Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers a character breakfast buffet featuring classic Disney characters in a New England coastal-themed setting. This review covers the food quality, character interactions, pricing, and whether this breakfast is worth booking for your Walt Disney World vacation.
What is Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast?
Cape May Cafe is a table-service restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort in the Epcot resort area. The character breakfast operates daily, featuring a buffet with appearances from Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck.
Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Epcot resort area, 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Parking: If you are not staying at the resort, you can park, but you must have a dining reservation.
Theme: New England coastal dining room
Pro Tip: You can walk to this restaurant from Epcot. Use Epcot’s International Gateway entrance.
The restaurant is accessible to all guests, not just Beach Club Resort guests, though resort guests can walk directly from their rooms.
Buffet Menu and Food Quality
Cape May Cafe operates as an all you care to enjoy buffet. The buffet area is smaller, which can cause lines and back-up.
Hot Food Stations
Made-to-Order Omelets:
The omelet station allows customization with various fillings. Omelets are prepared fresh while you wait.
Breakfast Proteins and Entrees:
- Bacon
- Sausage links
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast potatoes
- Breakfast fajitas with tortillas and toppings (build-your-own style)
- Seasonal vegetables
Specialty Items:
- House-baked cheddar biscuits
- Seasonal pancakes
- Crepes
- Bread pudding
Cold Items and Pastries
- Assorted pastries and muffins
- Croissants
- Cold cuts and cheeses
- Fresh fruit
Kids’ Options
Mickey-shaped waffles are available at a lower buffet section designed for children to serve themselves.
Food Quality Assessment
The food quality is adequate but not exceptional. Items are standard breakfast fare prepared in large quantities for buffet service. The made-to-order omelets provide the freshest option on the buffet. Some items, particularly bread-based dishes and bread pudding, can be dry.
The restaurant stays pretty busy, and because the buffet is smaller, it means food is turned over quicker, which is good for freshness.
Character Interactions
Characters rotate throughout the dining room, visiting each table for photos and interactions. The character lineup includes:
- Goofy
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
Characters spend about one minute per table during each rotation, allowing time for photos, autographs, and interactions. Characters generally come around once during your time in the restaurant. Remember, the characters who appear are subject to change.
Pricing and Value
Adult Pricing: $49++ per person
Children’s Pricing: $33++ (ages 3-9)
Value Comparison: Cape May Cafe is less expensive than Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which costs approximately $58 per adult for breakfast and $37 per child.
Value Assessment
Cape May Cafe offers a better value when it comes to character breakfast dining across the Walt Disney World property. Chef Mickey’s is one of the most popular character breakfasts, but it is also nearly $10 more than Cape May Cafe.
The experience is worth the cost primarily for:
- Families wanting character interactions in the Epcot resort area
- Guests seeking a more affordable character breakfast option
- Beach Club Resort guests looking for convenient character dining
The experience may not be worth the cost for:
- Guests prioritizing food quality over character interactions
- Diners seeking unique or gourmet breakfast items
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The dining room features New England coastal decor with bright lighting and beach-themed elements. The space is large with multiple seating sections, but unfortunately, all guests must access one buffet area.
Noise Level: Moderate to high due to large groups and excited children
Seating: Standard tables and booths
Booking and Practical Information
Reservations: Required. Book through Disney’s website, My Disney Experience app, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
Booking Window: 60 days in advance for all guests
Popular Times: Weekends and holidays fill quickly. Weekday mornings typically have better availability.
Check-In: Arrive 10-15 minutes before your reservation. Early arrival may result in earlier seating if tables are available.
Duration: Plan for 60-90 minutes for the complete experience, including character visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be staying at Beach Club to book? No. All Disney World guests can book Cape May Cafe character breakfast.
Does Cape May Cafe accept the Disney Dining Plan? Yes. It counts as one table-service credit per person.
Are there allergy-friendly options? Yes. Inform your server of dietary restrictions upon arrival. Disney accommodates most common allergies and dietary needs.
Is there a dress code? No formal dress code. Casual resort wear is appropriate.
Can I walk to Epcot from the Beach Club? Yes. Beach Club is a short walk to Epcot’s International Gateway (World Showcase) entrance.
Final Verdict
Cape May Cafe character breakfast delivers reliable character interactions with classic Disney characters at a lower price point than competing character dining options. The food quality is adequate but unremarkable.
Recommended for: Families with young children seeking character dining in the Epcot resort area, Beach Club guests wanting convenient character access, and guests prioritizing character interactions over food quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet breakfast options, expect unlimited buffet access, or prioritize food quality over character experiences.
Best Alternative: For better food quality at a higher price, consider Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. For similar pricing with different characters, try Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.