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A Decadent Tea Experience at a Premium Price
The Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea is a lavish offering that includes a carefully curated selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, macarons, and mini desserts, all served on golden-tiered trays adorned with delicate rose accents. Guests can pair their bites with imported French tea, sparkling champagne, or a premium cocktail, making it an ideal choice for celebrating special occasions.
However, the price has left many guests doing a double take. At $95 per adult and $65 per child, the tea service costs significantly more than similar offerings outside the Disney bubble. Guests must book in advance by phone or email, as same-day reservations and walk-ins are not accepted, further emphasizing the exclusivity of the experience.
The Cake Bake Shop’s Pricey Reputation
Credit: Cake Bake Shop Instagram
The Cake Bake Shop isn’t new to pricing controversies. When the restaurant’s menu was unveiled during its soft opening, fans were quick to criticize its high prices, with some items going viral for their jaw-dropping cost. Breakfast dishes like an egg sandwich were priced at $23, while lunch and dinner items, such as a burger with pommes frites, climbed to $32.
Desserts, the shop’s centerpiece, didn’t escape scrutiny either. Slices of cake ranged from $22 to $26, making them among the most expensive desserts on Disney property. Comparisons to The Cake Bake Shop’s other locations in Indiana added fuel to the fire, as similar dishes were priced noticeably lower there.
Following the backlash, the shop adjusted its menu, reducing the prices of some dishes before its official opening. While these changes brought prices closer in line with expectations, the revised costs still leave many guests questioning the value.
Afternoon Tea Adds Fuel to the Fire
Credit: The Cake Bake Shop
The introduction of the Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea has sparked new debates about pricing at The Cake Bake Shop. While $95 per adult is comparable to luxury teas in high-end hotels, it’s a significant expense for a family-friendly destination like Disney.
“It looks beautiful, but it’s hard to justify spending that much on tea and finger foods,” one Disney fan remarked on social media. “I’d rather spend that money on a dinner reservation.”
Others, however, see the tea as a worthy splurge for special occasions. “This is the kind of experience you book for a milestone birthday or anniversary,” said another guest. “It’s about the ambiance and the memories as much as the food.”
What Guests Can Expect from the Afternoon Tea
The Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea aims to deliver a memorable experience with its attention to detail and luxurious touches. Here’s what’s included:
- Golden-Tiered Trays: A visually stunning presentation featuring savory sandwiches, desserts, and scones, each delicately arranged with rose accents.
- Premium Beverages: Guests can choose from imported French teas, champagne, or cocktails, served in keepsake champagne flutes adorned with a rose.
- Special Occasion Atmosphere: The Cake Bake Shop’s whimsical decor creates a perfect setting for celebrations like bridal showers, birthdays, or anniversaries.
A History of Controversial Pricing
The Cake Bake Shop’s tea service isn’t the first time the venue has drawn criticism for its pricing. Many Disney fans believe the shop reflects a growing trend at Disney World, where luxury experiences come with ever-higher price tags. While Disney has always positioned itself as a premium destination, recent years have seen an increase in offerings that cater specifically to high-income visitors, leaving some fans feeling priced out.
When The Cake Bake Shop opened, dishes like the $34 Pesto Burrata and $22 slices of cake quickly became symbols of the rising costs of Disney dining. Although the shop responded by lowering some prices, the adjustments haven’t entirely quelled concerns about affordability.
Who Is the Afternoon Tea For?
The Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea seems tailored for a niche audience: guests seeking an upscale, immersive experience who are willing to pay a premium for it. For some, it’s a dream come true—a picture-perfect outing in one of Disney’s most charming settings. For others, the cost remains a sticking point, especially in the context of other high-priced dining options across Disney property.
Credit: DVC Rental
The Cake Bake Shop’s Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea has added another layer of luxury to Disney’s BoardWalk, but it also highlights the growing divide between those who can afford Disney’s premium experiences and those left on the sidelines. Whether the tea is a must-try indulgence or an overpriced splurge depends on your perspective—and your budget.
As Disney continues to roll out high-end offerings like this one, the debate over pricing and value is unlikely to die down anytime soon. For now, the Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea stands as a symbol of Disney’s commitment to luxury, for those willing to pay the price.
