This week, we shared a first look at the new Cake Bake Shop coming to Disney’s BoardWalk in 2023! This sweet addition is just one of the charming enhancements coming to Disney’s BoardWalk as the location continues to add new offerings, refreshed spaces and more.
We’ve seen things reopening, like restaurants, returning, like popular shows, and even some new stuff, like a new ride! We learned earlier this year that some MAJOR changes would be coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, like the new deli that has already opened, and a new look for the lobby. There is also a new restaurant on the way — The Cake Bake Shop! And, we just got a first look at some concept art.
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023, and it looks like it’s going to be located where the old ESPN Club was on the BoardWalk, and it’s getting a whole new look! Here’s what the design will look like on the outside, according to The Cake Bake Shop’s Instagram.
We don’t know much about the restaurant yet, except for what we can expect according to the other locations (but nothing is confirmed yet). We have an idea of what the menu could look like, and we’re sure to find out more as the opening draws closer. We DO know that the restaurant will be a table service spot and open sometime in 2023.
A big change is coming to Walt Disney World’s restaurants, but it doesn’t involve food.
Earlier this month, we reported on Disney updating its dining cancelation policy at Walt Disney World. Previously, Guests would incur a $10 penalty fee per person for “no-shows” or if they didn’t cancel 24 hours in advance.
However, with this new policy, Gusts will be able to cancel their plans up to two hours before with no penalty. This has now been confirmed by reporter Scott Gustin on Twitter.
Some had claimed this to be a glitch when it originally rolled out, but with Disney confirming this new policy, Guests can assure it’s here to stay. Disney’s instructions on canceling are as follows:
You can cancel your dining reservation online. Please refer to the cancellation policy provided at the time of your booking and in your email confirmation.
Restaurants offering advance reservations charge a per-person cancellation fee for reservations cancelled after the designated cancellation period, or for no shows. Each restaurant at Walt Disney World® Resort maintains its own cancellation policy, so be sure to confirm the policy before finalizing your reservation. For additional assistance, please call (407) 824-1391.
Speaking of Disney World restaurants, we recently saw the return of a very popular spot. There are some truly fantastic places to enjoy a meal at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, but none of the Parks compare to EPCOT’s lineup of restaurants.
From authentic Chinese cuisine to an incredibly-large selection of tequila, EPCOT’s World Showcase has it all. On November 4, we finally saw the return of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. This dining experience is found at the Norway pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT and gives guests a taste of Norwegian cuisine.
We are continuing to closely monitor Hurricane Nicole. While this schedule could change, we are planning for a phased reopening beginning tomorrow, Nov. 10, based on current projections.
THEME PARKS
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will reopen in a phased approach beginning at noon tomorrow, Nov. 10. Planned theme park operating hours for tomorrow, Nov. 10, are:
Magic Kingdom Park: Noon to 6 p.m. (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled for 7 p.m. to midnight.)
EPCOT: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Fantasmic! will not be presented tomorrow, Nov. 10, due to the production setup.)
Transportation to theme parks will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled reopening time.
Reservations for bookable experiences within the theme parks will resume at the scheduled park reopening time.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Disney Springs will begin a phased reopening at noon tomorrow, Nov. 10.
Disney Bus transportation to Disney Springs will resume at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 10.
WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf remain closed tomorrow, Nov. 10, and may reopen Friday, Nov. 11.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will remain temporarily closed tomorrow, Nov. 10, and may reopen Friday, Nov. 11 (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed).
RESORTS
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is anticipated to reopen tomorrow, Nov. 10, following an assessment of storm impacts. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be canceled tomorrow, Nov. 10.
The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will reopen for Guests checking in tomorrow, Nov. 10.
At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
As previously shared, character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters tomorrow morning, Nov. 10.
Update: Nov. 9 at 11 a.m.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Walt Disney World is planning to make the following operational adjustments as we continue to prioritize the safety of our cast members and guests during the storm:
THEME PARKS
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will have a phased closure today, Nov. 9, beginning at 5 p.m. and will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10. Resort Guests are encouraged to enjoy food and beverage options at the theme parks prior to returning to their Disney Resort hotel. Theme parks will likely not reopen at their regularly scheduled time tomorrow, Nov. 10.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. with last dining reservations at 5 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. with last dining reservations at 6 p.m.
Magic Kingdom Park: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Be Our Guest Restaurant, The Diamond Horseshoe, Liberty Tree Tavern and Cinderella’s Royal Table will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
EPCOT: Closing today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Monsieur Paul, Space 220 Restaurant, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill Restaurant will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
WATER PARKS AND MINI GOLF
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed.)
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. and will remain temporarily closed tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 10.
STAR WARS: GALACTIC STARCRUISER
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage scheduled to begin tomorrow, Nov. 10, will be canceled. We are contacting Guests with reservations.
RESORTS
Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be required to depart by 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternate accommodations. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be canceled tonight, Nov. 9.
Guests staying at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be required to depart by today, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. We are contacting Guests with reservations to help them find alternative accommodations.
At this time, all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels remain open to Guests.
Character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters tomorrow morning, Nov. 10, so we can accommodate more Resort Guests staying at these locations for breakfast.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Disney Springs will close early today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., with last dining reservations at 6:30 p.m. Disney Springs will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10.
Disney Bus transportation from Disney Springs will operate until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 9.
EVENTS & SPECTACULARS
As previously shared, extended evening theme park hours at Magic Kingdom will be canceled today, Nov. 9.
To align with modified theme park hours, nighttime spectaculars will be canceled today, Nov. 9, including Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise will be canceled tonight, Nov. 9.
Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Travel agents can now modify or cancel online for the impacted period and fees will be automatically waived.
The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is less than a week away! Party Dates are quickly selling out, so if you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you’ll want to do so as soon as possible. If you’re heading to the event and Magic Kingdom during the holiday season, you’ll be able to enjoy special food and beverage items. Do note that some items will be available during regular park hours at Magic Kingdom.
From a Disney Cast Member;
The most wonderful time of year is almost upon us! In this edition of our Disney Eats Foodie Guide, you’ll get a sneak peek into the yummy yuletide delights you can enjoy at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Magic Kingdom Park this year!
This event, which is held on select nights from November 8 through December 2022, is the ultimate holiday gathering filled with beloved characters, attraction overlays, magical entertainment, like the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and even an appearance from Kris Kringle himself! This party is one of my favorites, which may or may not be because of the treats. Speaking of treats – let’s get to them.
The culinary teams have acted as Santa’s foodie helpers this year and created a sleigh worth of goodies to indulge in. With plenty of new delights this year, like the adorable Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat at the Main Street Bakery, the sweet and savory Holiday Dinner Dog at Casey’s Corner, and the can’t miss Polar Bear Claw at Cool Ship, you’ll be asking for treats on your list!
Well, it’s finally time to treat your elf – I mean self! Let’s unwrap the Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Lock, Shock, and Barrel Sundae: Festive vanilla cake, vanilla ice cream, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and Christmas sprinkles with a Lock, Shock, and Barrel chocolate piece (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Sugar Plum Shake: Spiced sugar plum soft-serve topped with cherry syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Casey’s Corner
Holiday Dinner Dog: All-beef hot dog with cranberry mustard, savory stuffing funnel cake, and cheese curds (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Christmas Tree Cake: Red velvet brownie cheesecake with eggnog buttercream and spiced caramel topped with mini sugar Christmas lights (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Cool Ship
Polar Bear Claw: Chocolate hazelnut pastry with white and dark chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
The Friar’s Nook
Curry Brat Tots: Tots topped with chopped bratwurst, curry ketchup, and apple slaw (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Tinker Bell Cream Puff: Cream puff and compressed carrot cake topped with spiced cream cheese icing, spiced walnuts, and chocolate wings (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Golden Oak Outpost
Fried Pork Tamale served “Christmas Style” with red and green chile sauces and queso fresco (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Chai Caramel Freeze: Salted caramel freeze with chai spiced whipped cream (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Main Street Bakery
Cinnamon Roll: Mickey Mouse-shaped cinnamon roll with white icing (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat: Gingerbread mousse with crispy center and a spiced almond cake with brownie crumble (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café
Texas-sized Sweet Potato Pie: Baked sweet potato pie with marshmallow meringue and candied pecans (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Peppermint Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and candy cane pieces served on a brownie (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa: Hot chocolate with peppermint ice cream, whipped cream, and candy cane pieces (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Funnel Cake Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, M&M’S chocolate candies, and hot fudge served on funnel cake (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22) (Available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sandy Claws Peppermint Mousse Treat: White chocolate peppermint mousse with a chocolate fudge center, chocolate Santa hat, and Jack Skellington face (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Apple Cider Float: Apple cider topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with cinnamon (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Once Upon a Christmastime Tart: Chocolate and cranberry tart with chocolate Mickey ears (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 22 during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party only)
Various Carts Throughout Main Street U.S.A.
Christmas Cookie Churro: Churro served with marshmallow cream, cookie crumbles, and Christmas sprinkles (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party)
Christmas Wreath Doughnut: Red velvet doughnut with green buttercream and Holiday sprinkle decorations (New) (Available Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) (Decorations will vary)
If these treats sound good to you, don’t forget to stay in-the-know with all our upcoming holiday eats and sips on our Disney Eats topics page. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @DisneyEats and use #DisneyEats to share with us your holiday foodie favorites.
One of the most memorable parts of a Disney vacation is the fun and delicious meals you have, either in the theme parks or at places like Downtown Disney and Disney Springs. When it comes to dining, Disney truly has something for everyone — whether you are looking for something on-the-go or something a little fancier, where you can sit down and enjoy a full meal. Disney is also great at catering to nearly every dietary restriction — all you have to do is talk to your waiter or contact the restaurant ahead of time.
While most Disney dining experiences are memorable in a good way, sometimes there is a hiccup. One Guest took to Reddit to talk about a Disneyland dining experience that was more than a hiccup — they called it uncomfortable. In fact, the Guest says that the experience was so uncomfortable, that her party ended up leaving without ordering anything. And their story is quickly going viral.
The restaurant in question is Blue Bayou — one of the most popular restaurants at the Disneyland Resort. Guests love Blue Bayou because it is situated at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and Guests can watch the boats go by as they dine on southern fare.
Disney Cast Members are trained to bring magic to each and every Guest. However, according to this Redditor, her waiter made her feel uncomfortable when she shared that she did not want to order an entrée, just a dessert and drinks. Below is the Redditor’s story.
My friend and I managed to snag lunch at Blue Bayou for today and I’ve been super excited for this since I’ve never eaten in there. We planned to go in, get dessert and a drink in place of a full meal since I’ve heard mixed reviews about the food. When we got in our waiter made a comment at first about us just ordering dessert then made us feel really uncomfortable for wanting a glass of wine to go with it, saying they normally only do that for entrees and don’t like people to order just dessert. He said it would be fine this time but for future reference we should know. But it made us feel so unwelcome and uncomfortable that we ended up leaving without getting anything.
Is this normal for this restaurant to only want you to order drinks with entrees and frowning on just getting dessert? I wouldn’t have booked here if I realized that but didn’t see anything when I was booking.
Many Redditors sympathized with the Original Poster (OP), saying that a waiter should not make a diner feel uncomfortable just because they are not ordering a whole meal. Some also felt that maybe a waiter would even be happy because the meal would not take as long, so they could have more Guests and make more money.
i went not too long ago and a table near us only ordered dessert and drinks. the waiter didn’t say anything and actually seemed relieved that that’s all they got because they were so busy. i had a great experience (and my food was great too) and i’m sad you didn’t get to have the same type of experience 🙁 i’m not normally a “can i speak to the manager” person but that definitely would have been a situation where i would have.
Many pointed out that there is no policy on the Disneyland website saying that a Guest will only be served alcohol if they purchase an entrée. Disneyland dropped its COVID policies months ago, and California’s liquor rule no longer requires Guests to order an entrée in order to drink alcohol.
