There’s one decision that you have to make when you’re planning a trip to Disney World that is above all the rest — where you’re going to eat?

And with over 200 spots to choose from, let’s just say you’ve got your work cut out for you. But let’s say that for one of your meals, you’re wanting to go all in and splurge on getting a bucket-list-worthy meal. Well, we’re here to help you with the decision, specifically, to help you decide which one is worth the splurge and which you might want to skip.

As we were saying, when it comes to expensive eating at Disney World a couple of places come to mind, and we wanted to talk about two of them: Takumi-Tei and The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. Specifically we want to talk about which one is worth the splurge and which you might want to skip!

SKIP: Takumi-Tei at EPCOT

Takumi-Tei is that elegant, intimate dining experience located in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion, and it’s gorgeous. When you walk in, you’re transported to a serene, artfully designed space inspired by Japanese elements.

The service is impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented in a seven-course meal format. If you’re a true foodie with a deep love for Japanese cuisine and have a whole evening to spare, you’ll likely find it amazing. But that might not be the case for most people.

Here’s why you might want to give Takumi-Tei a pass:

• It’s a Time Commitment: Takumi-Tei’s dining experience is long, typically around 3-4 hours. When you’re in EPCOT and have a whole world of rides, shows, and pavilions to explore, spending half of your day in one restaurant can feel like a waste of valuable park time. Unless you’re planning to linger over every morsel and savor the ceremony, the time commitment alone might make you think twice.

• The Price Tag is Not Family-Friendly: Brace yourself because Takumi-Tei is one of the priciest dining experiences in Disney World. The cost per adult is $250, and even kids’ meals (for ages 8-12) ring in at a steep $100. If you’re a family of four, that adds up to $700 or more—before drinks and tips. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of other incredible meals in Disney World that don’t require maxing out your credit card.
• It’s Not for Picky Eaters: This isn’t your standard sushi spot. Takumi-Tei is about refined, authentic Japanese flavors, and some of the dishes are quite adventurous. If you or anyone in your group is a picky eater or uncomfortable with unfamiliar dishes, this might not be the experience for you. A meal at Takumi-Tei requires an open mind and a willingness to explore new flavors.

• Park Ticket Required:  There’s one more thing to keep in mind. Takumi-Tei is inside EPCOT, so you’ll need a valid park ticket just to access it. If you’re trying to maximize your time and money, adding an EPCOT ticket on top of the meal can feel like a double splurge.

So yes, Takumi-Tei delivers a truly high-end, memorable experience, but it’s best suited for devoted Japanese cuisine fans looking for something unique and who don’t mind the price tag. While you’re at it, why don’t you check out the our full review here:

REVIEW: We Ate a $250 Meal in EPCOT and We’d Do It Again

For everyone else? We’ve got a better idea.

MUST-TRY: The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s BoardWalk

If you’re looking for an elevated experience that feels just as magical but a bit more approachable, The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s BoardWalk is your new go-to. This spot, just recently opened here in fall 2024, and is all about dreamy ambiance and indulgent dishes that won’t require you to forfeit half your Disney day.

Here’s why The Cake Bake Shop should be at the top of your dining list if you’re looking for a bougie spot:

• A Beautiful, Elevated Atmosphere: Walking into The Cake Bake Shop feels like entering a fairytale. From its sparkling chandeliers to the beautiful detailing with lots of silver and gold accents, everything feels designed to make you feel like royalty. The aesthetic here is top-tier and almost too pretty to eat. Plus, the staff here goes out of their way to make you feel pampered and welcome from the moment you step inside.

• Gourmet Food Without the Extreme Price: The Cake Bake Shop is certainly on the pricier side, but compared to other high-end Disney options (looking at you, Takumi-Tei and Victoria & Albert’s), it’s a lot more wallet-friendly. The menu offers everything from delightful pastries to heartier entrees, and our absolute favorite was the Three Cheese Cavatappi, and seriously, we’re still dreaming about it. If you’re celebrating a special occasion but don’t want to break the bank, this is the spot.
• Convenient Location Without a Park Ticket: Located on Disney’s BoardWalk, The Cake Bake Shop is accessible even if you’re not heading into a park. This is perfect for those who want a high-quality dining experience without needing a separate ticket. You can easily make this part of your itinerary on a resort day, or simply as a magical escape from the hustle of the parks.
• Perfect for Foodies: Finally, let’s talk about the cakes. Not only are they picture-perfect, but they’re also delicious. This is the kind of place where you’ll want to order a few different slices just to sample (and photograph) each one. The dessert selection here alone makes it worth the trip!

Check out the our full review here:

REVIEW: Is Dinner at The Cake Bake Shop in Disney World WORTH The Price Tag? We Found Out!

Overall, as we were saying, Takumi-Tei is a fantastic option, but it’s high price point, time commitment, and adventurous menu make it hard to recommend over places like The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, which has all the elegance, just without the time and budget commitment. In the end, we’ll leave the decision up to you.

Until then, keep it right here at DFB for all the laters Disney news!

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If you could only choose one expensive restaurant to eat at in Disney World, which one would you should skip and which one would you absolutely have to try? Tell us in the comments!

The post The Most Expensive Restaurant in Disney World You Should SKIP (and the One You’ve Gotta Try) first appeared on the disney food blog.