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Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is a very popular restaurant option at Disney World. But is it worth all of the hype, and should you take the time (and effort) required to sometimes get a reservation?
This Beaches and Cream review takes a look at the menu, the ambiance, the service, and anything else I can think of to mention.
Beaches & Cream General Information
Beaches and Cream is a table service restaurant located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The restaurant can be found directly across from the famous Storm-along Bay pool.
In general, Beaches and Cream is a VERY popular restaurant. Because of this, it’s important to make your Disney dining reservation as soon as your reservation window opens.
Learn more about Disney dining reservations before your reservation window opens!
Walk up availability is unlikely.
There are a few discounts to be had at Beaches and Cream. Both Annual Passholders are eligible for a 10% discount (excluding alcohol). DVC members might also be, this can tend to change, so make sure to ask.
When Tables In Wonderland is up and running, that discount is 20%, and includes alcoholic beverages.
When the Disney Dining Plan returns, a meal at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop uses 1 table service credit.
Beaches and Cream Hours
Beaches & Cream is open daily for both lunch and dinner seatings. The hours of operation are as follows:
- Lunch – 11:00am to 4:55pm
- Dinner – 5:00pm to 11:00pm (closing time is subject to change)
Theme and Atmosphere
Beaches and Cream recently underwent a renovation and expansion. In many respects, this was completely necessary as the previous size was way too small.
Due to its immense popularity, getting a reservation there is very challenging. The increased size eases this somewhat, but not entirely.
The overall theme of Beaches & Cream is that of an old-timey soda shop, nostalgic of the 1950s. It’s also meant to bring you to the Atlantic seashore.
Inside, you’ll find pastel colors abound, both on the chairs and in the artwork on the walls. All of the artwork is laden with your favorite Disney character enjoying various beach themed activities.
I tried to take some good pictures of the inside, but with plexiglass everywhere, it was challenging. That and we were sitting in the middle of the room, nowhere near the pictures on the wall.
In the age of physical distancing (we went back when distancing was still a thing) I felt a bit awkward invading people’s space to take pictures.
Beaches and Cream Menu
Beaches and Cream serves a menu full of casual American favorites. And of course, the star of the show for any meal at Beaches and Cream is the ice cream.
As always, the menus at Disney restaurants can change at any time. Check Disney’s website to get the most up to date Beaches and Cream menu.
Entrees
- Angus Beef Burger: with Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Freshly Baked Bun
- French Dip Sandwich: Toasted French Roll served with Thinly-sliced Roast Beef, Swiss, and Au Jus topped with Crispy-fried Onions
- Plant-based Burger: with Plant-based Mayonnaise and Caramelized Balsamic-Onion Jam on a House-baked Multigrain Bun
- Cheddar-Bacon-Ranch Chicken Sandwich: with Sautéed Onion, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Multigrain Bun
- Beaches & Cream Grilled Cheese: with Creamy Tomato Soup. Add Bacon or Ham (5)
- Reuben Sandwich: Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island Dressing on Marbled Rye Bread
Sides
- Chili and Cheese Tots (plant based): Loaded Plant-based Tots with Chili, Cheese, Sour Cream, and Green Onions
- Chili and Cheese Tots: Tots with Chili, Cheese, Sour Cream, and Green Onions
- Cheese and Bacon Tots: Tots with Cheese Sauce, Bacon, Red Onions, and Garlic-Peppercorn Ranch
- Bowl of Chili: topped with Cheese and Green Onions
- Onion Rings
- Potato Tots
- French Fries
Desserts
- Cookie Fries with Dipping Sauce (plant based)
- Brownie A La Mode: A gooey, chewy Brownie, Hot Fudge, and Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Sprinkles, and a Cherry
- Strawberry Shortcake: Vanilla Shortcake, Strawberry Compote, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Whipped Cream
Kids’ Menu
The Beaches & Cream kids’ menu is structured just like most other table service restaurants. The child chooses and entree and 2 side dishes.
Each kids’ meal also comes with a drink.
Kids’ Create Your Own Entree (select one)
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Turkey Sandwich
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Hot Dog
- Cheeseburger
Kids’ Create Your Own Selections (select two)
- Grapes
- Carrots
- Watermelon
- Strawberry Yogurt with Fresh Berries
- Mickey Mouse Sundae: One Scoop of Ice Cream with Chocolate Cookies and a Cherry
Specialty Shakes
- Mickey Confetti Shake: Vanilla Shake, Whipped Cream, and Rainbow Sprinkles topped with a Rainbow Confetti Cupcake and served in a souvenir cup
- Chocolate Brownie Shake: Chocolate Shake with an Ooey-gooey Brownie, Whipped Cream, and Chocolate shavings served in a souvenir cup
Shakes & Soda
- Frozen Sunshine: Rainbow Sherbet, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Seltzer blended to perfection topped with Whipped Cream and a Candied Orange Slice
- Ice Cream Soda: Your choice of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cherry, or Pineapple
- Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Cone or Cup – Double Scoop: Vanilla, Rainbow Sherbert, Strawberry, Chocolate, Butter Pecan, Cookies and Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Coffee, or Fat-free Chocolate-Vanilla Swirl
- Malts & Shakes: Your choice of Ice Cream topped with Whipped Cream, Sprinkles, and a Cherry
- Coke or Root Beer Float: Made with Coca-Cola® or Barq’s® Root Beer – A classic treat!
Sundaes on the Beach
- Kitchen Sink (serves 4): Scoops of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies and Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chips smothered in every topping we have. Also available Chocolate Lovers or Neapolitan
- Classic Banana Split: A ripe Banana, Three Scoops of Ice Cream (Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry), Pineapple, Strawberry, and Marshmallow Topping finished off with Hot Fudge, Caramel, Toasted Almonds, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry
- Snickers Sundae: Three Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream smothered in Hot Fudge, Marshmallow topping, and Snickers pieces topped with Whipped Cream, chopped Peanuts, and a Cherry
- Old Fashioned Sundae – 3 Scoops: Drenched with your choice of one (1) of the following toppings: Marshmallow, Strawberry, Pineapple, Peanut Butter, Hot Fudge, Caramel, or Chocolate Syrup topped with Whipped Cream, Toasted Almonds, and a Cherry. Extra Toppings 1 dollar each
- Mickey and Minnie Souvenir Sinks: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Ice Cream topped with Pineapple, Strawberry, Hot Fudge, Peanut Butter, Whipped Cream, Oreo Cookies, chewy Brownie, assortment of Sprinkles and Morsels and Cherries
- Fudge Mud Slide: A gooey, chewy Brownie covered with Hot Fudge, Three Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream, Oreo Cookies, and Whipped Cream topped with Chocolate Syrup and a Cherry
- Old Fashioned Sundae – 2 Scoops: Drenched with your choice of one of the following toppings: Marshmallow, Strawberry, Pineapple, Peanut Butter, Hot Fudge, Caramel, or Chocolate Syrup topped with Whipped Cream, Toasted Almonds, and a Cherry. Extra Toppings 1 dollar each
- No Way Jose: A Peanut Butter and Hot Fudge delight featuring Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Morsels, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry
Beaches and Cream Gluten Free
The Beaches and Cream gluten free menu is pretty darn similar to the regular menu. Here are the official gluten free menu items:
- Angus Beef Burger
- Bowl of Chili
- French Dip Sandwich
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich
However, remember that you always have the option to speak with the chef for further modifications. You aren’t necessarily limited to what you see on the allergy menu.
For example, if you want a Reuben Sandwich, I’m pretty darn sure they could put that on a gluten free bun for you.
Beaches & Cream Review
Now that we know all about Beaches and Cream Soda Shoppe, let’s talk about our experiences there and of course, what we thought of the food.
Check-In
I’m going to preface this with the fact that our check-in process was absolutely not the norm. We were there on a day that Disney IT experienced a glitch in the dining reservation system.
This opened up reservation availability when there wasn’t actually any available. The result was a massive amount of overbooking.
We used the online check-in process that Disney now uses for all the Table Service restaurants. We completed check-in while we were walking down to the restaurant from our room at Beach Club Resort.
I do like this online check-in process. It lets you check in when you’re in transit, helping to move the process along a little faster.
Well, it would if the entire restaurant wasn’t triple booked…
I honestly forget how long we waited for our table, but it was probably around an hour. It was a long wait. And there was a big crowd of people there also waiting.
There are some tables and chairs outside, which definitely came in handy that day. We were able to score one of them to wait at.
What I do appreciate is that the staff there did everything they could to make people comfortable during their wait. They brought out drinks and some light snacks to tide people over until they were seated.
It’s this level of customer service which ultimately wins me over, despite the ridiculously long wait.
Atmosphere and Theme
On the whole, the general atmosphere of Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is that of a bright and airy space. The additional room for seating is especially important.
Since we visited during the limited capacity phase of the reopening, we did not necessarily see this benefit since many of the tables were removed at the time.
However, eventually, we’ll see capacity return to normal and the increase in seating capacity will once again be a boon.
If I had never been to Beaches and Cream before, I’d probably be totally happy with the current design. I especially love all the pictures along the wall.
But I have been to Beaches and Cream before, so I know that this is a watered down version of what it used to be. Part of the fun of Beaches and Cream was the over the top 1950s kitsch.
It was colorful, cluttered, and had an energy that just seemed to fit the desired theme.
There’s truly nothing wrong with the current decor. Most of the color now comes from the pastel colored chairs and the artwork on the walls. There’s simply not enough of it
You can’t really have a kitsch-y 1950s era soda shop with white walls. At least the juke box is still there.
The open kitchen area does help salvage some of the energy of the restaurant. If seated close enough, it’s entertaining to watch what goes on in there.
In the end, newcomers to Beaches and Cream will like the decor just fine. Kids will enjoy scoping out the artwork on the walls. But unfortunately, the renovated Beaches and Cream is a pale comparison of its old self.
Cost
On the whole, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is one of the more affordable table service restaurants at Disney World. This is perhaps another reason why it’s so popular.
Entrees tend to cost between $13-$17. That’s not too shabby, all in all.
However, where the price jumps up astronomically is in the desserts. Those giant sundaes set you back around $11. I mean, they are huge and shareable. And totally worth it, but $11 is a lot for ice cream.
Food
Listen, the food at Beaches & Cream is good. But that’s pretty much it. Nothing to really write home about. But really, for a 50s themed soda shop, that’s good enough. They aren’t exactly gourmet establishments!
Most people come to Beaches and Cream in order to get the ice cream, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Angus Beef Burger
Here we are with a basic burger and fries. I mean, there’s not a ton more to say, unfortunately.
It all look very colorful and appetizing, and it is. And those fries are golden brown perfection. But let’s face it, what you have here is a standard burger and fries.
It’s a good filling meal, just nothing spectacular. That appeals to a ton of people, myself and my husband included, honestly. As long as you don’t go into this meal expecting the best hamburger of your life, you’re good to go.
If you do want a phenomenal burger, head on over to Geyser Point and have the bison burger. It’s truly delicious.
French Dip Sandwich
Keep in mind, I had the gluten free French Dip Sandwich, but the overall review is the same. Except most people can have it with real bread, making my one and only complaint a moot point.
I will admit I’m a sucker for a French Dip Sandwich. I love just about anything that allows me to dip beef into a flavorful jus.
As I mentioned, mine was gluten free. The only change necessary was to put my meat on a gluten free bun. For anyone who’s never had gluten free bread, it gets soggy real fast.
I’m sure you can see where this was going.
Of course, the bread didn’t really hold up all that well with this type of sandwich. I switched to cutting it up and eating it that way. I knew this would be an issue going in, and I was OK with it.
For all of you bread-eating people, you’ll be good to go.
The flavor of the meat and jus was very good. The meat itself was a little on the dry side, which is usually a no go for me. However, since I had that lovely jus to dip it into, it wasn’t such a big deal.
For a moment, let’s wax poetical about those french fries. Steak fries are my absolute favorite fries. These were prepared to perfection.
Nice and golden and perfectly cooked. But the fact that the favorite part of my meal was the french fries probably says something.
Perhaps that’s harsh. Really, the meal was good and I enjoyed it. Just nothing to write home about.
Kids’ Meal
As with most restaurants, the kids’ menu is pretty basic. Frankly, that’s how I want a kids’ menu to be. Most kids aren’t really adventurous eaters.
My kids almost always default to burgers if it’s an option. What I actually really like about the Beaches and Cream kids’ menu are the sides.
My kids love fruit so will almost always gravitate towards that when it’s offered. Considering the other side they pick is an ice cream sundae, I feel it’s a well balanced meal.
Speaking of that sundae, I love when a dessert option is listed as a side. It’s a cost effective way to get the kids a full meal and dessert.
No Way Jose Sundae
Ok, you can’t go to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop and not get ice cream. So of course we got ice cream. Perhaps more than once…
And our go to is always the No Way Jose Sundae.
First off, all of the sundaes are absolutely enormous. Unless you are able to gorge on mass quantities of ice cream, plan on sharing it.
My family has a love affair with anything that involves chocolate and peanut butter mixed together. It’s basically impossible for us to not like this sundae.
Beyond that, there’s not much to say. It’s huge, it’s full of a good ratio of ice cream to toppings, and you’ll need 2-3 people to finish it all.
Beaches and Cream uses tubs of standard ice cream (think Edy’s, though I can’t remember if it’s that or Perry’s). I have nothing against that, and in this application, that’s perfect. But just don’t go in expecting homemade ice cream, because you won’t get it.
I’m going to veer back towards the ingredient ratio for a moment. As I mentioned, it’s perfect. As everything melts and starts to blend together you find yourself with a delicious soup of ice cream, hot fudge, and peanut butter.
Seriously, get the No Way Jose. You can even get it to go!
Final Verdict on Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
All in all, for what it is, I recommend Beaches & Cream. However, I wouldn’t necessarily take a special trip to Beach Club just to go there.
The fact of the matter is, you can hop right on over to Epcot and get a much better meal over there.
But if you’re looking for an ice cream joint that the kids will love, Beaches and Cream is it.
Since the cost of the entrees is pretty low, it’s a great value in the world of table service restaurants. That alone is a huge draw.
Whenever the Disney Dining Plan returns, it’s actually a poor value for that. You want to use those credits on entrees that cost a heck of a lot more.
Your Thoughts
Have you eaten at Beaches and Cream yet? Or better yet, have you tried the Beaches and Cream Kitchen Sink? Do you plan to eat here during your next trip? Let me know in the comments below.
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