Getting Into Beaches and Cream

[FrostMommy]

We had been hoping to be able to go to Beaches and Cream on our upcoming trip, but so far, no luck with a reservation. My kids loved the idea of all sharing a kitchen sink, and with me and my oldest daughter unable to eat dairy, there was hope that we could still participate. I am now looking at trying to get my hands on ice cream (both regular and dairy free) to have banana splits in our DVC room. That is equally a bit more grocery shopping than I had been planning on doing this trip. Do you have any secrets to getting into Beaches and Cream? Any other comparable places? This will be our second trip to Disneyworld, and the first was 6 years ago, and only for three days, so we are still not super familiar with everywhere.

 

[kandb]

Beaches and Cream is very hard to get into since there is limited seating. I would not depend on getting and ADR, I check the adr's often and very rarely see B & C. There are a lot of places to get good desserts. Perhaps find a place (that offers dairy free also) and all get a dessert and share. Three days is not a lot of time at WDW and spending a lot of time purchasing ingredients to make banana splits and then planning on having to get back to the hotel room to make the desserts, when you might not want to leave the parks, seems like a waste. I am sure others will give you great places to enjoy a great dessert.

 

[nkereina]

If you can't get an ADR at B&C, you could try your luck as a walk-up. If you go right when they open (around 11am), it may help your chances. Avoid late nights as that's when they tend to be busiest with folks leaving Epcot. If no tables are available as walk-ups, you could try to sit at the counter which is first come, first served but that may be difficult with 6 of you. The last bet would be to order from the to-go window, but only a smaller version of the kitchen sink is available and the rest of the menu differs as well. If all else fails, we also enjoy Ghiradelli in Disney Springs for a good sundae. No ADR needed.

 

[Sugardimples]

Check out The Fountain at The Dolphin.

 

[Mainemama]

The Plaza is an easier to book alternative. We enjoyed both dairy and dairy free sundaes there!

 

[samsteele]

The Plaza is an easier to book alternative. We enjoyed both dairy and dairy free sundaes there!

I agree with the PP and have had great experiences at The Plaza. Love their banana splits and shakes. Maybe book this as a lunch backup. Keep looking for Beaches but if it doesn't work out, you have something in your back pocket.

 

[Bon1423]

I think it would be worth a try as a walk up. It was nearly impossible for me to get a 3pm ADR for our trip last week and when we got there the restaurant was mostly empty

 

[FrostMommy]

Thanks for the help! I will keep the Plaza in mind. I don't know where that is, but I am sure I can find it on the website. I have been wondering if Ghiradelli would be able to make a dairy free version, so perhaps I should call. I did word my above post badly. I meant that our prior trip was only for three days. We realized that is not nearly enough time (we were doing a land and sea), and we are back for 8 days this time. I still know that there will be things that we don't accomplish, but that is okay.

 

[samsteele]

I will keep the Plaza in mind. I don't know where that is,

Its in the Magic Kingdom. Centrally located in the middle of the park. Themed as an old fashioned ice cream parlour. Its a good choice for a lunch (or just ice cream) if paying out of pocket (OOP). Not a good choice for maximizing your 1 TS credits if on the DP. If you are seriously interested in it, I would make an ADR as it tends to book up.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

A few years ago when I first started reading a lot of threads on these boards, I think Beaches and Cream was mentioned as a "hidden gem." Looks like it is not so hidden anymore.

We were able to get an ADR for our upcoming spring trip, but I had to get it at 6 am at the 180 day mark. Popular place now.

 

[Pumbaa_]

The fontain is next door at the Dolphin. Still a hidden gem

 

[lovewdwdvc]

The Swan and Dolphin have wonderful food alternatives, better pricing and are not that well known. That being said, I have never been to the Fountain.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would book the Plaza or go to the Fountain. I know people really like B & C but I was not impressed. That place is seriously tight! Really tight, and a group of 6 is going to be seated very closely together.

There is something really nice when you are in the MK and take a break for a Sundae. We take the time every trip, and it forces us to slow down and relax. I think a stroll over to the Fountain woudl be a nice walk when you are in the Epcot area.

 

[Jon84]

We did a mid afternoon walk up in May. Had to eat at the bar, but didn't mind that at all. The server was excellent.

(Birthday Cake Ice Cream... )

 

[fla4fun]

I would second (or is it third?) the suggestions for Dolphin Fountain and Plaza Restaurant. I am not sure if the Fountain has dairy free - you would have to do a little research there. But I have eaten at both and they both have good ice cream.

I also recently saw a post somewhere regarding a new Everything Pop sundae at Pop Century's food court that is similar to the kitchen sink. I believe it has six scoops of ice cream instead of eight - which might work out well if some of you are having separate desserts due to the dairy issues. It's about half the price of the kitchen sink as well. I do not know if they have dairy free there either though.

 

[tobikaye]

Also, keep checking, including the day of or before you want to eat at a restaurant. Reservations are canceled all the time, especially late the night before the reservation. I have found many the day of or day before for this reason. In fact, I was looking this morning for dinner reservations for coworkers, but forgot to change the date from today. There were reservations for B&C along with character meals still for this evening, just depends on what time you would want.