoli 🥖
• The S’mores Whoopie Pie-lon: Smoked Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, Chocolate Ganache, and Candied Bacon

Lobster Landing (Near Mission: SPACE) 🧋🎃

• New England Lobster Tail with Lobster Bisque Sauce 🧋
• Lobster Chowder with Bacon, Corn, Potatoes, and Oyster Crackers 🧋
• Baked Lobster Dip with Old Bay Chips 🥖🧋

Mac & Eats (Near Mission: SPACE) 🧋🎃

• Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed PankoTruffle Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko 🧋
• Cowboy Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Pork Belly, Brisket Burnt Ends, Pickled Peppers, and Onion Straws 🧋
• Macaroni and Cheese with House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers 🥕

Mexico

• Chilaquiles con Chorizo: Crispy Corn Tortillas tossed in Salsa Verde and Monterey Jack Cheese topped with Crema Mexicana, Queso Cotija, Pickled Onions, and Ground Chorizo 🧋
• Taco de Ribeye: Shaved Ribeye, Red Onions, and Poblano Peppers on a Corn Tortilla with Ranchera Salsa, Cotija Cheese, and Chives 🧋
• Capirotada de Chocolate: Abuelita Chocolate Bread Pudding served with a Chocolate Crème Anglaise

France

• Beignet aux Trois Fromages: Warm Beignet filled with Three Cheeses 🧋
• Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
• Coq au Vin, Pommes Dauphine: Chicken braised in Burgundy Wine with Bacon and Puffed Potatoes 🧋
• Crème Brûlée au Grand Mariner: Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Grand Marnier Liqueur (contains alcohol)🧋
• Evian Sparkling Cucumber and Mint Water with Magnesium and Zinc

Italy

• Mezzelune Croccanti: Crispy Half-moon Breaded Mozzarella-filled Ravioli with Pomodoro Sauce 🧋
• Ravioli: Grilled Chicken Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce, Romano Cheese, and Prezzemolo 🧋
• Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian Doughnut with Raspberry Sauce and Powdered Sugar

China

• Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with House-made Sweet and Spicy Sauce
• ZiRan Beef Bao Bun: Grilled Beef with Cumin 🧋
• Crispy-fried Pepper Shrimp with Spicy Sichuan Noodles
• Mango Bubble Milk Tea: Assam Black Tea, Whole Milk, and Mango Syrup

Japan

• Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed Bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables, and Teriyaki Sauce
• Tempura Shrimp Sando: Crunchy Shrimp served with Yuzu Crab, Green Onions, and Eel Sauce served on a Bun 🧋
• Spicy Hako Sushi: Spicy Tuna and Salmon served Box-style with Red Tempura Crunch and Volcano Sauce 🧋

Funnel Cake

• Mini Candied Bacon S’mores Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Joffrey’s

• The American Adventure – Cinnamon Chai: Refreshing Iced Chai topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon
• Near Disney Traders – Double Trouble Chai: Tantalizing Iced Chai with a Single Shot of Espresso topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon
• Near Canada – Tropical Tea Breeze: Iced Tea and Frozen Lemon with a splash of Coconut Syrup
• Near Mission: SPACE – Cocoa Cold Brew: Kona Mocha topped with Whipped Cream and drizzled with Chocolate

Opening October 1 🎃

Emile's Fromage Montage 🧀

Plant-based 🥕 

Gluten/Wheat Friendly 🥖

New 🧋

As you visit each Marketplace, be on the lookout for dishes from Emile's Fromage Montage. Once you purchase five of the dishes and collect your stamps, head over to Shimmering Sips for a special surprise.