Cake Bake Shop at the BoardWalk is now open

[SL6827]

All this talk is making me want a piece of cake.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Back when I visited NYC in my early 20s we waited in line for over an hour to get treats at Serendipity III. Occasionally went when I lived there, but went less often because the line was awful. It was lucky if the line was less than an hour and it could take twice that long…but prices were a bit lower (though still high enough the people who complain about average WDW prices would be outraged)— I actually think it could be a savvy business strategy to keep prices high to try to keep lines down and overall experience luxurious/convenient, to create a more indulgent experience that’s more pleasant for the people willing to pay exorbitant prices. They can always drive more demand by targeting discounts to BWI and BC guests, or an “anniversary special”, etc.

For those certain this is another star cruiser, I think there’s a huge difference between getting upper-middle class families to drop an extra $50-150 on impulse walking by a gorgeous shop and getting them to spend an extra $4000+ on a 2 night stay. Also, while I personally regret waiting “until my kids are old enough to appreciate it” and never doing GS, I think there are way more Americans interested in splurging on gorgeous treats than Star Wars fans who want to pay Four Seasons pricing to role play with strangers.

My guess is that this will do numbers for a while and after it slows down, they can start offering smaller mini-treats to go, or other enticements to lure in people who couldn’t quite justify opening day prices.

 

[lowlight]

I think we all know the "Disney Tax" exists due to a certain Disney clientele. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a large family splitting one slice of cake or one of those $18 kid noodles. Keep behaving like that and the restaurant will become prix fixe in no time. Remember Be Our Guest?

My gosh, those poor people ruin everything, amirite? They probably used a credit card to pay for it, too.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I think we all know the "Disney Tax" exists due to a certain Disney clientele. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a large family splitting one slice of cake or one of those $18 kid noodles. Keep behaving like that and the restaurant will become prix fixe in no time. Remember Be Our Guest?

This will 100% happen. I will bet that a majority of the initial reviews by bloggers/influencers/reg people will be very positive for the ambiance and experience. Price/value will be where opinions diverge. But I think the initial wave of reviews will generate a lot of interest....even by the "way over priced" crowd. That will absolutely lead to tables of 6 sharing 1 piece of cake and drinking water.

I have to think at these inflated prices management has to know there will be a percentage of tables that only order one or two things. My guess tho is they are WAY underestimating the number. It would not surprise me to see some sort of price fixe introduced at some point....and probably at a much faster pace than BOG.

 

[patty57]

I think we all know the "Disney Tax" exists due to a certain Disney clientele. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a large family splitting one slice of cake or one of those $18 kid noodles. Keep behaving like that and the restaurant will become prix fixe in no time. Remember Be Our Guest?

I remember that it used to be really difficult to get an ADR for Be Our Guest. Since they went prix fixe, they have a lot of availability. It must be working for them, or they would change back, but it sure hasn't helped their popularity.

 

[Minnie1222]

For those certain this is another star cruiser, I think there’s a huge difference between getting upper-middle class families to drop an extra $50-150 on impulse walking by a gorgeous shop and getting them to spend an extra $4000+ on a 2 night stay. Also, while I personally regret waiting “until my kids are old enough to appreciate it” and never doing GS, I think there are way more Americans interested in splurging on gorgeous treats than Star Wars fans who want to pay Four Seasons pricing to role play with strangers.

Agreed 100%.

I also believe that the Starcruiser would have been very popular if they let it became a regular deluxe hotel. It was sad to see Disney shutting it down so quickly. The immediate tax reduction must have been worthwhile.

 

[matt and beth]

We are making different points.

You are absolutely right that there are plenty of places that offer superior value when considering at the amount of food and drink you get for the money. Cake Bake is a horrible value by those metrics. I completely agree with you!

However the examples I gave are not random. They are exactly what I ordered the last time I went to all those places. Yes I ordered tuna sushi and escargot (not at the same place, lol.) I can tell you that those places are always chocked full of people eating and drinking exactly the same way I do - not looking for large amounts of food and sodas, but wanting unique small plates and drinks, good service and a quality experience. Yes, what they are eating and drinking is a horrible value for the amount of food you get. But there are still lines to get in, and those lines are often closed because of demand. If Cake Bake can offer a similar experience at a similar or slightly higher price, be it small plates or sandwiches or special desserts or whatnot, there are people who will want it.

What a lot of people are not getting is that Cake Bake is not a Red Robin. It’s more like a signature restaurant in most respects, but one that serves breakfast, sandwiches and cake in addition to apps and entrees. It’s not really meant to be a good value, it’s more about the experience. You are right that a lot of people, maybe most, won’t go there, and for very good reasons of value. But that does not mean there is not a market for that type of restaurant.

What’s the experience everyone is talking about? 2 hours? Is there a show? Honestly curious

 

[Minnie1222]

What’s the experience everyone is talking about? 2 hours? Is there a show? Honestly curious

I think this is the average time for a full meal at the Indiana locations. The pace should be quicker at WDW.

 

[matt and beth]

I think this is the average time for a full meal at the Indiana locations. The pace should be quicker at WDW.

What’s the experience?

 

[Minnie1222]

What’s the experience?

Leisure dining experience.

There are no live shows if that's what you're thinking.

 

[matt and beth]

Oh, so there’s not really an experience? People kept saying you are paying for the experience. Didn’t expect a show but maybe something like a Ferrell’s, Rainforest, Etc, or something with personality. Sounds like maybe the comments about experience are just enjoying decor?

 

[JoJoGirl]

What’s the experience everyone is talking about? 2 hours? Is there a show? Honestly curious

Probably talking about when you go in for a full leisurely meal and are not needing to rush. It can be fun to just enjoy a slow dinner with good friends and conversation as your evening’s entertainment. The ambience can be huge in this. Last month in NYC we had two meals that took over two hours, one was almost three hours and we didn’t know where the time went.

Sorry that this will be long-winded, but that’s the nature of a long meal.

First you are seated with a menu and given a few minutes to look at it. The server may first come to greet you and offer to take a drink order while you are looking. A good server will offer descriptions of the dishes, answer questions and make recommendations, maybe chat a bit. Maybe put in an order for an app while your party enjoys a drink and conversation. Then when the app comes, you are given time to enjoy it.

When you are ready, the server will take your order for an entree. A good server will keep an eye on your progress and order your food so that it comes a few minutes after you finish your app. NOT while you are still enjoying it. That would be rushing things. If your meal includes a side salad, it will come next and maybe some bread, along with more time to enjoy it. Once the entree arrives, you will be given ample time to enjoy it also, with progress checks from your server, refilling drinks, clearing finished plates, and providing anything else you may need,

Once most of your party has finished the entrees (not before), a dessert menu may be offered along with descriptions and more recommendations. If you order dessert, after dinner drinks or coffee, you will be given a few minutes to digest before the more food arrives. Then plenty of time to enjoy it along with whatever you are drinking. When you appear to be about done, the server will offer boxes and bring the check.

A good server will pace your meal the way you want it. It can easily take over two hours for a good meal if you are enjoying yourselves and making an event of it. The key is that you will not be rushed, not be brought more food while you are still enjoying a previous course, and will be permitted to relax and enjoy yourself with good food and conversation without the need to turn the table for the next party.

Of course if you eat faster or need to accelerate the pace, a good server should pick up on that and pace things more quickly. It does help to let them know, or to order fewer courses, maybe dessert to go. At Disney they will understand that many parties have schedules to keep, or children that don’t want to sit that long, and hopefully will pace accordingly when needed. They are there to meet your needs, whatever they are. But there should not be so much pressure to turn the table.

Lunch is usually quicker too because there are fewer separately served courses. But I still really appreciate having a properly paced meal without being rushed. I really hate having my entree brought when I’m only half through the app, so one or the other gets cold before you can eat it. (Looking at you, Kona. That’s why sushi is good for a main course there. It can wait a few minutes while you enjoy the potstickers.)

Anyway, that was probably too many words but hope it helps.

FWIW, I think the older I get (and I’m almost 60), the more I appreciate relaxing with a well served meal. I also love to see all the families enjoying theirs too, and don’t mind excited kids. As long as they respect my space it adds to the fun. I’m thinking Cake Bake will be a good mix of the two. Even if it’s not the price or experience most people are looking for, (and that’s perfectly OK!) it could still be a good and enjoyable addition for many.

Edited for typos

 

[bdrex28]

While CBS is even expensive for WDW it'll get a lot of business. Not sure how long it'll last, but it'll be crowded especially first year or two as guests cycle through.

I still find it odd they chose that location simply due to foot traffic.

I really wish they'd get a sports centered restaurant again as I loved going to catch a sporting event during visits. Maybe they'll decide to put one where Big River was. Just seems like Boardwalk would be a good spot for that.

 

[JoJoGirl]

Oh, so there’s not really an experience? People kept saying you are paying for the experience. Didn’t expect a show but maybe something like a Ferrell’s, Rainforest, Etc, or something with personality. Sounds like maybe the comments about experience are just enjoying decor?

If you prefer Rainforest, that’s great! There are already two at Disney for you to enjoy. Plus T-Rex, Sci-Fi, and many character meals and burger places in that general category.

However, a lot of people may enjoy the food, service, ambience, and experience at Cake Bake. It’s gorgeous and carried through in all the details from the decor to the service to the food, drinks and desserts. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea (literally), especially if you are looking for something like Rainforest, but I’m still surprised at the hate and piling on directed at Cake Bake.

Just because it’s not for you doesn’t mean plenty of others won’t enjoy it. There are lots of things at Disney I don’t personally understand and think are ridiculous uses of money: dessert parties, character meals with subpar food, spa experiences, Loungeflys and Dooney Bourkes (sacrilege I know ) But, hey, to each his own! Have fun doing your thing and I’m glad you can do it! Cake Bake is extremely popular elsewhere. Similarly priced themed restaurants are very popular at Disney. Partnering with Cake Bake is not a stretch. I love that it breaks the generic mold.

What I DO fault Disney for is not filling the Big River Grill space with a place like so many people here are wanting, it’s the perfect place for it. That’s poor customer fulfillment. If there were a family place/sports bar there would Cake Bake be getting so much hate? Please, Disney, open that space! Make people happy!

 

[J-Dog]

What a lot of people are not getting is that Cake Bake is not a Red Robin. It’s more like a signature restaurant in most respects, but one that serves breakfast, sandwiches and cake in addition to apps and entrees. It’s not really meant to be a good value, it’s more about the experience. You are right that a lot of people, maybe most, won’t go there, and for very good reasons of value. But that does not mean there is not a market for that type of restaurant.

Maybe this is the issue then. They are marketing this place as "high-end", but other than fancy white décor, I'm not seeing much else that seems to go along with their high-end prices and décor.

Or at least, they are doing a poor job of marketing it as such. i.e. I haven't seen anything in their marketing about why their cakes are so much better/fancier/tastier than Amorette's or Gideons, but yet their prices are reflecting that.

And their menu appears very mundane and unoriginal to me.

Sure, if someone is from Indiana, apparently, then there might be some word-of-mouth marketing, but as someone who lives in the PNW and visits Florida often, I've never heard anything about this place.

Tl'dr: I would be willing to give this place a try, but I'm not going to until somebody tells me that their ridiculous prices for run-of-the-mill-sounding food is worth it. And I haven't seen anything to do that other then a few people saying "But hey! Their single other restaurant somewhere else is great!".

 

[hcortesis]

What I DO fault Disney for is not filling the Big River Grill space with a place like so many people here are wanting, it’s the perfect place for it. That’s poor customer fulfillment. If there were a family place/sports bar there would Cake Bake be getting so much hate? Please, Disney, open that space! Make people happy!

I can't tell if you are wanting the same style of restaurant back where Big River Grille and Espn were or if you are suggesting something different. Pretty hard to fault Disney for not putting something similar back in those spaces.

 

[lowlight]

It isn’t the price of all the items that I’m getting hung up on, it’s the particular prices. If they had a filet that was $100, it would be outrageously high, but it’s a filet. Quality of meat varies and you generally get what you pay for. We’re talking about $8 sodas and milks and a $20 bowl of soup, a $25 egg sandwich, and $18 for PBJ. You cannot justify those prices with ambience, quality, or any other mental gymnastic. You want to charge me 80 bucks for a seafood pasta that’s full of freshly caught shellfish and homemade pasta? It’s high, but I’ve paid it. You want to charge me $26 for a PBJ and milk? You’re nuts. That’s the point I’m making, at least.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

It isn’t the price of all the items that I’m getting hung up on, it’s the particular prices. If they had a filet that was $100, it would be outrageously high, but it’s a filet. Quality of meat varies and you generally get what you pay for. We’re talking about $8 sodas and milks and a $20 bowl of soup, a $25 egg sandwich, and $18 for PBJ. You cannot justify those prices with ambience, quality, or any other mental gymnastic. You want to charge me 80 bucks for a seafood pasta that’s full of freshly caught shellfish and homemade pasta? It’s high, but I’ve paid it. You want to charge me $26 for a PBJ and milk? You’re nuts. That’s the point I’m making, at least.

I understand the point of this post and, to an extent, think it’s right; HOWEVER I think it’s discounting how much more expensive low end labor has become since COVID killed and disabled millions of Americans and immigration restrictions were ratcheted up. Many credible Disney experts will tell you that live entertainment has been cut back and hours reduced and restaurants half-staffed throughout WDW because they cannot find enough people to do the jobs and, when they can, there’s higher pay and high churn. IF (and this is a big IF) CBS has decided to pay employees a significant premium (in wages or benefits) and can actually hold on to staff (by offering them more money), it will make the dining experience much more elegant and efficient and that cost could easily flow down into a premium on everything from soda to noodles to steak (though easier to hide in items that are expensive to begin with). When most of what you serve is (typically) inexpensive food, paying your employees more is going to be much more noticeable. This is in addition to whatever it costs to rent prime space on the Boardwalk, which probably didn’t come cheap at the time they signed their lease.

I’m not defending $18 buttered noodles in particular (though it’s not uncommon to see on luxury hotel menus), but if it’s normal for dining parties to be 1-2 adults with 2-4 kids in a group, I don’t think they could pay premium rents and premium staffing by charging more than half of their clientele less than $20/meal.

 

[Minnie1222]

The only way to learn if the place is worthy is to try it in person. This shop needs to open ASAP.

 

[Babsy]

The only way to learn if the place is worthy is to try it in person. This shop needs to open ASAP.

Agreed! Any ideas when that will be?