Disney’s Newest Restaurant- Worth the hype?
The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers is NOW OPEN at Disney’s Boardwalk.
We recently had breakfast here, and I was initially hesitant about the steep prices. However, with the much-anticipated opening just taking place, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype—and the high price tag.
Here’s an honest review of our experience, covering the food, atmosphere, and service. I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous bringing my husband here. The décor is quite elegant and definitely leans towards a more feminine vibe. Swarovski crystal chandeliers (fun fact: our server told us the owner personally hung each crystal!) hang overhead, and intricate moldings add to the luxurious feel. Everywhere you look, there’s a shimmer, with soft hints of light pink throughout. Let’s be real, it’s not exactly the most “masculine” setting.
Here’s some background: In 2014, Rogers opened the original Cake Bake Shop in Broad Ripple, Indiana. By 2019, she expanded with a larger, more elegant location in Carmel, famous for its opulent, sparkling ambiance. The shop is renowned for its signature towering layer cakes in a variety of flavors, including gluten-free options, as well as pies, macarons, and an array of other delightful desserts.
In 2022, it was announced that the Cake Bake Shop would replace the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk. Initially slated to open in 2023, the restaurant faced multiple delays and eventually opened its doors in late October 2024.
This restaurant features two distinct sections: a table-service dining area and a bakery. The dining area offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with reservations strongly encouraged. A special kids' menu is also available for younger diners. While dishes like quiche, crab cakes, and sandwiches are popular choices, the real star of the show is CAKE! The bakery, which operates on a walk-up basis, is perfect for picking up freshly baked treats, including cake slices to-go.
As we entered the restaurant, the elegant details immediately caught our attention while we were escorted to our table. We were each handed a breakfast menu along with a cake menu, which also featured a selection of teas and specialty coffees. The restaurant also serves alcoholic beverages, and Mike treated himself to a Mimosa, which tasted like it was prepared with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Our server was wonderful and offered great menu recommendations. Additionally, we were warmly welcomed with a pixie dusted birthday message, as we were celebrating Mike's special day.
I ordered the Ham, Rosemary & Goat Cheese Quiche, a popular choice at this spot. This creamy quiche features thinly sliced French ham, aromatic rosemary, and smooth goat cheese, all encased in a rich, buttery European pastry crust. It was served with a refreshing arugula salad on the side. The quiche was light and flavorful, with the goat cheese offering a subtle, complementary taste that didn’t overpower the other ingredients. Pricing was $24.99.
Mike chose the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, which featured a homemade blue and jumbo lump crab cake blended with panko breadcrumbs. The crab cake was served on a toasted croissant and topped with poached eggs, hollandaise, and minced chives. The dish was accompanied by a refreshing arugula salad. The croissant was light and buttery, the poached egg cooked to perfection, and the hollandaise had a little kick of spicy mustard. The crab cake had the ideal balance of crab and breadcrumbs. Pricing was $26.99.
Last, but definitely not least, we chose a slice of Gwendolyn's Famous Earl's Court Chocolate Cake to share. I also ordered coffee to enjoy alongside the dessert. If you're a fan of chocolate, this cake is a must-try. I'm usually a big fan of chocolate cake, but I often find it dry—this one was anything but. It was dense, moist, and absolutely delicious. The cake features three layers of rich Valrhona French chocolate, filled with a luscious Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and malted chocolate cream. Honestly, it's the best chocolate cake we've ever had. Between the two of us, we only managed to eat half of the slice. They say one slice can serve 2-4 people, and I believe it!
The presentation was just as enchanting, with a light sprinkle of edible glitter. We decided to take the other half of the cake back to our hotel for a late-night indulgence. The to-go box was sturdy and branded, and it even came with a beautiful Cake Bake Shop reusable bag. Pricing was $24.99.
Everything coming out of the kitchen looked equally as delicious as it was being served to nearby guests, and I couldn’t help but wish I had more room in my stomach to try it all. To my surprise, my husband loved everything about the restaurant as well. We both agreed that the meal was absolutely worth the price and lived up to the hype, thanks to the outstanding quality of the food. It’s definitely a spot where you can celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a great meal. Need another reason to visit? Afternoon tea is coming soon!
What are your thoughts on this new addition to Disney’s Boardwalk dining options? Is it something you'd consider adding to your must-try list for your next Disney World trip? If you're planning a visit, I'd be happy to help with your vacation plans! Click the link here to request a quote.
