Credit: DisneyPrice reductions at Disney restaurants are uncommon, especially as dining costs continue to rise. Families often struggle to balance their budgets while wanting to enjoy character experiences. Recently, Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reduced its dinner prices for children from $33 to $29. While a $4 decrease may seem minor, it represents a guest-friendly shift in Disney’s usually high pricing structure.
This change may indicate that Disney is responding to guest feedback about dining costs and exploring more competitive pricing strategies. Cape May Cafe offers a unique experience, featuring a character breakfast with beloved Disney characters and a dinner buffet that focuses on New England coastal cuisine. This price reduction could make dining here more accessible for families.
What Makes Cape May Cafe Stand Out at Disney
Disney World has several buffet-style restaurants, and guests have mixed opinions about them. Some serve food that feels mass-produced and unexciting, while others provide enjoyable meals even with large crowds. Cape May Cafe stands out, getting praise for its variety and quality.
The dinner buffet offers a wide range of options that go beyond typical theme park food. Seafood is a highlight, fitting with its New England coastal theme. Guests can enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp, mussels, and various seafood dishes, along with a carving station featuring rotisserie meats for those who want heartier options.
The pasta selection includes different varieties, and the salad bar has fresh vegetables and lighter choices for those watching their diet.
Cape May is also great for families, especially with picky eaters. While it offers an upscale buffet experience, it still caters to kids who might not be adventurous eaters. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and pizza ensure younger guests have enough to eat, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their meals.
The dessert station is another highlight. While many buffets offer bland desserts, Cape May stands out with options like their famous cookies and cream bonbons, which are popular among regular Disney visitors. They offer a diverse selection of sweet treats to cater to various cravings without overwhelming guests after a large meal.
Why This Price Drop Matters
Character dining at Disney World costs between $42 and $65 per adult, while children’s meals range from $27 to $42, depending on the location and meal time. These prices reflect the premium that Disney charges for the opportunity to meet characters in a more relaxed setting, as opposed to waiting in line in the parks. A single character meal for a family of four can easily exceed $150 before tips, making it a significant expense in any vacation budget.
In contrast, Cape May’s dinner buffet does not feature characters, making it a more affordable option compared to breakfast or other character dining experiences. The new price of $29 for children’s meals enhances accessibility even further.
Now, a family with two kids can enjoy dinner at a Disney resort buffet for under $100, which is a rare find elsewhere on the property. Considering the quality of the food and the convenient location at the Beach Club, this option offers great value.
The timing of this price change is noteworthy. Disney has faced criticism over rising dining costs, especially as inflation strains family budgets. Guests have increasingly voiced concerns about feeling priced out of certain experiences, and social media has amplified these issues.
Whether this price reduction at Cape May is part of a broader change in Disney’s pricing strategy or just a one-time adjustment remains unclear. However, it does indicate that Disney is paying attention to guests who are closely monitoring their costs.
Making the Most of Your Cape May Experience
If you’re considering taking advantage of the new lower prices at Cape May Cafe, be sure to make your dining reservations in advance — 60 days prior to your visit. The restaurant is quite popular, especially during peak seasons, and walk-up seating is limited, particularly at dinner when families are looking for convenient dining options after a day at the park.
Located at the Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe offers easy access to EPCOT’s back entrance and the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxing meal without the hassle of dining within the parks.
For families looking for character dining on a budget, breakfast at Cape May features Minnie’s Beach Bash, but it is more expensive than dinner. If meeting characters is important to you, breakfast is worthwhile; however, if you’re primarily focused on value, the discounted dinner provides a better deal for a quality meal.
In a time of rising prices at Disney, Cape May Cafe’s reduction in dinner prices is a welcome change, offering affordable dining options for families visiting Disney. Whether you are staying at the Beach Club or in the nearby area, this buffet now provides enhanced value.