A Disney World Lawsuit Has Been Filed by Former Cast Members
What’s Going On?
For many guests visiting Walt Disney World, the magic isn’t just found on rides or in nighttime fireworks—it’s on the plate. From Mickey-shaped treats to towering sundaes, dining has become an essential part of the vacation experience. Guests budget months in advance for reservations, character dining, and, increasingly, viral desserts that take social media by storm.
In recent years, Disney’s dining scene has leaned into spectacle. Intricate theming, premium ingredients, and eye-catching presentations have turned certain eateries into must-visit destinations. Nowhere has that been more apparent than along Disney’s charming BoardWalk, where old-world Atlantic City vibes meet modern culinary trends.
But a new development involving one of the resort’s most talked-about restaurants has left fans stunned—and some former employees taking legal action.
The BoardWalk’s Most Buzzed-About Dessert Destination Became an Instant Sensation
When The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers opened at Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2024, it didn’t take long for it to dominate headlines. Known for its lavish decor and equally extravagant desserts, the restaurant quickly became synonymous with one thing: a $22 slice of cake.
For some, it was outrageous. For others, it was indulgent perfection. Media outlets—including WDWNT—covered the opening extensively, even reviewing four slices totaling $93. The bakery became both controversial and beloved, sparking endless debates across social media about whether the experience justified the price tag.
Still, the buzz translated into packed tables and viral posts. It was, in many ways, a modern Disney dining success story.
A Growing Dispute Has Cast a Shadow Over the Restaurant’s Fairy-Tale Image
Behind the pink frosting and chandelier-lit dining room, however, a more complicated story has emerged.
At least 10 former servers and bartenders have filed complaints in small claims, Orange County Civil, and federal courts in 2025 and 2026, accusing the restaurant of failing to properly compensate them under minimum wage laws. According to court filings, workers who relied on tips allege they were assigned what they describe as “excessive” additional duties that reduced their ability to earn tip-based wages fairly.
The lawsuits state that employees were required to perform tasks such as cleaning, stocking, packing to-go orders, washing dishes, dusting, mopping, and handling “heavy LED lamps” each morning and night. Some plaintiffs claim they were required to spend up to an hour per shift preparing their work uniforms off the clock. Others allege money was deducted from their paychecks for uniform cleaning or shoe purchases.
Former Employees Allege Violations of State and Federal Wage Laws
Court records cite alleged violations of the Florida Minimum Wage Act, stating, “Defendants have and continue to willfully violate the Florida Minimum Wage Act by not paying the wages owed to Plaintiff.”
One pending federal lawsuit filed by a former bartender claims damages between $15,000 and $50,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney’s fees, for alleged violations of both the Florida Minimum Wage Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The filings further argue that the additional duties were not “occasional,” but instead occupied “substantial discrete and insular periods” of employees’ workdays—sometimes before tip-producing shifts began and after they ended.
Some of the cases filed last year reportedly reached settlements covering owed wages and legal fees before being voluntarily dismissed, according to court records. However, at least one federal lawsuit remains pending.
The Company Responds as Social Media Reactions Intensify
In a statement to WDWNT, Vice President Angie Daniel said:
“We remain firmly committed to our team members, who are the foundation of our organization. We take great pride in their professionalism, dedication, and the care they bring to their work each day. We are equally committed to fostering a respectful, positive workplace where every member of our team feels supported and has the opportunity to thrive.”
The company declined further comment on the allegations.
Meanwhile, reactions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have been swift. Some users expressed shock, calling it “a shocking development” for a location tied so closely to Disney’s polished image. Others argued the controversy adds another layer to the ongoing debate over premium pricing at Disney parks. Fans are heartbroken to see a beloved dessert spot connected to legal troubles, while others emphasize that the allegations remain claims pending legal resolution.
What This Means for Guests Planning a Disney World Vacation
For travelers heading to Walt Disney World this spring and summer, The Cake Bake Shop at the BoardWalk remains open and operational. There have been no announcements of closures or operational changes tied to the lawsuits.
However, the situation serves as a reminder that even within the carefully curated magic of Disney, real-world business disputes can unfold behind the scenes. As legal proceedings continue, guests may be watching closely—not just for new seasonal desserts, but for updates in the courtroom.
The story is still developing. For now, the restaurant’s ornate displays and towering cake slices continue to draw crowds along Disney’s BoardWalk promenade.
What do you think? Does this news change your perspective on visiting The Cake Bake Shop at Disney World, or will the magic—and the frosting—keep you coming back?
Source: WDWNT
