The Sophisticated Disney World Tradition We’re Desperately Awaiting The Return Of

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – an iconic and elegant feature of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Resort that is on every Guest’s bucket list; the one that speaks sophistication and class. 

Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, and one Monorail stop away from Magic Kingdom Park, this Deluxe Resort offers the perfect place for any Guest to stop by. From its exceptional restaurants to stunning bars; the grand lobby that features seasonal decorations and scenic grounds, the Grand Floridian never disappoints. 

Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian

Inspired by timeless Victorian style, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a British feel to it whilst evoking Palm Beach’s golden era. When it comes to Disney dining, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For fine dining, Guests can enjoy Haute American cuisine in the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Victoria & Albert’s table-service restaurant. Narcoosee’s offers waterfront dining where Guests can enjoy coastal-inspired cuisine.

Grand Floridian Cafe is a great choice for Guests who are looking to dine in a more informal but no less elegant eatery. This is a great place to enjoy dining throughout the day, as the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

When it comes to theming, fans of Mary Poppins Returns (2018), can enjoy dinner in the newly-reimagined Citrico’s. The restaurant menu features Floridian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence.

For Guests wanting to enjoy exquisite appetizers whilst sipping on specialty cocktails, the Enchanted Rose is the place to be. The lounge is inspired by Beauty & The Beast (2017) and allows Guests to feel as though they are seated right within the Beast’s castle, amongst formal library bookcases and whimsical garden decor.

A typically-British tradition

As a Disney Resort that provides Guests with an insight into Victorian style, the Garden View Tea Room is a perfect feature that has allowed Guests to take part in something that is so typically British: afternoon tea. 

And yet, despite COVID restrictions having been mostly lifted across the Walt Disney Resort, we are still yet to hear when the Garden View Tea Room will reopen following closure following the pandemic. Here at Disney Tips, we’re hoping that it won’t be long before we receive confirmation that Guests can once again enjoy afternoon tea in this stunning location.

Why we love it

Located at the back of the incredible lobby of the Disney Resort, the Garden View Tea Room offers Guests a wonderful view of the picturesque grounds. Open from midday through to 4:00 p.m., Guests are served finger sandwiches, scones, delicate house-made pastries, and delectable desserts. Each Guest also receives their very own pot of hot tea to sip on throughout their afternoon.

Afternoon tea in the Garden View Tea Room provides Guests with the perfect opportunity to dress up a little. With the exception of shirts and shoes required, there is no dress code in the Tea Room. However, the elegance and grandeur of the surroundings provide the ideal setting for ladies to wear a dress and sandals, whilst the gentlemen can pick out a shirt and dress shorts.

Enjoy listening to the Grand Floridian piano player, that can be heard from the Resort lobby. It’s the perfect soundtrack to a wonderful afternoon in the Garden View Tea Room.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu

There is an afternoon tea to suit everybody in The Garden View Lounge. 

Younger Guests can enjoy Mrs Potts’s Tea which includes assorted finger sandwiches, a jam tart, and delicate fresh pastries. In terms of beverages, they can choose chocolate milk for Mrs Potts Tea.

For the Guests who are young at heart, there are 3 types of tea to choose from:

• The Bedfordshire Tea ($35 per person) – includes a medley of finger sandwiches, followed by a buttery scone, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam tart. To finish, Guests can choose from house-made pastries, seasonal English trifle, or strawberries topped with hand-made whipped cream. All accompanied by your choice of tea.
• The Cheshire Tea ($50 per person) – includes all that The Bedfordshire Tea offers, with an additional plate of exotic fruits and imported cheeses to begin your dining experience.
• The Berkshire Tea ($150 for two) – includes all that The Bedfordshire Tea offers, with an additional plate of North American Caviar served with traditional accompaniments to share whilst you begin your dining experience. 

Guests can also add champagne to any Afternoon Tea selection, for an additional charge.

• 

  Credit: V Mills

A Perfectly Princess Tea Party

Previously, the Garden View Tea Room also hosted the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, for Guests aged 3-9 years, and their adults. This experience took place in the morning, prior to the Garden View Tea Party opening for afternoon tea.

High tea was served for all Guests to enjoy, whilst they took part in storytelling, sing-alongs, and a prince and princess parade. Guests were even visited by Princess Aurora. A magical experience for all involved!

Let’s hope it returns soon

Experiencing Afternoon Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a truly unique experience. The Tea Room’s Cast Members provide magic in an exquisite way, that fits seamlessly into the elegant and classic surroundings. 

It’s an afternoon tea that Guests will compare other tea experiences to; one that is hard to exceed. Guests can dress a little fancier, whilst resting their feet overlooking the perfectly-kept grounds of the Disney Resort.

Finish a perfect experience with a browse in the boutique shops of the Disney Deluxe Resort. Alternatively, simply find a spot in the grand lobby to digest whilst listening to the relaxing grand piano player.

There’s so much that is offered by this Walt Disney World dining experience, that we’re hoping that it won’t be long before this wonderful tradition at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa returns. Here’s at Disney Tips, we’re very much missing the chance to enjoy afternoon tea at Walt Disney World!