Anybody done the afternoon tea at GF?

[dsnygirl2006]

Hi
My aunt recently got back for WDW and recommended we do tea one afternoon, just as something different to do? So I was wondering if anyone has done this and what they recommend? Thanks

 

[mickeysaver]

If you have ever had any idea that an afternoon tea would be fun to do, then this is a must do at some point in your travels to WDW. I thought that it might be kind of neat, but I am like a bull in a china shop, so I was mega-nervous. I couldn't have been made to feel more comfortable. It was a great experience and oddly enough, the greatest time that I have ever spent with my mother outlaw.

The Gardenview Lounge is elegant and comfortable. The tea is wonderful and the sandwiches and pastries are really excellent. I can't say enough good about the experience. Maggie

 

[Florimel]

We're booked to do this for the first time on our next trip on our first day in WDW- looking forward to it. I've heard only good things about the experience.

 

[theparsons]

You gotta check out this thread...pictures and detailed descriptions of the room, food, everything.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1514791

I'm doing this as a surprise for my girls....they've been saving forever to do Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and then they think we're going to wander around for a little while before going to Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner....but really we're doing tea. They're 11 and we "do tea" at home every once in a while...it's a great giggly mom/daughters time and sometimes we get silly, like a Mad Hatter type thing, and sometimes we get very proper like the Queen of England is our guest (or several of the Disney Princesses), so they're just gonna flip at the idea of REAL high tea.

Now if I can just keep my mouth shut!

 

[scanne]

I just had tea at the GF on July 12, 2007 - it was my 2nd time there and I simply love it. It's such a different way to spend your time at WDW. Very relaxing, a bit of sophistication - but not too much - my 2 year old DD was with us and she is anything but daintuy!

I will be posting a report in my dining report. I have pictures, too, but I haven't uploaded them yet.

Go and enjoy! The tea is awesome!

 

[Calfairy]

If anyone is like me, we are always on a budget. I love new experiences but sometimes need to modify them to fit my budget. My DD 9 and I had a wonderful time at tea but we ordered al a carte rather than the "set" tea. We had the total experience with plenty of food and tea for a $20 total. So if anyone is questioning the price, know that there are other ways of getting a great experience. Our server could not have been nicer.

 

[mmcguire]

We've had tea at the GF twice and loved it. We have a reservation for our upcoming trip next month. It's a must do for us now. It's a great break from the hustle and bustle, and a welcome bit of civility amidst so much chaos.

 

[Buttercup Roberts]

Don't waste your money on the fancy food, like the sandwiches and pate, it was very mediocre. Stick with the scones and fruit, or pastries, as they were all good. The Sally Lunn rolls are also very nice. The tea itself is excellent.

We found it to be a little overpopular - the servers and hostess all seemed kind of rushed and stressed. We were the first seating of the afternoon, and it was kind of a madhouse. Maybe later in the evening would have been better. The tea room is open to the first floor of the Grand Floridian's lobby, which I find to be like Grand Central Station most of the day. I wish the tea room was more enclosed from the lobby noise.

 

[dahirsh]

I really enjoyed the Buckingham Palace a few years ago. I lrfy very full. As far as noise from the lobby, I was dining solo, so I would think I might be more likely to notice outside noise and I did not notice a thing.

 

[dsnygirl2006]

Thanks everyone, just made an ADR for the sunday afternoon after we arrive for my DM and I, looking forward to it, I was just wondering, if you order like The Buckingham Palace can you ask them to substitute a sandwich or two, I don't eat seafood? I was just wondering if they would be willing to do this, even if it cost a little more, Thanks

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We used to do Afternoon Tea at the GF at least once per year.
2) We thoroughly enjoy the quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
3) A great change-of-pace to a go-go vacation.
4) You can't beat the time spent at the GF Afternoon Tea.
5) Just make sure you get ADR's, as it usually fills quickly.


NOTE: We used to do Tea at the GF at least twice per year, but have cut that down to once per year. We now do Afternoon Tea once at each of two other locations, The Ritz-Carlton and The Peabody. We enjoy the period costumes at GF, but the elegance factor at the Ritz and Peabody cannot be overstated.

 

[LAS321]

I never even considered booking this until I read all these great posts! I just made an ADR for my daughter and I the day we arrive!!!Thanks!

 

[asta]

The GF tea is a must for us on every trip. Try the eros tea. It has a wonderful flavor.

 

[karebear1]

Thanks everyone, just made an ADR for the sunday afternoon after we arrive for my DM and I, looking forward to it, I was just wondering, if you order like The Buckingham Palace can you ask them to substitute a sandwich or two, I don't eat seafood? I was just wondering if they would be willing to do this, even if it cost a little more, Thanks

Yes- they will subsititute for you. I have seafood allergies- and they were more then happy to substitute for my choice of sandwhich.

 

[jhk1206]

I too highly recommend the tea. My DH and I have gone a couple of times, and it is always fun. He's a firefighter for a living, so you don't get much less dainty than him - not a real 'tea' kind of guy... But he really enjoys it as well - it a nice break in the day, typically during some of the busiest times in the parks.

I am a vegetarian, so they are always kind enough to switch up the sandwiches for me. Just let them know, as they are happy to bring whatever you'd like.

Have a great time!!