Nestled in Disney’s Beach Club Resort near Epcot, Cape May Cafe offers a delightful character breakfast experience. Guests can enjoy an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet while meeting beloved Disney characters like Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their beach attire. The New England-inspired setting creates a charming seaside atmosphere, perfect for starting a magical day at Walt Disney World.
The breakfast buffet features a wide array of American favorites, ensuring something for every palate. From made-to-order omelets to Mickey waffles, the options cater to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer classic breakfast fare. The characters make multiple rounds throughout the meal, providing ample opportunities for interactions, photos, and autographs.
While the price point has increased since the return of characters, many visitors find the experience worthwhile. The combination of delicious food, multiple character encounters, and the convenience of dining at a resort near Epcot makes Cape May Cafe a popular choice for families looking to add extra magic to their Disney vacation.
Context and Background
Cape May Cafe’s character breakfast offers a unique dining experience at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This popular meal combines delicious food with magical character interactions in a charming seaside setting.
Understanding Character Dining
Character dining allows guests to meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying a meal. At Cape May Cafe, visitors can interact with Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy in their beach attire. These encounters provide opportunities for photos, autographs, and memorable moments without waiting in long lines at the parks.
Character meals are especially popular among families with young children. They offer a more relaxed environment to meet Disney icons. The characters typically visit each table, ensuring all guests have a chance to interact with them.
Exploring Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a deluxe hotel located in the Epcot resort area. Its New England coastal theme extends to Cape May Cafe, creating a seaside ambiance. The resort’s proximity to Epcot makes it a convenient dining option for park visitors.
Beach Club Resort offers various amenities, including a sand-bottom pool and easy access to the BoardWalk area. Its location allows guests to walk or take a short boat ride to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This context enhances the appeal of dining at Cape May Cafe, as it combines resort luxury with character experiences.
Experience Overview
Cape May Cafe’s character breakfast offers a delightful seaside-themed dining experience with Disney character interactions. Guests can enjoy a hearty buffet while meeting beloved Disney friends in a charming New England-inspired setting.
Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast
Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast takes place at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The buffet features an extensive selection of breakfast favorites, with around 44 items to choose from. Guests can indulge in cold and hot options, a yogurt bar, and desserts. The atmosphere captures a charming New England seaside vibe, complete with nautical decor.
Disney characters appear in beach attire, adding to the fun coastal theme. Typically, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy greet diners. Character appearances may vary, but these three are the most common participants in the beach bash.
Character Interaction Essentials
During the breakfast, characters visit each table for individual interactions. Guests can take photos, get autographs, and share brief moments with the Disney friends. It’s advisable to have cameras and autograph books ready.
The character experience at Cape May Cafe is often less crowded and noisy compared to some other character dining locations. This can allow for more relaxed and personal interactions with the characters.
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot at this popular breakfast. For last-minute plans, guests can try joining the walk-up list, but availability is not guaranteed. The character breakfast is generally considered good value, combining a fulfilling meal with the opportunity to meet multiple Disney characters without long wait times.
Planning Your Visit
Securing a spot at Cape May Cafe’s character breakfast requires advance planning. Knowing when and how to make reservations, as well as understanding the breakfast hours and location, will ensure a smooth start to your magical day.
Making Reservations
Reservations for Cape May Cafe’s character breakfast are highly recommended. Guests can book up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s official website. The popularity of this dining experience means slots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Disney Resort hotel guests have an advantage, as they can book dining reservations for their entire stay 60 days before check-in. This provides a wider window to secure preferred dates and times.
For last-minute planners, the “Join Walk Up List” feature in the My Disney Experience app offers a chance at same-day availability. However, this option is not guaranteed and depends on cancellations or no-shows.
Breakfast Hours and Location
Cape May Cafe serves breakfast daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The restaurant is located in Disney’s Beach Club Resort, part of the EPCOT Resort Area.
Guests staying at Beach Club or nearby resorts can easily walk to the restaurant. Those coming from other Disney properties can use complimentary Disney transportation, including buses, boats, or the Skyliner, depending on their starting point.
Arriving 15-20 minutes before your reservation time is advisable. This allows for check-in and ensures you don’t miss any character interactions at the beginning of your meal.
The restaurant’s New England-inspired decor sets a charming seaside atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed start to a Disney day. Its proximity to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance makes it an ideal choice for those planning to visit the park after breakfast.
The Buffet Menu
Cape May Café’s breakfast buffet offers a diverse range of options, from classic breakfast staples to unique themed dishes. Guests can enjoy both familiar favorites and specialty items that capture the beach resort atmosphere.
Breakfast Staples and Favorites
The buffet features an array of traditional breakfast items. Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and sausage links are available for those seeking a hearty start. Fluffy pancakes and French toast are served with warm maple syrup. Cereal options and a selection of fresh fruits cater to lighter appetites.
A made-to-order omelet station allows guests to customize their eggs with various fillings. The buffet also includes hash browns, biscuits with gravy, and assorted pastries. Mickey and Minnie-shaped waffles are a popular choice, especially for younger diners.
Unique Offerings at Cape May Café
Cape May Café sets itself apart with several distinctive menu items. The Salted Caramel “Beach Buns” served with vanilla cream are a standout treat, blending sweet and salty flavors. The buffet incorporates seafood options, reflecting its coastal theme.
Smoked salmon with traditional accompaniments adds a touch of elegance. Guests can also find specialty dishes like lobster benedict or crab cake eggs benedict, depending on the day’s offerings. The buffet typically includes a carving station featuring items like ham or turkey.
For health-conscious diners, there’s a selection of yogurts, granola, and made-to-order smoothies. The café also offers allergy-friendly options to accommodate various dietary needs.
Dining Experience Details
Cape May Café offers a delightful character breakfast experience at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Guests can enjoy a seaside-themed buffet while interacting with beloved Disney characters in a relaxed setting.
Ambiance and Theme
The restaurant captures a charming New England seaside vibe. Soft blues, whites, and sandy tones create a beachy atmosphere. Nautical decor elements like ship wheels and seashells adorn the walls. Large windows provide ample natural light and views of the resort grounds.
Tables are spaced comfortably, allowing for easy character interactions. The buffet area is well-organized and clearly labeled. Background music features a mix of Disney tunes and beach-inspired melodies, enhancing the overall coastal ambiance.
Character Meal Interactions
Characters at Cape May Café appear in beach-themed attire. Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy typically make appearances. They visit each table multiple times during the meal, ensuring ample opportunities for photos and autographs.
Characters engage in playful interactions, often miming beach activities or posing for themed pictures. PhotoPass photographers are not present, so guests should bring their own cameras or smartphones.
Wait times between character visits are generally short, allowing for a steady flow of interactions throughout the meal.
Pricing and Disney Dining Plan
As of 2025, adult prices for the Cape May Café character breakfast are $45, while children aged 3-9 are $29. Children under 3 eat free. Prices are subject to change, especially during peak seasons.
The Disney Dining Plan, when available, typically includes this meal as a table-service credit. Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club member discounts may apply, offering potential savings.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Last-minute diners can try the “Join Walk Up List” option, but availability is not guaranteed.
Getting There
Cape May Cafe’s convenient location at Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers easy access to nearby parks and transportation options. Guests can take advantage of various methods to reach this character dining experience.
Proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Cape May Cafe sits just a short walk from Epcot’s International Gateway entrance. Guests can stroll along the scenic pathway, reaching the park in about 5-10 minutes. This proximity makes it ideal for combining a character breakfast with a day at Epcot.
Hollywood Studios is also nearby, approximately a 20-minute walk or a quick boat ride away. The Friendship Boats provide transportation between the Epcot Area Resorts and both parks.
Transportation Options
Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers multiple transportation choices for guests heading to Cape May Cafe. The Disney Skyliner gondola system connects the nearby Epcot station to Hollywood Studios and select Disney resorts.
Bus service is available from other Disney parks and resorts to the Beach Club. For those driving, the resort provides parking options. Guests staying at nearby Epcot Area Resorts can utilize walkways or boat transportation to reach the restaurant.
Tips and Recommendations
Make the most of your Cape May Cafe character breakfast with these helpful suggestions. Maximize character interactions and navigate dietary restrictions to ensure an enjoyable dining experience for all guests.
Best Practices for Character Interactions
Bring an autograph card or book for characters to sign. This creates a lasting memento of your visit. Prepare your camera or phone in advance to capture special moments quickly. Be patient and respectful of other guests’ time with characters.
Engage with characters by asking questions or sharing fun facts. This can lead to more memorable interactions. If traveling with children, encourage them to practice what they’d like to say beforehand to ease any shyness.
Consider timing your meal strategically. Arriving early or during slower periods may result in more relaxed character encounters. Remember that characters rotate, so staying for the full duration of your meal increases chances of meeting everyone.
Dining With Dietary Restrictions
Inform the restaurant of any allergies or dietary needs when making reservations. This allows the kitchen to prepare accordingly. Upon arrival, speak with a chef or manager to discuss safe options.
The buffet offers a variety of choices, including some vegetarian and gluten-free items. For specific dietary requirements, ask about specially prepared meals that meet your needs.
Bring any necessary medications or EpiPens, just in case. Staff members are trained to handle allergies, but it’s always best to be prepared. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about ingredients or preparation methods.
Consider bringing safe snacks for extremely restrictive diets. While the restaurant strives to accommodate all guests, having backup options ensures a satisfying meal for everyone in your party.