$264 Per Person to Meet ‘Saint Nick-el-and-Dime’ Disney World’s Most Pretentious Santa Claus of the Year. The Cake Bake Shop on Disney’s Boardwalk, just outside EPCOT, is up to its high-priced shenanigans again, proving once and for all it’s the patron saint of the financially distressed influencer. Forget buttered noodles for $14.00 and a frozen slice of cake for $22.00; this time, they’ve set their sights higher: a staggering $924.42 for a family of four to meet “Santa Claus.”
Move over, Kris Kringle; say hello to ‘Saint Nick-el-and-Dime,’ who is clearly interested in the size of your wallet, not whether you’ve been naughty or nice.
The Price Tag Hiding in the Fine Print
The “elite” experience is officially advertised as “Dinner with Santa Claus,” priced at a cozy $200 per adult and $150 per child (under 12). Sounds expensive, sure, but the real magic is, as always, in the fine print.
As an organization, we’ve previously called out its pricing. The Cake Bake Shop’s website clearly states: “Kindly note, price does not include tax and gratuity. Full, non-refundable cost is required at time of reservation confirmation, including tax and 24% gratuity.”
That’s right—a mandatory, automatic 24% gratuity is tacked on before you even take a bite of your “sumptuous main entrée.” Here’s the true cost for your festive, sparkling-cocktail-filled evening:
- Adult: $200.00+6.5% tax + 24% gratuity = $264.12
- Child: $150.00+6.5% tax + 24% gratuity = $198.09
For a family of two adults and two children, that’s a cool $924.42 to shake the hand of a man dressed in all white and receive a “family gift to take home.” Hopefully, it’s a gift receipt.
Now, let’s add in the Disney Photopass Memory Maker. Because without that, you do not get the Photo with Santa! Memory Maker for the whole vacation is $275.00, or for a single day it costs $75.00! Good news, only one member of your party needs it!
For Influencers, Not Families
At a time of year when the average American family is tightening its belt—and with looming economic uncertainties—a dinner costing nearly a thousand dollars for a three-course, Disney table-service-quality meal and a photo op is, frankly, insulting.
So, who is this exclusive event for? We can only suspect it will draw the same crowd willing to pay for a piece of cake that tastes like it made a pit stop in the deep freeze before arriving on the Boardwalk: the desperate “mommy influencer” and anyone who has to be seen as always doing the newest, most exclusive thing, regardless of what it does to their bank account.
After all, how else will you acquire the coveted Bubbles the Bear (an optional, extra-cost purchase, naturally) or shake a little extra Pixie Glitter® (also an additional $36) on your financial decision?
The Cake Bake Shop continues its trend of creating a distinctly un-magical, ultra-pretentious experience where the glitter is mandatory, the gratuity is non-negotiable, and the price tag should come with a consultation with a financial advisor. And once and for all, I Said No TIP! Stop trying to make me pay an extra tip at checkout, on top of the 20% tip I already gave (mandatory). Maybe let us decide how much the service is worth!
One final thought, you could get tickets for one of the four Disney World theme parks, meet and greet Santa, while at least getting on some rides, enjoying a classic holiday feeling, and walking away feeling like you got your money’s worth for the same price!
What do you get for the money?
A Three-Course Holiday Dinner – Prepared especially for this festive occasion, we have crafted a delightful three-course dinner to sprinkle your evening with holiday cheer. The menu begins with sparkling holiday Champagne and cocktails, an elegant hors d’oeuvre, followed by a sumptuous main entrée designed to warm the heart, and concludes with a seasonal dessert, sweetly inspired by the magic of the season.
A PROFESSIONAL Family PHOTO WITH SANTA CLAUS – Included with your visit, each family will receive a beautifully captured photograph to download from Disney PhotoPass to treasure for years to come. Every family will have the chance to meet Santa Claus himself, sharing their Holiday Pixie Glitter Wishes® while basking in the magic of the season. From twinkling smiles to whispered wishes, this special moment is designed to become a sparkling memory, a keepsake as timeless as Santa’s own story.
A Sweet Gift from Santa – Santa has hand-selected this delightful cookie just for you to take home and assemble with your loved ones. And it’s in the shape of our Bubbles the Bear! Inside, you’ll find a handmade sugar cookie and all the ingredients you need to make a scrumptious cookie good enough for Santa. This enchanting activity extends the magic of the season into your home, letting you continue the celebration as you craft a dessert as whimsical as it is delicious.
