Cake Bake Shop Restaurant at Disney World: Full Menus w/ Prices, Opening Date & ADR Details
The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers is a new sit-down dining spot and bakery at Walt Disney World, replacing ESPN Club at the BoardWalk within walking distance of EPCOT. This covers everything you need to know: opening date, full menus for breakfast, lunch & dinner with prices, how to eat here during the soft opening, as well as a bit of commentary about the controversies (plural) of this new WDW dining concept.
Let’s start with the Cake Bake Shop Restaurant’s opening date, as this has become a common reader questions for the last couple of years. Not since Space 220 and Toy Story Roundup Rodeo has a restaurant had as many construction delays as Cake Bake. (So really, not that long ago since those are still two of Walt Disney World’s newest restaurants.)
The lethargic pace of this project has actually become a bit of a punchline. Or at least, it was until this month. The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant has been doing limited testing and trial operations for invited guests, Cast Members and various VIPs over the course of the last week–and had its walls down before that as of the first week of October. So we knew its debut sometime this month was inevitable. It’s been 84 years, but that day has finally arrived…
The latest update is that the Cake Bake Shop is NOW (soft)Â OPEN as of October 24, 2024!
The bakery side of The Cake Bake Shop quietly opened its doors and greeted guests bright and early this morning. The table service restaurant will open for dinner service at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 24.
Starting on Friday, October 25, the restaurant side of the Cake Bake Shop will open at 7 a.m. for breakfast, which will be served until 11 a.m. Immediately thereafter, lunch and dinner will be served from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. The bakery side will be open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
During these soft openings, the Cake Bake Shop is only accepting walk-ups. Expect it to regularly reach capacity over this coming weekend as it works through long lines of bloggers, vloggers, influencers, and Floridian fans who have to be “first.” Given the high menu prices (more on that in a minute), it’ll be interesting to see what organic demand looks like among regular Walt Disney World guests once the artificial initial rush is over.
Reservations for Cake Bake’s grand opening and beyond will be available in the My Disney Experience app and via DisneyWorld.com at some point in the near future. (Within the next week is what we’ve been told, but no specifics beyond that.)
It’s worth noting that Walt Disney World still has yet to announce an official opening date for the Cake Bake Shop. It’s possible they want to give this a longer runway for making adjustments during trial operations, as the Cake Bake Shop has already proven receptive to guest feedback. It might behoove them to heed a bit more of that.
Here are the full and final menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers:
The Cake Bake Shop has been mired in controversy since it was originally announced.
Many Walt Disney World fans were upset about ESPN Club closing, period. It offered a convenient spot within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to watch major sporting events, making it the rare non-lounge venue serving such a purpose.
The Cake Bake Shop was basically the antithesis of ESPN Club. I don’t want to paint with too broad of a brush about guest demographics or anything, but the vibe of the Cake Bake Shop is basically Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for cakes. You are more than welcome to draw your own conclusions about to whom that appeals versus a sports bar.
In any case, this was exacerbated when Walt Disney World announced the “surprise” closure of Big River Grille & Brewing Works over on the other side of the BoardWalk earlier this year. Air quotes around surprise since it was anything but, as this restaurant had been unpopular (and awful) for a while nothing. Abrupt is probably the more apt term. The bigger surprise was that Big River didn’t close years ago.
Regardless, it’s fair to say that the closure of Big River added more credibility to concerns about the dining slate at BoardWalk. From an objective perspective, it was hard to take seriously complaints about ESPN Club’s closure. If it were as popular as some fans claimed, it would’ve stayed open. The difference with Big River gone is that BoardWalk now has a shortage of easy and approachable options, and I can see why that would upset frequent BoardWalk guests or DVC owners here.
Thankfully, Trattoria al Forno still exists–and is one of the best mid-tier table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. Not to mention the many other options around Crescent Lake in the Swan & Dolphin or Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. And those via the Skyliner at other nearby resorts. Oh, also the ones a short walk away inside EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Construction walls came down a few weeks ago, revealing menus posted outside at the Cake Bake Shop. With this, a newer and bigger controversy emerged–the astronomical prices drew a tremendous amount of backlash on social media. While outrage is the normal currency of the internet, these complaints were understandable.
Honestly, we expected prices to be high and warned fans to brace themselves for the Cake Bake Shop at Walt Disney World to be expensive given its other locations. It stood to reason that if those were expensive despite being located in Indiana, the one at Walt Disney World would be even worse. We recently saw something similar with the premium pricing at Din Tai Fung at Downtown Disney versus its location in affluent areas of Southern California.
Even expecting high prices, I was shocked by what I saw when the Cake Bake Shop menus were posted outside the restaurant. I’ve been doing this a while–it takes a lot to shock me at this point. But you know what? Kids menus with $18 PB&J sandwiches and $18 grilled cheese, $8 Cokes, $26 eggs, and $26 fruit plates will do it! (Unlike some, I was not shocked by the $32 burger. Ridiculous, yes, but Space 220 already has a ~$40 burger if you do the math on the lunch prix fixe menu!)
In any case, Ms. Rogers must’ve heard the chorus of complaints, because the Cake Bake Shop menus posted outside were quickly updated with adjusted costs. For the most part, prices were pretty much lowered across the board. (The menus above are the final ones, reflecting the mostly-lowered prices.)
Some went down by as little as a penny (kudos on the $0.99 consumer psychology, I guess?), whereas others dropped by over $10. Some items did increase by a couple of dollars to keep consistent with their categories (which saw other items decrease). Without doing any math, I’d guesstimate that the menu prices dropped by around 10-15% on average. It was a huge win for online complainers, and proof that our tireless efforts do make a difference.
Before we strain our shoulders patting ourselves on the backs, it is worth noting that–since the Cake Bake Shop was not yet open–it was unclear how these price reductions were achieved. Perhaps it was a hollow victory, after all. Maybe portion sizes were decreased, supplier substitutions were made, or lower-quality ingredients will now be used. Personally, I’m not too worked up about all of that. Something tells me that the $18 PB&J was all markup and the quality of the Coca-Cola (with free refills) is more or less unchanged.
I have a lot of thoughts about the Cake Bake Shop prices, some of which you may not like. (Don’t worry, I’m sure most of you will agree with most of it.) But, you know what, it’s been a long week of price increases and this is already a lot to digest, so I’m going to hit pause on that.
In part, this is because I also want to hear from readers to incorporate some of that reader feedback into an upcoming article. So now is your chance to impress your family, friends, former classmates, inlaws & outlaws, and so forth by having your thoughts published in what is easily among the top 1,570 Disney-related blogs on the internet. When preparing your smartest and most astute insights into the Cake Bake Shop Restaurant’s menu prices (and whatever else), please consider the following:
- The Cake Bake Shop is owned and operated by a third party, meaning that Disney is not responsible for these prices except indirectly to the extent that they charge rent. (However, the existence of other third party restaurants–including in-park ones–that have cheaper menus sort of undercuts that line of reasoning.)
- Cake prices are per slice (albeit massive ones), not for entire cakes.
- Here are the menus for the Broad Ripple and Carmel Cake Bake locations, for reference.
- The other locations are incredibly popular, despite being expensive and in Indiana.
- Cake Bake Shop does not use gold flakes, endangered animals, or any other rare/exotic ingredients in these dishes or drinks.
I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s thoughts on this one, hopefully taking into consideration the above points. I think I have a pretty good idea of what to expect, but am nevertheless open to a variety of opinions, including ‘unpopular’ or contrarian ones.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your thoughts about the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers? Will you be dining here or skipping it? Surprised by just how expensive this is? Think the prices are worth it, even if they do require a second mortgage? Excited for this new bakery and restaurant or will you miss ESPN Club? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
like anything else, its success (or lack thereof) will depend on how much the consumer can bear. With Disney increasing prices on everything ($200+ a night to stay at a camp ground????) eventually people will wise up.
I was looking forward to Afternoon Tea here since the Grand Floridian one still isn’t available. I don’t see that as an option on the menu. I know they have it at their other stores. Any word on if that will be available in the future?
I feel like I made a huge mistake soliciting feedback before publishing my own article. Now it’s going to look like I’m stealing your ideas, when in reality, it’s purely coincidental. Great minds and all that, I guess?
Except the soupe/salade thing. I didn’t even notice that and don’t really care. Not a hill I’d die on, but I do get the point some of you all are making.
Personally, I would never overpay for such as this. Having said that, I believe the prices are completely reasonable in light of a couple of points:
1. The brand already commands a premium price point range at the other US-based locations. There is likely a “Disney premium” at play as well, but I can’t speak to that with 100% certainty.
2. While greatly overpriced baked goods may seem offensive to some consumers, it is instructive to remind ourselves that the overpriced baked goods sit a stones-throw away from vastly overpriced resorts that are comparable to a standard Hilton Garden Inn that commands 1/3 the rack rate being asked.
In comparison terms, the Bake Shop is priced accordingly and will likely do a good business. Economic frugality, while noble to ponder, has no place inside the bubble of Disney.
I replied to another comment with thoughts on the “Soupe” and “Salade” menu spellings, but in terms of prices, it’s not the food that bothers me (these are typical “high end tourism” menu prices like those in Vegas, NYC, etc.). But the cost of soft drinks is really off-putting and insulting. Basically saying: “we charge this because the margins are huge, we know this was a tough restaurant to get into, you’re a captive audience, and you’d feel awkward telling your daughter she’s not allowed to order a $7 Sprite or $9 lemonade at your special meal”.
I hold no ill will towards the restaurant or the owner and hope it succeeds. But for me personally it’s the pretension and entitlement in terms of little things like this that signal “this is not my kind of place.” Maybe the best comparison would be the American Girl Cafe or Sugar Factory — overpriced destination restaurants catering to the same “bring your daughter or the little girl in you” audience. (But even American Girl Cafe charges under $4 for a Coke…)
I think you nailed it on the Coke price precisely. As someone who used to bartend in a previous life, I am aware of the ridiculous margins on fountain pop. It just makes one presume that the rest of the menu isn’t charging high prices for quality ingredients, but because it can. To paraphrase Anthony Bourdain “I’m willing to pay high prices for good food, but not to supplement B.S” Are you paying for sustenance or atmosphere?
The adult menu, while high in price looks good, but the children’s menu is just insulting. You can gussy up butter noodles, grilled cheese and pb&j all you like, but as a parent it just looks like I should be lighting money on fire. By not having some menu items that look like they reflect a bit of normalcy (with a slight Disney markup), it just makes you think it is all a bit of a scam.
I realize people are on vacation, and are a bit more loosey goosey with the wallet, but are they going to walk away thinking it is worth it or that they are being played for suckers?
I am a sucker for a good cake so I will have to give this a try next time! Thanks for sharing!!!
We just went there for breakfast this morning. Food was great and the prices, compared to some of the premium meal options, weren’t that bad. For AP or DVC members, they only provide the 20% discount for lunch/dinner.
I’m going to try a slice of cake or two (and be fair), but I do not plan on eating inside the restaurant. I’m not adverse to the prices as long as the quality and quantity fit the bill, but after seeing the inside and reading reviews this doesn’t seem to fit my standards. The two issues I have are: one, I have had some really good cakes in my life so my expectations are up there and two, even the reviewers who are kinder than I am are not giving all of the cakes praise. When your famous cake is compared to a Hostess cake and that Betty Crocker cake mixes are much better that says something.
Is this restaurant going to offer a passholder discount?
I could potentially see picking up a slice of cake as a treat to enjoy with my husband and daughter for dessert on some evening that we grab a slice of pizza from the Pizza window. But nothing about the rest of the menu even sounds appealing…and the prices feel laughable.
GR is charging these prices entirely because she (thinks she) can. This remains to be seen, but maybe she can! While the food sounds amazing, however, if Las Vegas has taught me anything, it’s that $$$$ is not indicative of quality. I’ve seen a few complaints online about dry cakes and such, and that just will not cut it.
We are DVC owners at Boardwalk. Won’t be eating here. Too expensive, whether or not we can afford it is irrelevant-wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror if I paid $26 for a fruit plate. Prices are ridiculous and, quite honestly, shameful. BTW, many thanks for your time and work. Have never commented but always read your articles and appreciate your point of view.
I’d be willing to try it once, but I have no family I have to worry about supporting, unlike other people here that have to be concerned about that. I’d have to try it at the beginning of the month while I still have enough in my checking account.
Agree about the soupe and salade. Seemed affected and snobby to spell them that way, and I looked up the words on Merriam-Webster’s dictionary site and I don’t see those spellings listed as acceptable alternate spellings. Who are they trying to impress?
tbh the prices aren’t too high for me – they’re not really out of line with what I would pay in my area – BUT – this is WDW, catering to a middle class, 50% first timer crowd, that is here for the DISNEY PREMIUM – so do customers in this market want to pay a premium for a non-Disney brand? Do locals want to pay premium for a non-Disney brand?
I saw Amorette’s mentioned – I LOVE Amorette’s – and Amorette’s was designed by Imagineers, I believe, & has cute Mickey-shaped treats.
I’ve just realized with this post that that’s what’s been bugging me about this restaurant – no attempt to fit in with Disney, no Mickey shapes or decorations on the cakes. This brand sounds like it has excellent name recognition & prestige in Indianapolis – can the brand gain name recognition & prestige, this close to Disney World? We’ll find out!
For my part – I visit WDW 2x a year or so – and I would love to go, but I don’t do a lot of sit-down meals & non-Disney isn’t a priority for me, so idk – again, if I’m in the Boardwalk area, I probably want something Disney-themed like Mickey-shaped waffles, or I want to go to Epcot
mentioned already..
“soupe”
“salade”
Nope
Nopee?
What precisely is your objection to the French spelling?
I’ll tell you my own objections:
1. It’s pretentious
2. It’s not a French restaurant (see point #1)
3. The soups and salads aren’t all French preparations (see point #1)
4. Why not call the cakes “gâteaux” and the french onion soupe “Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée”? (see point #1)
5. The items in the Hors D ‘Oeuvres section aren’t actually hors d ‘oeuvres which are typically finger foods (see point #1)
I don’t even speak French and my point isn’t that I care what the restaurant is trying to be (I’m also happy if they succeed). “Soupe” and “Salade” are signals — they’re clearly aiming for a crowd that isn’t really thoughtful about food while charging prices commensurate with an elevated culinary experience. Basically “pretend fancy”. Which isn’t really my cup of “thé”.
It’s expensive, no doubt, but it’s possible the experience and quality could live up to it. The location baffles me a bit, but it’s a beautiful space in a special setting, albeit not a perfect fit. I could see us ordering a slice of cake or 2, to go, for our family of 4 to split if we’re in the area or staying at one of the hotels. And we’d be willing to give it a try for a special meal on our trip, which we usually do at least 1-2 of. All of the special meals are expensive, and dining out in general is expensive, so I think we could make this work with some smart menu selections.
It’s totally worth the pricing. ‘Soup’ and ‘Salad’ are spelled with ‘e’s’!!, and that makes it special.
Those are the French spellings. I find them charming, but hardly worth the upcharge.
My wife and I are AP’s who live in the Indy area and love all things Disney, and have been a few times to the Carmel location since they announced the WDW Boardwalk location. We are biased but are rooting for the success of the Disney location. They food and service are really good, and they are very intentional in the experience. It is definitely a special occasion restaurant for us, but we feel it gives us that Disney experience when we can’t go to WDW!
The restaurant menu looks too generic to try at these prices, but we’ll probably pick up a few bakery items to share on our next trip. More likely if they enable a Mobile Order option, which we love for grabbing things to take back to the room. Sidebar – The Crescent Lake area could use a couple more Mobile Order options (why aren’t they offering Trattoria al Forno anymore?).
I was on the Boardwalk last week and was fortunate to receive a “golden ticket” from the host while I was taking a look at the menu posted outside the bakery. It allowed me to chose any menu item and drink at no charge. I chose the Millionaire cake. The total at the register was just over $37 for the slice of cake and a coffee. The cake was really good and very large. I ate it over the course of 3 days. It was a fun experience and the bakery is beautiful. However, given the pricing it is highly unlikely I would purchase anything on a future visit.