Cake Bake Shop at the BoardWalk is now open

[snacks]

Appreciate you taking the time to post about your experience, I was worried I was being picky but we both picked up on several similar themes in our respective reviews. We were also in the ‘glass room’ and also had slow service. I half-way wonder if we didn’t have the same server. “Not ready for prime time” was my ultimate conclusion.

But yeah, I tried to find some balance in my review/thoughts to find some middle ground grace for a new operation so left some of my observations out, but nearly everything you mention I could have said as well - indifferent host/hostess stand interaction, slow service (although yours sounds way worse), luke warm at best gumbo that was mostly broth. I didn’t really care for the texture of the shrimp romouelade appetizer, and I also questioned if it was perhaps 30-60 seconds undercooked. I also had the build-up of plates since there does not seem to be any separate staff for bussing/cleaning tables (even when turning over to the next customer), only the server - another reason my server seemed consistently behind.

Thanks again for posting.

I mostly stay off of the internet when I'm on vacation so I missed several pages here and didn't see your review.
We certainly did have some of the same observations. I'm glad you mentioned that you were there on a busy Saturday evening because I had started to wonder if us being there on a slow weekday afternoon was part of the problem. Sometimes restaurants will have their "B Team" on in the middle of the week to save their "A Team" for busy times like weekend dinner. Your experience blows up that theory. Thanks for comparing notes

 

[focusondisney]

I think you did the right thing in booking Christmas Eve. I've been watching this thread for quite a while so I know how much you've been looking forward to celebrating Christmas Eve at CBR. It's very possible that if you didn't book it you would lose the option, so now you can read reviews as they come in and have the option when it's time. Consider making a back up reservation in case you decide to cancel CBR. It will be a busy night. I hope it works out for you!

Thank you so much for the kind encouragement! Exactly what I was planning, too, a backup on my husband’s account. Thanks again!

 

[focusondisney]

I thought I would share what I was told by the Cake Bake event team as it relates to the Afternoon Tea in case anyone is trying to decide between the Tea and a lunch reservation.

As of now, they are planning to have the Tea guests dine in a separate area from the general lunch reservations. Unfortunately, they are thinking the Tea will be done in one of the outer rooms and not the main dining room. Based on the most recent dining reports, that sounds really disappointing.

The Tea is fully prepaid, which is fine, but it’s a non refundable reservation. They said they may work with you to change the day or the time, but it’s definitely not a guarantee or a promise of a full refund if you cancel 3 days in advance or anything. The contract does not have any language that would refund a cancellation. Traveling from the northeast in the winter and with Covid forcing too many last minute adjustments to our plans in recent years, this policy is really tough for me to want to accept.

When it was announced yesterday, I was very excited to book the Tea, but after the most recent reviews - especially of the outer room and the service - and the lack of a refund for cancelling, at $121/person with tax and tip, I’m no longer sure we will stick with the Tea over a general lunch reservation.

Hope this helps anyone also wrestling with the same decision.

Nonrefundable?!!! My DIL & I had talked about doing it in May, but nonrefundable is just crazy. Absolutely agree with your reasoning. Hard pass.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Are there any reports yet from those who have just visited the bakery and not the restaurant? I was hoping they would have mobile ordering but I would like to see the inside if line isn’t too long.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Well there may be quite a few negative reports but I just went to change one of my reservations and now there is almost no availability thru the 3rd week of January!

 

[Disturbia]

They will have a working carrousel Christmas!

 

[Lewisc]

The Tea is fully prepaid, which is fine, but it’s a non refundable reservation

Nonrefundable?!!! My DIL & I had talked about doing it in May, but nonrefundable is just crazy.

Sounds like reservations make sense a day or two in advance. I guess fully pre-paid isn't enough, from CBS perspective, to ensure guests keep their commitment. Closer to wedding or catering terms then a restaurant.

CBS terms would discourage me from booking. 24% automatic gratuity is another issue.

Edited to add poster quoted terms. Refund if you cancel at least 24 houts in advance.

They don't accept same day reservations. These terms aren't as unreasonable as first reported

 

[HappyGal]

Here’s the contract that came with my afternoon tea reservation for a party of 2.

 

[T.G.I.Friday]

Here’s the contract that came with my afternoon tea reservation for a party of 2.
View attachment 912964

That’s crazy! This is the contract that I received yesterday morning.

 

[Lewisc]

That’s crazy! This is the contract that I received yesterday morning.

Happy Gal booked for a party of 2. How many in your group?

Guests who book phantom guests may have issue$$$. I'll take the restaurants side.

 

[NYCgrrl]

The contract is fine from my pov excepting the 4% for the event planner. Not having additional decor; I’ll call today for an explanation.

 

[T.G.I.Friday]

We are also a party of 2.

Given that the one I received specifically mentions the Boardwalk, I would think it’s the one they would use going forward and developed for the space. You can see the biggest difference is that in mine, in 3. At the top, it calls a it 100% non-refundable deposit. That’s totally different than the other one.

 

[Lewisc]

We are also a party of 2.

Given that the one I received specifically mentions the Boardwalk, I would think it’s the one they would use going forward and developed for the space. You can see the biggest difference is that in mine, in 3. At the top, it calls a it 100% non-refundable deposit. That’s totally different than the other one.

4% sounds like a maitre d gratuity tip.

Your contract tells you how to cancel. Why cancel if they're going to keep your money?
Sounds like nonrefundable, unless canceled per terms.

 

[NYCgrrl]

The pertinent section re: cancellation of my contract

1. Cancellations made 72 hours prior to the event will result in a 50% refund of the deposit to the client’s card on file.
2. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the event will be non-refundable.

I will ask what % is returned for a cancellation made more than 72 hours in advance.

I’m not noting the responsibilities of a captain or maître d’ hôtel being fulfilled sooo they’re about to get grilled. Politely but grilled nevertheless.

 

[Lewisc]

3 Different posters have 3 different agreements. NOT GOOD.

Looks like phantom guests will be charged. Reasonable.

 

[focusondisney]

Since you have to go thru the events team & not just book what’s available on line, I doubt phantom guests will be needed. If they’re making you book thru the events team, sounds like guest counts will be customizable to each party.

As for the cancellation penalties, thats a hard no for me. Even without considering this is a theme park & things happen, there’s weather considerations for both halves of the year in different parts of the country, everything from blizzards to hurricanes to wild fires. And let’s not forget the airline meltdowns the last few years. Even with perfect weather, airlines have had issues that caused thousands of flights to be cancelled & passengers rebooked for days later, if at all. Everything totally outside of a customers control, so why would anyone agree to these terms for a restaurant based tea? Not even commenting on the 20% + 4% gratuity for whoever.

Unless CBS is guaranteeing High Tea with HRH Catherine, The Princess of Wales. I’d agree to nonrefundable for that.

 

[trishadono]

Nonrefundable?!!! My DIL & I had talked about doing it in May, but nonrefundable is just crazy. Absolutely agree with your reasoning. Hard pass.

Here is the copy of my contract. IT IS refundable!

1. BOOKING POLICY

1. Once the afternoon tea reservation has been selected, a follow up email will be sent to the client including the afternoon tea contract and menu details.
2. Your event will be secured with a credit card on file for a deposit and any cancellation purposes if applicable.
3. Your reservation will not be secured until both the nonrefundable 25% deposit has been collected and a contract signature has been received within 24 hours of the booking. If these items are not completed, your booking is subject to cancellation.

2. PAYMENTS

1. The client will be presented with a final bill at the conclusion of the event for any unpaid balance due. The balance is due immediately by credit card or cash. Gift cards are not redeemable for afternoon tea service.

3. SERVICE CHARGE/GRATUITY

1. A 24% service charge/gratuity is automatically added to all food and beverage pricing for any private event.
2. 20% is attributed to the service team, 4% is attributed to the Concierge Events Team.

4. CANCELLATION

1. Events may be cancelled up until 24 hours prior to the event date and time. Any deposit taken will be refunded.
2. If the client cancels within 24 hours of the reservation, the credit card on file will be charged the full amount.
3. If the client no-call no-shows, the card on file will be charged the full amount plus a 24% service charge.
4. Events may be rescheduled up until 2 days prior to the event date. If the client wishes to reschedule, the Cake Bake Shop cannot guarantee future date availability.
5. Any cancellation must be through direct contact and confirmed with the Private Events Team via phone or email. Cancellations made through our reservation system by the guest will not be considered canceled.

5. DÉCOR + SETUP GUIDELINES

1. The space is designed and decorated with our guests in mind to ensure a stress-free experience. The décor reflects the Cake Bake Shop branded trademark. Additional décor must be approved by your event manager.
2. Décor guidelines:
   1. Small seasonal centerpieces will be provided on the tables by The Cake Bake Shop.
   2. The use of confetti, glitter, streamers or any items that require excessive cleanup are prohibited.
   3. We do not allow tape or any items to be adhered to the wall.
   4. Personal balloons are not allowed in the space.
   5. No additional décor is permitted in the space such as, but not limited to; large floral arrangements, backdrops, large décor pieces.

I understand and agree to the terms stated above.

Client Signature​

 

[Disturbia]

Since you have to go thru the events team & not just book what’s available on line, I doubt phantom guests will be needed. If they’re making you book thru the events team, sounds like guest counts will be customizable to each party.

As for the cancellation penalties, thats a hard no for me. Even without considering this is a theme park & things happen, there’s weather considerations for both halves of the year in different parts of the country, everything from blizzards to hurricanes to wild fires. And let’s not forget the airline meltdowns the last few years. Even with perfect weather, airlines have had issues that caused thousands of flights to be cancelled & passengers rebooked for days later, if at all. Everything totally outside of a customers control, so why would anyone agree to these terms for a restaurant based tea? Not even commenting on the 20% + 4% gratuity for whoever.

Unless CBS is guaranteeing High Tea with HRH Catherine, The Princess of Wales. I’d agree to nonrefundable for that.

I booked the breakfast with Santa at Maria & Enzo’s before realizing it was on an Epcot extended evening (hours were not released yet). It’s nonrefundable as well. For some reason I misread that and thought I could cancel after watching reviews. It should be refundable up to a week before like other signature experiences.

 

[Lewisc]

Here is the copy of my contract. IT IS refundable

Other posters shared 2 different terms regarding cancelation policy and refunds.

 

[lowlight]

Here is the copy of my contract. IT IS refundable!

1. BOOKING POLICY

1. Once the afternoon tea reservation has been selected, a follow up email will be sent to the client including the afternoon tea contract and menu details.
2. Your event will be secured with a credit card on file for a deposit and any cancellation purposes if applicable.
3. Your reservation will not be secured until both the nonrefundable 25% deposit has been collected and a contract signature has been received within 24 hours of the booking. If these items are not completed, your booking is subject to cancellation.

2. PAYMENTS

1. The client will be presented with a final bill at the conclusion of the event for any unpaid balance due. The balance is due immediately by credit card or cash. Gift cards are not redeemable for afternoon tea service.

3. SERVICE CHARGE/GRATUITY

1. A 24% service charge/gratuity is automatically added to all food and beverage pricing for any private event.
2. 20% is attributed to the service team, 4% is attributed to the Concierge Events Team.

4. CANCELLATION

1. Events may be cancelled up until 24 hours prior to the event date and time. Any deposit taken will be refunded.
2. If the client cancels within 24 hours of the reservation, the credit card on file will be charged the full amount.
3. If the client no-call no-shows, the card on file will be charged the full amount plus a 24% service charge.
4. Events may be rescheduled up until 2 days prior to the event date. If the client wishes to reschedule, the Cake Bake Shop cannot guarantee future date availability.
5. Any cancellation must be through direct contact and confirmed with the Private Events Team via phone or email. Cancellations made through our reservation system by the guest will not be considered canceled.

5. DÉCOR + SETUP GUIDELINES

1. The space is designed and decorated with our guests in mind to ensure a stress-free experience. The décor reflects the Cake Bake Shop branded trademark. Additional décor must be approved by your event manager.
2. Décor guidelines:
   1. Small seasonal centerpieces will be provided on the tables by The Cake Bake Shop.
   2. The use of confetti, glitter, streamers or any items that require excessive cleanup are prohibited.
   3. We do not allow tape or any items to be adhered to the wall.
   4. Personal balloons are not allowed in the space.
   5. No additional décor is permitted in the space such as, but not limited to; large floral arrangements, backdrops, large décor pieces.

I understand and agree to the terms stated above.

Client Signature​

It says both 25% non refundable deposit and before 24 hours prior is refundable in the same contract. Confusing.