Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney is THE place to be!
Figuring out where to eat at Walt Disney World is one of my favorite parts of planning a big vacation to the parks or just a short weekend getaway.
There are literally hundreds of places to choose from, each with unique menus and fun themes that transport diners into the world of make believe.
One of the best places to eat at Walt Disney World is Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, which is located right next to the big pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
The small restaurant is turning out great food, but beware, dining reservations are hard to get, even at 60 days out.
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What is Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Walt Disney World?
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is an adorable restaurant that’s themed after a 1950s beachside diner.
The restaurant is popular with families because of its approachable menu for adults and kids, with an entire section dedicated to ice cream sundaes!
I love going to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop on days I’m visiting EPCOT and I don’t want to eat festival food.
This is because it’s just a short walk from the International Gateway entrance to the park to the restaurant.
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What is the vibe like inside Beaches and Cream Soda Shop?
Once you actually sit down at a table inside Beaches and Cream Soda Shop you’re transported to a brightly colored 50s style diner with a big retro vibe.
Besides tables and booths, there’s a full counter bar where you can sit and watch ice cream sundaes, burgers, and more being made right in front of you!
All the Cast Members at the restaurant are dressed in cute beachy pale colored uniforms which only helps to bring out the diner vibes.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a waiter or waitress who is willing to play jokes or gossip with you about what’s been going on at the restaurant, just like at a real diner.
How do I get a reservation for Beaches and Cream Soda Shop?
The best way to get a reservation for Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is to make a reservation through the My Disney Experience app, or online on the Walt Disney World website.
Reservations are available 60 days before the start of your trip and they do fill up quickly.
So, you’re going to want to prioritize making this reservation before less popular restaurants like Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park.
What if I can’t get a reservation for Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Walt Disney World?
If you’re unable to get a reservation before your trip, the restaurant does take some walk-up seating, especially first thing when it opens for lunch, or later in the evening.
The best way to get a walk-up reservation is to be a guest staying at any of the Boardwalk Inn or Swan and Dolphin Resorts to be able to walk to the restaurant and not deal with self-parking at the hotel.
This is because you can be turned away by the security guard on some busy days.
The lunch and dinner menus at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop are the same, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on something at one meal time versus another.
Grilled Cheese
A few of my favorites from the menu include the Beaches and Cream Grilled Cheese, which is a perfectly crisped sandwich with plenty of cheese and is served with tomato soup.
Ruben Sandwich
For something a little more hearty consider the rueben, which is loaded with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing on top of marbled rye bread.
Loaded Tater Tots
If you’re taking a friend with you or if you have a big appetite, be sure to get a side of loaded tater tots, which can be topped with:
- Chili
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Cheese sauce
- Bacon
- Red onions
- Garlic-peppercorn ranch
The later of the two is my favorite.
Kitchen Sink
Most people come to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop for the ice cream too, which you can get as a sundae, cone, or milkshake.
Groups of friends or family will definitely want to consider trying their hand at the Kitchen Sink, which has eight scoops of ice cream, every topping in the house, and an entire can of whipped cream.
The ice cream sundae is even served in an actual sink, and when it’s ordered a big deal is made by the waitstaff, including sirens and horns going off.
Does Beaches and Cream Soda Shop take any discounts?
As of the time of writing this post, Annual Passholders can get up to 10 percent off at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.
It is a part of the Disney Dining Plan which is a plus if you have this upgrade!
Top 3 Tips for Your Visit to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Walt Disney World
- If you just want ice cream from the restaurant, there is a small walk-up window where you can get cups, cones, milkshakes, and some sundaes. However, if you’re really wanting to try the Kitchen Sink you’re going to need to eat inside the restaurant though.
- Don’t be afraid to ask about counter seating. When the restaurant isn’t busy it’s often the area that’s reserved as first come, first served.
- If you don’t get a reservation for Beaches and Cream, keep checking. Everyone changes plans at some point during their vacation planning for Walt Disney World, which leads to dining reservations getting canceled.
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My Final Thoughts and Review on Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is worth fighting for a reservation for.
The restaurant is a fun place to get away from the parks, with a unique atmosphere, and plenty of great dishes to enjoy.
For more theme park tips and tricks, follow ThemeParkHipster on YouTube.
Until next, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
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About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
(Original Article Date: February 2, 2022/Updated on March 28, 2024)