One of Disney World’s newer restaurants has fans divided…and we can see why.
The Cake Bake Shop in Disney World
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is still relatively new to Disney’s BoardWalk, but it’s been around long enough now that most Disney World fanatics — like ourselves — have formed some pretty strong opinions about this restaurant. A few weeks ago, we were highlighting a fall-themed slice of cake that had a lot of people’s mouths watering — but there was also some valid criticism that popped up that’s too true to ignore.
The Cake Bake Shop serves items from both sweet and savory menus for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in a fancy setting. Known for its baked goods, this restaurant serves up some tasty eats — albeit at a pricey cost. We were recently highlighting the Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cake on Instagram, saying, “It’s like pumpkin bread meets the gooey center of a cinnamon roll! This thing is super sweet, packed with cinnamon, and topped off with just a touch of pumpkin flavor.” While a lot of comments indicated tons of interest in trying this big piece of cake, one negative comment stood out that’s totally valid.
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cake
The most-liked comment read, “I purchased a $9.00 unsweetened iced tea here once. Once. And never, ever again.” While not exactly relating to the cake posted, this comment brought up a serious issue we’ve seen pop up at The Cake Bake Shop time and time again.
A lot of the menu is so darn expensive.
With most items hovering around the $20 to $30+ range, many folks are priced out of this fancy restaurant. Believe it or not, the prices here used to be worse. When the restaurant opened in 2024, it was met with such strong criticism surrounding its prices that the restaurant quickly made adjustments to slightly lower costs. It’s better now, but still not in the “affordable” category.
The Cake Bake Shop
It doesn’t help that the Disney Resorts on both coasts continually raise their prices for EVERYTHING, meaning it’s fair to assume prices at The Cake Bake Shop will continue to inflate.
©Disney
Is The Cake Bake Shop overpriced? It really depends on what you want in a dining experience. We’ve personally had some pleasant experiences dining here and find the cake and entree offerings to be quite delicious. And we’ve tried literally every service, including afternoon tea! We’ve consistently been blown away by the quality of food, atmosphere, and elevated vibes. However, critics have justifiably called out The Cake Bake shop as something most families will be able to do only once, and we totally understand that. When a cake slice costs $23, it’s easy to see how people can be put off.
Look at that spread!
How do you feel about The Cake Bake Shop? Do you agree with this Instagram user’s comment about the restaurant being a one-and-done, or are you like us and are impressed by the quality? Let us know and continue to follow us here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney World dining coverage!
REVIEW: We Tried the Controversial $23 Cake Slices at Disney World’s Brand New Restaurant
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It is way too expensive for me. I’d rather eat in Epcot any country vs The Cake Bake Shop.
The French toast brioche bites are just incredible. I’d go back and overpay for them again and again.
Yes, prices are ridiculous! I won’t waste my money that way. Walt created Disneyland for middle class Americans, not the wealthy, and I’m sure would have continued that at Wdw if he had lived. Eisner certainly continued Walt’s mission and legacy. His and Walt’s leadership were the best years at Wdw. But Iger, making an eight figure salary, has no clue about middle class America. Neither does the ultra wealthy Board or, frankly, Josh D who now runs the parks. Wdw has lost the magic and this place proves it. This shop really has no place at Wdw….I say boycott it! Hopefully they leave so something more fun and practical that all can enjoy will move in!
My mom and I rode the skyliner to go to Cake Bake. We were excited to try it and have something more “adult” to do on our Disney trips. While we loved the cake we were underwhelmed with the coffee. We won’t get coffee there again. Cake definitely but the coffee was nothing special or even exciting.
I love the Cake Bake shop!
Yes, it is pricey but well worth it. The theming and decor and service are over the top! Have you seen the Christmas decoration? Amazing!!
Just another example of Disney out pricing the regular customer and catering to the wealthy.
I’ve never been and probably never will. Don’t eat carbs. Also I’ve been dying for Garden View Tea Room to return as we have 30+ years of memories and nostalgia going there. Will make an exception to my diet to go there when it reopens
Great food, beautiful space and excellent service based on my own experience, but ownership definitely is trying to achieve profit margins that results in absurd pricing for guests. It says something when Disney’s own F&B pricing doesn’t seem as ridiculous when comparing it to The Cake Bake Shop.
Will never go there. Prices are typically over priced Disney prices. What a waste of Disney space..
Given that many of the sit down dining options at Disney World are relatively expensive to begin with, I find it odd that people are surprised / disappointed with the prices at Cake Bake. Reservations are still hard to come by, which to me implies that consumer demand seems unfazed by the prices. A breakfast for two over at Topolino’s at the top of the Riveria is what, $130 before tip? Last year my wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy an early morning breakfast at Cake Bake before the crowds arrived. Seated next to a window overlooking the Boardwalk. Our fresh, prepared to order meal was outstanding; our waiter was attentive and made time to engage us in conversation. Total bill including a 25% tip: $85. Is this a place to take very young kids? Probably not. One suggestion: the elegant decor calls for an appearance by Mary Poppins. Granted, “That Poppins Woman” is probably hanging out over at the Grand Flo; but perhaps she could find a way to visit Cake Bake every now and then! Finally regarding the $23 slice of cake . . . that slice of cake is HUGE; enough to feed 3-4 people! I don’t hear anyone complaining about the $6-7 cookies over at Gideon’s Bake House!
This family cannot even afford the first time. No matter how big or good a piece of cake is $23 is over the top.
A whole cake 3-4 layer for $23 can be cut into 8 slices. A slice of cake for 3-4$ is more what the Bake shop should charge.
Agree with the statement,,One and done. we visited in September, one piece of cakfe lasted 4 adults 2 days of snaking post park. Way too expensive, and this is from someone who dined at Bourbon Steak the same trip.
Most people at Disney forget that Disney, for the most part is a family vacation. Yet all they keep putting in these bizzare high priced restaurants with limited menus and weird selections. They got rid of the brewery because it served normal food and the sports bar. That’s where most family’s want to eat. But unfortunately, Disney doesn’t want that. The Boardwalk used to be a fun place to go and eat, but now there no normal food at all reasonable price. And the Flying Fish is no bargin either for families. Wake up Disney.
I have not eaten at the restaurant part. However, I did buy several desserts in the bakery. The prices were high, but the portions of the cake slices were large! I really enjoyed the experience there! I will go back again! It’s a nice splurge! I believe it is definitely worth trying!
I can so easily skip this outrageously expensive bake shop! There is nothing that would get me in the door…not even if they cut their prices by 50%. I give this restaurant about three more years and then a good chance it will be gone from the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk area needs another laid back restaurant like the Beach Club Grill.
Won’t ever eat there most likely. We stay at the Boardwalk usually, but that restaurant is just WAY over-priced.
It’s fun if you want to be fancy. I’d eat here my myself, with adults all splitting the bill, or with one other but not with a whole gang due to price. I had lunch with my son and bill was over $150 (lunch, drink and dessert). It was enjoyable and a nice splurge but Id stay away if I was paying for a whole family.