Cape May Cafe: Your Ultimate Guide To Disney World Dining

**Stepping into the magical world of Walt Disney World is an experience filled with wonder, excitement, and, of course, incredible dining opportunities. Among the myriad of culinary delights, one gem consistently shines for its unique charm and delectable offerings: Cape May Cafe.** Nestled within the picturesque Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet offers a distinct coastal vibe that transports guests to a charming seaside retreat, making it a must-visit for families and food enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're craving a delightful character breakfast or a sumptuous seafood dinner, Cape May Cafe promises a memorable meal that perfectly complements your Disney adventure. Its prime location, just a short walk from Epcot, makes it an incredibly convenient and appealing choice for park-goers seeking a relaxing yet vibrant dining experience. From the moment you step inside, the inviting atmosphere and the promise of delicious food set the stage for an unforgettable part of your vacation.

Cape May Cafe at a Glance: Location and Vibe

Cape May Cafe is strategically situated within Disney's Beach Club Resort, one of Walt Disney World's most charming and well-appointed deluxe resorts. This prime location offers unparalleled convenience, especially for guests visiting Epcot. A mere short walk through the International Gateway entrance of Epcot will lead you directly to the resort, making it an ideal dining stop before or after a day of exploring World Showcase. For those staying at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort, the cafe is right on your doorstep.

The atmosphere at Cape May Cafe is distinctly coastal, evoking the relaxed charm of a New England beach town. The dining room is bright, airy, and designed to feel like a classic seaside eatery. While the decor is delightful, the true magic of Cape May Cafe lies in its ability to offer two distinct dining experiences: a lively character breakfast and a more subdued, yet equally delicious, seafood dinner. This dual offering ensures that the restaurant caters to a wide range of preferences, solidifying its reputation as a versatile and beloved Disney dining destination.

Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast: A Character Dining Extravaganza

For many, the highlight of Cape May Cafe is undoubtedly "Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast." This all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet is a vibrant and interactive character dining experience that brings beloved Disney friends right to your table. It’s widely regarded as one of the best character breakfasts on Disney property, offering a perfect blend of delicious food and unforgettable character interactions.

Meet the Gang: Unbeatable Character Interactions

What truly sets Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast apart are the character interactions. Guests have the incredible opportunity to meet Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy, all dressed in their adorable beach attire. These characters circulate through the dining room, stopping at each table for photos, autographs, and delightful moments. The quality of these interactions is often described as "unbeatable," with characters spending ample time with each party, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. For families with young children, or even adults who are young at heart, this personal touch makes the meal much more than just breakfast; it becomes a magical encounter.

Breakfast Buffet: Bountiful Beginnings

The breakfast buffet at Cape May Cafe is a feast for the senses, offering a wide array of classic and contemporary morning favorites. You'll find all the staples you'd expect from a high-quality Disney buffet, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Highlights typically include:

  • Mickey Waffles: A Disney breakfast staple, these perfectly golden waffles shaped like Mickey Mouse are a hit with all ages.
  • Custom Omelets: Freshly made to order with your choice of ingredients.
  • Crispy Bacon and Sausage: Essential breakfast meats cooked to perfection.
  • Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy and well-seasoned.
  • Assorted Pastries and Breads: A variety of muffins, croissants, and other baked goods.
  • Fresh Fruit: A selection of seasonal fruits for a lighter option.
  • Potatoes: Often roasted or home-fried, providing a savory side.
  • Cereals and Yogurt: Quick and easy options for those who prefer them.

The sheer variety ensures that everyone in your party, from the pickiest eater to the most adventurous, will find something to enjoy. The "all you care to enjoy" format means you can go back for seconds (or thirds!) of your favorites, making it excellent value for money, especially when factoring in the character experience.

Savoring the Sea: Cape May Cafe Dinner Buffet

While the breakfast at Cape May Cafe is famous for its characters, the evening brings a different, yet equally compelling, dining experience: the clam bake buffet. Unlike breakfast, dinner at Cape May Cafe does not feature characters, allowing for a more relaxed and focused culinary journey centered around fresh seafood and classic American dishes. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality buffet meal without the lively distractions of character interactions.

The Clam Bake Experience

The dinner buffet at Cape May Cafe is themed as a New England-style clam bake, offering a robust selection of seafood and land-based options. While the specific offerings can vary seasonally, guests can typically expect:

  • Steamed Clams and Mussels: A cornerstone of any clam bake, these are often served in a flavorful broth.
  • Crab Legs: A highly sought-after item, often available for guests to crack open and enjoy.
  • Baked Fish: A rotating selection of fresh fish, often prepared simply to highlight its natural flavors.
  • Carved Meats: Beyond seafood, there's usually a carving station with options like roasted turkey or pork loin, catering to non-seafood eaters.
  • Side Dishes: A wide array of accompaniments, including corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and various salads.
  • Kids' Favorites: A dedicated section for younger diners with popular items like chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.

The quality and freshness of the seafood are often praised, making it a standout option for those who appreciate a good seafood buffet. The variety ensures that even if someone in your party isn't a huge fan of seafood, they will still find plenty of delicious options to enjoy.

Dessert Delights and Signature Treats

No buffet is complete without a tempting dessert spread, and Cape May Cafe delivers. The dessert buffet is typically located separately toward the front corner of the restaurant, inviting guests to indulge after their savory meal. While it features a few basic selections, one item consistently steals the show and has become a signature treat of Cape May Cafe: the Salted Caramel Beach Buns.

These soft and delicious buns are served warm, often accompanied by a luscious vanilla cream sauce on the side. They are a fan-favorite for a reason, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a wonderfully soft texture. Many guests make sure to save room specifically for these delightful treats, highlighting them as a must-try item during their visit to Cape May Cafe. Beyond the beach buns, you'll find an assortment of mini pastries, cakes, and other sweet bites to round out your meal.

Pricing and Practicalities: Planning Your Cape May Cafe Visit

Understanding the cost and logistics is crucial for planning any Disney dining experience. Cape May Cafe, being an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, offers a fixed price per person, which can be a great way to manage your dining budget.

For Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast, the pricing structure is typically:

  • Adults (ages 10 and over): Approximately $49 per adult, plus tax and gratuity.
  • Children (ages 3-9): Approximately $33 per child, plus tax and gratuity.

It's important to remember that these prices do not include tax and gratuity, which will be added to your final bill. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at Cape May Cafe, typically requiring one table service dining credit per person for either breakfast or dinner. This makes it a popular choice for guests utilizing the dining plan, offering good value, especially for the character breakfast.

While the provided data mentions a query about a walk-up list, the general consensus for popular Disney restaurants like Cape May Cafe is that walk-up availability is extremely limited and not guaranteed. Relying on a walk-up spot, especially during peak seasons, can lead to long waits or disappointment.

Making Reservations: Your Key to Entry

Given its immense popularity, particularly for the character breakfast, making advance dining reservations (ADRs) for Cape May Cafe is not just recommended, it's essential. Disney dining reservations typically open 60 days in advance for all guests, and these popular spots, including Cape May Cafe, often book up within minutes of becoming available.

As the data emphatically states, "Be sure to make a reservation if you want to get in. and you do want to get in!" This highlights the high demand and the fantastic experience awaiting those who plan ahead. To secure your preferred dining time, especially if you have a specific character interaction in mind or are visiting during a busy period, setting an alarm for the 60-day mark is highly advisable. Flexibility with your dining times can also increase your chances of securing a reservation. Without a reservation, your chances of dining at Cape May Cafe are significantly reduced, particularly for breakfast.

Why Cape May Cafe Stands Out

Cape May Cafe has earned its reputation as a beloved dining spot at Walt Disney World for several compelling reasons, making it a standout choice amidst a vast array of options. Its unique blend of atmosphere, food quality, and character interaction (for breakfast) creates a memorable experience that resonates with guests.

Firstly, its location within Disney's Beach Club Resort offers a serene escape from the bustling parks, yet remains conveniently accessible, especially from Epcot. This balance of tranquility and accessibility is a significant draw. Secondly, the quality and variety of the buffet offerings are consistently praised. From the iconic Mickey Waffles and custom omelets at breakfast to the fresh seafood and carving station at dinner, the food is designed to please a wide range of tastes. The inclusion of unique items like the Salted Caramel Beach Buns further elevates the culinary experience.

Thirdly, for breakfast, the character interactions are truly exceptional. The extended time characters spend at each table and their playful beach attire add a distinct charm that many other character dining experiences struggle to match. This personal touch creates lasting memories, particularly for younger guests. Finally, the "all-you-care-to-enjoy" format, combined with the quality of food and entertainment, often leads guests to consider it one of the best meals they had at Walt Disney World, offering excellent value for the overall experience.

Expert Tips for a Magical Dining Experience

To maximize your enjoyment at Cape May Cafe, consider these expert tips:

  • Book Early: As reiterated, reservations are paramount. Set a reminder for 60 days out from your trip to book online via the My Disney Experience app or website.
  • Consider Your Park Plans: If you're visiting Epcot, a breakfast reservation at Cape May Cafe can be a fantastic way to start your day, allowing for a leisurely meal before heading into the park. Similarly, a dinner reservation can be a relaxing end to an Epcot day.
  • Arrive Hungry: It's an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, so come with an appetite to make the most of the extensive offerings.
  • Pace Yourself: Especially at dinner, with the abundance of seafood and other dishes, take your time and enjoy the variety. Don't forget to save room for those famous Salted Caramel Beach Buns!
  • Charge Your Camera: For breakfast, you'll want to capture all those precious moments with Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy.
  • Check for Special Dietary Needs: Disney is excellent with accommodating dietary restrictions. Inform the Cast Member upon arrival, and a chef will typically come to your table to discuss options.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Disney's Beach Club Resort

Your visit to Cape May Cafe offers more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to experience the charm of Disney's Beach Club Resort. This resort, along with its sister property, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, shares Stormalong Bay, often considered one of the best resort pools at Walt Disney World. This expansive water park features a lazy river, a sand-bottom pool, and a thrilling waterslide.

After your meal at Cape May Cafe, take some time to explore the resort's beautiful grounds, enjoy the serene atmosphere of Crescent Lake, or even stroll over to the nearby Epcot International Gateway for direct access to World Showcase. The resort also offers other dining options, charming gift shops, and a beautiful lobby that embodies the relaxed elegance of a New England beach house. Understanding the resort's offerings can enhance your overall experience, turning a simple meal into a broader exploration of Disney's immersive environments.

In conclusion, Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort stands as a shining example of Disney dining excellence. From the delightful character interactions and bountiful breakfast buffet to the fresh seafood dinner and signature Salted Caramel Beach Buns, it offers a diverse and high-quality experience for every guest. Its convenient location near Epcot and the charming atmosphere only add to its appeal.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another magical meal, Cape May Cafe promises to be a highlight of your Walt Disney World vacation. Don't just take our word for it; secure your reservation and discover why this all-you-care-to-enjoy gem continues to be a favorite among Disney enthusiasts. Have you dined at Cape May Cafe? Share your favorite memories or dishes in the comments below! And if you're looking for more Walt Disney World dining insights, be sure to explore our other guides to help plan your perfect culinary adventure.

Cape May Cafe | Walt Disney World Resort

Cape May Cafe | Walt Disney World Resort

Cape May Cafe Review • WDW Vacation Tips

Cape May Cafe Review • WDW Vacation Tips

Cape May Cafe

Cape May Cafe

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