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Review: Lunch at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort


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You know I can’t stay away from this place.

It’s been a while since we’ve visited Beaches and Cream “officially” here at the DFB. What I mean is, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is one of the few spots I frequent almost every time I visit Disney World, but its been a while since I shared some of the goodness with you here on the blog.

We’re fixing that today with a little (well, actually a LOT of) lunch at everyone’s favorite soda shop, and checking out some of the options from the updated menu while we’re at it.

Ready to go? Let’s head to the middle of the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, right next to Stormalong Bay, and settle in…

Beaches and Cream at Disney's Beach Club Resort

Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Atmosphere

I’m not the only one who loves Beaches and Cream — not by a long shot. Over the years this little spot has become one of the most popular resort restaurants in Disney World… and I do mean “little.” Those arriving for their first visit might be struck by how small it is in comparison with most Disney World restaurants.

And, remember, speaking of small, the restaurant now offers advance dining reservations…which are recommended. While the to-go section is still open, and seats at the counter are easier to come by than tables when you’re a walk-up guest, ADRs are often necessary even during the slow seasons these days.

Beaches and Cream Dining Room

Beaches and Cream Dining Room

Once inside, you’ll see that the decor is bright and cheerful, with soft pastels making up most of the color scheme, and mirrors to “open up” the space a bit.

Beaches and Cream

Beaches and Cream

Much of the decoration reflects what’s on the menu: things like hot dogs, burgers, grilled sandwiches… oh, and ICE CREAM!

Beaches and Cream decoration

Beaches and Cream decoration

The booths are the most roomy and enviable seats, with smaller tables tucked closely together in the center.

Booth seating

Booth seating

But a lot of folks enjoy the counter seating, which offers a fun view of lots of the goings-on in the world of the chefs and servers.

Bar seating

Bar seating

Music plays a big part here, too. You can’t miss the genuine jukebox glowing near the door, spinning songs from the 50s.

Jukebox

Jukebox

But we’re here for the eats, not the atmosphere (honestly)! Let’s dig in and check out that new-to-us menu!

Eats

Okay, I mentioned “diner classics,” but it’s worth noting that the menu at Beaches and Cream underwent some changes a few months ago, so I was interested in checking them out.

Beaches and cream menu

Beaches and cream menu

Beaches and cream menu

Beaches and cream menu

…as I sipped my requisite Cherry-flavored Coke. (Doesn’t it just look so good?)

Cherry Coke

Cherry Coke

 

Of course, you’ll still find a lot of the tried-and-true items like the Angus Burger and Chili.

And it’s difficult — okay, all but impossible — for me to resist my absolute favorite: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque. (It’s pretty much what I ALWAYS get when I go there, which is why I can’t write about B&C on every visit. You guys would be totally bored.)

Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Beaches and Cream

Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Beaches and Cream

On this most recent visit, though, I thought I’d give one of the newer arrivals a try: the Pork Belly Cuban Sandwich: ham and pork belly topped with melted swiss.

Pork Belly Cuban Sandwich

Pork Belly Cuban Sandwich

Typically, it also comes with dill pickle relish and grain mustard, but since I’m not a huge fan of either, I ordered my sandwich without. Our server kindly brought them, and a variety on condiments on the side.

Dill Pickle Relish

Dill Pickle Relish

Grain Mustard

Grain Mustard

Condiments on the side

Condiments on the side

And while this sammy wasn’t my beloved grilled cheese with tomato bisque, it was an awesome substitute. The pork belly? Ah-mazing. And it wasn’t all fancy or gussied up; just all melty-hot with the swiss and ham on a crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside roll. Killer. (Probably in more ways than one.)

Warning: Those of you who love pork belly will think this is awesome; those of you who hate it will probably be grossed out. ;-)

Pork Belly Sandwich Inside

Pork Belly Sandwich Inside

My friend tried one of the new items, too: the Vegetarian Falafel. The presentation here is pretty great.

Vegetarian Falafel

Vegetarian Falafel and onion rings

Unfortunately, the execution wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. The falafel itself was fine, if a little “mushy,” lacking that bit of crispness from the fried patties.

She was pleased with the black olive hummus and freshness of the veggies, but the tzatziki-”style” sauce — made with soy — had an almost bitter taste as opposed to the typically cool, creamy flavor of a traditional tzatziki.

Vegetarian Falafel

Vegetarian Falafel

Definite kudos for the dairy-free option, but the recipe might need a little tweaking.

Still, there isn’t much in this world that can’t be fixed by a big ol’ side of hot, crispy Beaches and Cream Onion Rings, so that helped!

Onion Rings

Onion Rings

It will likely not surprise you that we ordered dessert — I mean, when don’t I? But, honestly, if you visit Beaches and Cream and don’t get dessert, you’re kind of missing the Whole. Entire. Point. It’s the “cream” in Beaches and Cream — and there are more shakes, floats, and sundaes than you can shake a stick at!

Beaches and Cream ice cream menu

Beaches and Cream ice cream menu

Let it be sign of what I do for you, dear readers, that I sacrificed my typical order of a No Way Jose to give you a chance to check out something different. It pained me a little… in fact, even though I didn’t have it on this trip, let’s all take a moment to gaze at it in all its hot-fudge-and-peanut-buttery glory, shall we?

No Way Jose at Beaches and Cream

No Way Jose at Beaches and Cream

But I did indeed branch out this time, and ordered a classic ice cream treat that — believe it or not — I’d never tried before at Beaches and Cream: the Banana Split.

The Banana Split is labeled a “classic” on the menu: a scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream topped with pineapple, strawberry, and marshmallow along with hot fudge, caramel, toasted almonds, whipped cream, and the requisite cherry on top… Oh, and a banana!

Beaches and Cream Banana Split

Beaches and Cream Banana Split

Here’s my thing, though… Pineapple with your ice cream — what’s that about?

Oh, well, it’s still a big gooey pile of ice cream with yummy toppings and you can be proud that you incorporated one of your five daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables into your dessert. DONE :) !

My friend ordered the Frozen Sunshine for dessert (even though, technically, this one falls under the “Shakes and Sodas” category).  It’s rainbow sherbet and vanilla ice cream mixed with seltzer and topped with whipped cream and orange slice gummies.

Malts, Shakes and Sundaes menu

Malts, Shakes and Sundaes menu

Again, the serving is huge: not only do you get a big sundae-glass full, but you also get whatever’s left in the shake container for this blended creation.

Frozen Sunshine

Frozen Sunshine

Essentially, it’s like eating a melted creamsicle: the rainbow sherbet falls heavy on the orange side so it’s that same delicious blend of tangy citrus and creamy vanilla. YUM!

Frozen Sunshine

Frozen Sunshine

Sadly, we just didn’t leave room for the eight-scoop mountain of ice cream covered with every topping in the house — including an ENTIRE can of whipped cream — that is the famous KITCHEN SINK!

Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink

Maybe next time… ;)

Overall

Beaches and Cream is just a fun spot that has earned it’s rightful place as a favorite among Disney food fans (just like the Kitchen Sink has earned it’s spot on many a Disney Dining Bucket List).

It’s always interesting to see them change things up a bit with the menu here, but nice to know that most of those classics remain. After all, this is a place that just starts to feel like home after a couple of visits, and what’s home without some comfort food? Top it all off with the best ice cream on property, and really, what’s not to love? Plus, the staff here are truly incredible. Many of them have been here for years, and they welcome us back each time we show up.

If a visit to Beaches and Cream hasn’t been a part of your Disney World vacations previously, I’d highly recommend it (again — along with an Advanced Dining Reservation, because this place fills up fast!). It may just become your next Disney tradition!

Have you visited Beaches and Cream? Please let us know your thoughts with a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:


Related posts:

  1. Guest Review: Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  2. News! Beaches and Cream in Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort Now Accepting Reservations
  3. Review: New Menu at Beaches and Cream in Disney’s Beach Club Resort


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