Big, huge thanks to Cody, who writes the fantastic Global Disney Pinvestigation Blog, for this guest review of the Cape May Cafe Clambake in Disney World’s Beach Club Resort. (Psst: I won’t blame you for scrolling down to the pic of the Oreo bon-bons first.) Take it away, Cody!
The Cape May Café is hard to miss in its central location in the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. I went to the character breakfast at Cape May Cafe several years ago, but have never been to the Clambake, which I have always been told was great. So, this year, for my Dad’s Birthday, he decided he wanted to try it out (all of my reviews seem to be of birthday meals :)).
We had a “big party” of seven people, and when we called for the reservation, the agent said we probably wouldn’t be seated together; however, they recommended we arrive early just in case it was possible.
Our reservation was at 7:30pm, and we arrived at 6:30pm by accident (we thought traveling there would take longer). When we arrived no one was waiting, and the restaurant seemed pretty empty — especially for 6:30pm. We waited maybe three minutes, and they seated us right away, all together.
Atmosphere
The first thing that hits you as you move through the restaurant is the smell of seafood. Let me just say I am not a seafood person. (I know — I live on the beach in Florida and don’t like seafood: weird. As I mentioned before in other reviews, I am a picky eater.) I was hoping they had more than clams and crabs, and they did, but it didn’t seem that big of a selection.
Cape May Cafe Buffet Lines
Eats
As a non-fish-eater, I sampled some roast beef from the meat carving station, chicken nuggets from the kids’ station, and mashed potatoes, all of which were good. When I went up to the buffet again, I chose some pizza along with more chicken and potatoes.
Pastas and Roasted Chicken
Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy
Chicken Nuggets
Mac and Cheese
Pizza
Salads
Meanwhile, my Dad, who loves seafood, was in heaven. He loved the crab legs the best and thought the shrimp and the rest of the seafood offering was, “OK.” Overall, the overwhelming hit at the table were the crab legs; four people in our party tried them, and they all LOVED THEM.
Crab Legs, Clams
Shrimp and Accompaniments
Chowda'
Now it was time for dessert, which in my opinion was the BEST in any Disney buffet. It included mini everything, from brownies, to berry cheesecakes, to key lime pies and cupcakes.
Oreo Bon Bons
Flan, Key Lime Pie, Cupcakes, Raspberry Cheesecake
Brownie, Berry Cheesecake, Mini Cupcake
But, my favorite was the freshly made and hot-out-of-the-oven Molten Chocolate Cake. A chef was on hand at the chocolate cake station, and I thought it was great when she pulled out the piece of cake from the warmer and drizzled (Correction: FLOODED) the cake with chocolate sauce. In my opinion, this is with Le Cellier’s Campfire S’more on level of dessert greatness.
Molten Chocolate Cake Construction
When we were all done, the waiter brought out a small “plop” of chocolate mousse with a candle in it for Dad’s birthday. It was delicious, and just the right size. It is comparable, and probably the same thing, to the Captain’s Grill mousse dessert.
Chocolate Mousse Birthday Dessert
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a good meal. The restaurant is clearly known for its seafood, since it goes with the themeing of the Beach Club; but if you’re not a seafood person, I suggest going for the roast beef and desserts. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would like it, but it exceeded my expectations. And the service was amazing; they were always quick to refill drinks and take away dirty plates.
Rating: 4 of 5
Accepts Tables in Wonderland Dining Discount Card? Yes
Thanks again, Cody! Other reviews written for us by GDPinvestigation include The Grand Floridian Cafe, the ‘Ohana Breakfast with Mickey and Friends, Paradiso 37, Tutto Italia, and the Whispering Canyon Cafe breakfast
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I’ve never eaten here because I don’t eat shellfish, but I wasn’t aware how much non-seafood there is. It seems like it might be worth my time to check out. And the desserts are impressive looking!
Kudos to Disney for adding crab legs to the buffet!
Matt — I’m pretty sure I could be happy with a couple of raviolis and two plates of dessert.
PMDVC — They look outstanding, don’t they?
Thanks for the review! I might have to try it again. I was there a few years ago and thought it was just ok because I am a fish snob. My fam has a house in the actual Cape May which is the second biggest fishing port on the East Coast. There definitely were not crab legs there when i was there so that alone might be worth giving it a try again! My biggest gripe with this place is that it should be over by the Boardwalk since Cape May is on the Jersey shore. I’m glad your family had such a good time!
My favorite buffet on property. I am a seafood person so I get my fill and then some here.
We ate here for the first time on our last time this was our little ones first introduction to crab legs. I spent the whole night fishing out crab meat for her and didnt really get a chance to have any myself..
Daddy s’more..Daddy s’more is all I heard..lol
Crab legs are alot of work!
Kristen — Fish snob! Ha Ha! I’ve never heard that, but it makes sense. I’m still looking forward to my (fictional) trip up to your Cape May house!
Scott — Thanks for the review; I really do think this is an outstanding buffet!
Chip — That’s hilarious! That must have been one stuffed little girl at the end of the night 🙂
A few years ago we attempted to go here. Took a look at the buffet and left because they had very little seafood. Back then the buffet looked about equivalent to the food you could get at a Golden Corral, only for $30/person. Perhaps they have since improved and added more seafood. I don’t remember seeing crab legs on the buffet back then…
I’ve eaten at the Cape May for dinner four or five times, but not in about two years. I also don’t remember the crab legs. They’re one of my favorite items, so I think this means it’s time for a trip back to the Cape.
Yikes! I’ve never paid attention to the Clambake (primarily because we don’t eat clams) but we DO eat shrimp, crab legs, and the rest!
Either I’m going to have to get deluxe dining in the fall or I’m going to have to spend a lot of time deciding on our table service options.
As i said, i dont eat seafood, and i was apprehensive. My dad works with a CM who LOVES Cape May and she has suggested it for years, and we finally tried it, and i was surprised of the non fishy options.
BUT NOTE: It does smell like fish/seafood as you would expect.
Once again, i highly suggest the desserts.
Glad yall enjoyed the review 🙂
WME — See? Getting better! Now you gotta go!
Erin — Are you guys staying at Beach Club again soon? There’s nothing better than dining right in your hotel.
Janna — We’ve been seriously considering the deluxe dining option; I wish I could get my AP discount AND the free dining… 🙂
Cody — You’re a superstar as always.
Oh, my….the Cafe May Cafe….YES! We love this place. It’s a traditional must-eat for us for every trip. The food is usually pretty good (we’re not big seafood fans, but we always try something seafood-ish just because it’s all there, and the desert bar is always a fun hit.
We also have a tradition here as well – for each of the past 5 trips, I always take a crayon and write “CAPE MAY CAFE!”, the date and time, and a little message on the table cloth, tear it off, and stick it in my scrapbook for that trip. Goofy, I know, but it’s a fun (and free) little reminder every time I go back through my scrapbooks 🙂
Jeff — Great tradition! Now, tell the truth, did you say it was “Goofy” as a pun? 😉
I will be dinning at Cape May Cafe on August 29th on the advice of a friend.. now that i read all these comments i can wait to chow done on the food…
I ate there regularly the first couple years they were open – heck, I ran into Frank Wells there once!
They used to have an option that for 8.00 (eventually 12.00) you could have a whole lobster added to your meal. And the crackers with the clam chowder were incredible! Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/T-C-Oyster-Crackers-24-Ounce-Packages/dp/B000HDMWR4 – not those tiny flat hexagons. Man, were they good!
The restaurant started to go downhill, so I stopped going.
We, too, are from New England (Cape Cod), and may be considered “fish snobs,” as stated by Kristen a couple years back — very funny, by the way! We frequently visit Disney World, but we’ve never been to Cape May. My husband and I were drooling at the selection! Great reviews! Can’t wait to get there in May!
I was there Nov 17th 2012 for dinner. There are some menu changes. They have gotten rid of the Oreo Bon Bons, But they do sell them at the gift shop in beach club. Also the New england clam chowder is now seafood chowder. Just as good, but the seafood chowder is the same base as the new england clam, they keep the base in the back, just ask they will bring it out to you.
otherwise, The food was amazing as always!! <3 Cape May!
This place sounds fantasic! Growing up in Jersey and easy access to the Jersey Shore, there were a lot of resturant to get a good traditioal clambake meals. But I see missing here at a Cape My Cafe is No Corn on the cob. Now that is traditional. And clam chowda.