Sometimes luck just goes your way.

We knew we were going to go to one of the Disney World parks today, but weren’t sure which one. We randomly settled on Hollywood Studios so we could take the Skyliner to Disney’s Riviera Resort to get our favorite coffee, the almond cold brew, at Le Petit Cafe. The weather was gorgeous so after arriving at the Hollywood Studios parking lot we decided to walk to the Skyliner station near the Epcot International Gateway, then take the Skyliner from there to the Riviera. This lucky decision set up our first taste of The Cake Bake Shop on Disney’s Boardwalk.

While on our journey, we got a hint that something was up when we saw people carrying these white bags with gold handles. Cake Bake bags? Looking ahead, we could see a few people in front of The Cake Bake Shop at the far end of Disney’s Boardwalk. Was it actually open or was it just another media preview? Maybe it was a soft opening? It was!

We’d been anxious to try The Cake Bake Shop after passing it countless times while it was being built. This bakery is billed as a fairy tale cake shop started by Gwendolyn Rogers. While under construction, the fencing was plastered with pictures of delicious looking cakes that we couldn’t wait to try. We hoped it would be a better, more interesting dining option on the Boardwalk than the ESPN Club, which was at that location before closing more than a year ago.

A desk was set up outside of the bakery entrance of The Cake Bake Shop. We learned from a cast member that it was indeed a soft opening. The bakery opened that morning, with the restaurant opening at 4 PM later that day. The true opening is tomorrow, October 25, 2024. Both the bakery and restaurant will open at 7 AM and close at 11 PM.

The cast member handed us menus and we got in line for the bakery. The menu was pretty extensive and featured cakes, pies, cookies, pastries, and an assortment of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. The prices were not for the faint of heart. 

After a short wait, we were let inside. It was quite opulent and the interior was fitting of a luxury bakery. Customers enter down a roped central aisle under golden chandeliers. The aisle splits at the back counter to form a line to the left and one to the right. Customers order at the back counter and then follow the counter back towards the entrance where the registers are. There were a few displays with merch available to purchase near the registers as well.

On the recommendation of several cast members, we opted for the raspberry champagne cake. We also got a slice of the key lime pie, which was recommended by the cast member at the counter. We also got the lemon bar because Mr. Jotter has a sweet tooth for lemony treats. We also got a coconut iced latte and London fog latte. There was no seating in the bakery so after paying we went outside to eat our desserts (story here – spoiler: it was tasty).

One of the cool things we learned while waiting at the register for our coffees was that Cake Bake has a special lore. We found out about the lore after a cast member noticed us admiring a stuffed dragon in the merch section. He told us the dragon was Cake Bake’s mascot named Brûlée. Legend has it that Brûlée wakes up early every morning, flies around the shop, and lights the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. He also drops pixie dust everywhere, which can be seen on some of the baked goods, like the chocolate chip cookies. In fact, there’s a whole cast of characters, including a swan named Gwendolyn after the founder.

Overall, it was a great, unexpected experience. It’s honestly amazing how many cool things we discover inadvertently just walking around the Disney World parks and resorts.