A lot of people think that Walt Disney World is for children and only has amusement park attractions and fast food options.
A hidden gem, that is apparently becoming more discovered because I can’t get reservations for our October trip, is the Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian.
I have not had the opportunity to try out this tea, but everything I am hearing about it has been positive.
First of all you get to have a dining experience at the Grand Floridian, which starts your dining experience off on the right foot.
The Garden View Tea Room is surrounded by windows that offer a beautiful view of the grounds of the hotel.
After being seated you have a big decision to make.
There are different tea services that offer different foods, beverages and price points.
The Bedfordshire Tea offers three courses. First course: Medley of finger sandwiches accompanied with berries, cheese and lavosh; Second Course: Buttery Scone and Jam Tart; Finale: Choice of delicate House-made Pastries, Strawberries and Crème or English Trifle; and choice of tea. Cost per guest is $30.
The Derbyshire Tea is the same as the Bedfordshire Tea with the addition of a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for $45.
The Cheshire Tea is the same as Bedfordshire Tea with an addition course of exotic fruits and imported cheeses added for $48.
The Yorkshire Tea, which is created to share with another person, kicks it up a notch. The First Course is North American Caviar with Traditional Accompaniments; Second Course: Medley of finger Sandwiches accompanied with Berries, Cheese and Lavosh; Third Course: Buttery Scone and Jam Tart; Finale: Choice of delicate House-made Pastries, Strawberries and Crème or English Trifle. Also included are two glasses of the champagne and two pots of tea for $175.
The Berkshire Tea is also for two and is the same as the Yorkshire minus the champagne for $150.
The littlest “Tea Toddlers” aren’t forgotten. They have their own special Mrs. Pots Tea, for ages three to nine.
The first course is assorted tea sandwiches including Tuna Salad, Ham & Cheese and Peanut Butter and Jelly on White Bread. Second Course is a Jam Tart and the Finale is Delicate House-made Pastries. Mrs. Pot’s Tea also comes with special “Dark Tea,” Chocolate Milk. It is $13 per guest. If you want tea instead of the milk it is an additional $3.
Speaking of the tea, it really is the star of the show.
The tea selections rotate seasonally.
There is a wide selection of greens, whites, blacks, oolongs and herbal teas to choose from.
The most unique option of the tea menu are the signature blends. These blends can only be savored at The Garden View Tea Room and are created by a Master Tea Blender.
If you are a lover of tea then this experience would be for you. If you have ever wanted to experience what a high tea would be like, this experience is also for you.
It is a little pricey, but from the reviews that I have read it seems like everyone has been very pleased with their experience.
The Beach Club has also recently been offering a more relaxed tea in their Crescent Solarium. However, it is only sporadic so you will want to call 407-WDW-DINE to find out the dates and costs for the various teas.
Would you be interested in experiencing a high tea while you are on vacation at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment below.
Mousekatots 