Garden View Lounge Tea???

[princesstinkerbelle]

I just made an ADR for my mom and myself at the Garden View Lounge for Afternoon Tea. I am doing it as a sort of Mother's Day Celebration with aday at the spa, because we spent our Mother's Day taking care of my cousin. Has anyone been there? I need all the advice I can get! Also, on the Disney website it says that it is a character meal...it this true?

 

[marsh0013]

as far as i know, it's NOT a character meal.

i haven't done it yet, but i've read some great stuff about it. i know i've read about it on some great reviews on the review board. i'm taking my mom for her birthday (a few days early) in august, and can't wait! it's supposed to be a great experience.

 

[SnowWtch]

It's very nice. DH and I did it last year for our anniversary. We did the Buckingham tea. You get a pot of tea, tea sandwiches, a tart and scone and either a pastry or strawberries and cream. It was so much fun. This is not a character thing. This is for grown ups.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=305

Read there.....they also have a children's menu..

Appetizers/Starter

British Cheese Plate - A selection of traditional British cheeses, served with an array of seasonal fruit. - $13.50
English Blue Stilton Cheese - Served with walnuts and marinated berries. Served with Fonseca Port $12.75 - $7.95
English Trifle - English trifle. - $7.95
Freshly Baked Scones - Freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream and preserves. - $4.50
Gentleman's Tea Platter - House-made duck and cherry terrine, chicken & pork roulade, country pate en croute, accompanied by marinated berries, cumberland sauce and English Blue Stilton, the "King" of English cheeses. - $11.50
Plate of Assorted Tea Sandwiches - Plate of assorted tea sandwiches. - $9.50
Sally Lunn Bread - Sally Lunn Bread - $4.50
Strawberries & Cream - Strawberries and cream. - $7.95
Two Jam Tarts - Two Jam Tarts - $4.50

Entree/Main Course

Buckingham Palace - Our traditional tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts complimented by fresh strawberries & cream, or a selection of freshly baked pastries, served with your choice of tea. Priced per guest. - $19.50
Prince Edward's Tea - A delicious array of ducy and cherry terrine, chicken & pork roulade, country pate en croute, and English Blue Stilton, the "King" of English cheeses. Served with marinated fresh berries, and cumberland sauce. We then offer our delicious fresh baked scones served with rich Devonshire cream. Your choice of our tea with a glass of our Fonseca Bin 27 Character, Port. Priced per guest. - $21.00
Sally Lunn Tea - Sally Lunn rolls date back to the 18th century where they were baked fresh, then sold on the streets of Bath, England by the creator. Here at the Grand Floridian we have carried on this tradition of this sweet yeast bread served lightly toasted with apricot preserves. This is followed by a choice of either trifle or strawberries and cream, along with your choice of tea. Priced per guest. - $13.50
The Grand Tea - The classic English tradition of Afternoon Tea, Grand Floridian style. We offer you a variety of tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts, followed by your choice of our freshly baked tea pastries or English trifle, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and your choice of tea. Priced per guest. - $25.50

Dessert

Lemon Pound Cake - Lemon pound cake. - $4.50
Pastries - Pastries - $3.75

Drinks

Custom Blends: Made exclusively for the Gardenview Tea Room - Choose from Gardenview Blend with sweet jasmine and citrus bergamot or the Princess Breakfast Tea with vanilla bean, South African organic rooibos, and a hint of strawberries. Priced per person. - $5.95
Herbal Infusions: A collection of herbs, flowers, fruits, berries, or spices from around the world. - Herbal Infusions are naturally caffeine free. Choose from Chamomile Flowers, Harmony, Lemon Verbena, Jamaican Spice, Nobo Whole Fruit, and Vanilla Rooibos. Priced per person. - $5.95
Selection of Black Teas - Choose from Osmanthus Oolong, Imperial English Breakfast, Russian Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Eros, Cassis, or Mad Hatter. Priced per person. - $5.95
Selection of White and Green Teas - Choose from Jade Leaf Green, Floral Jasmine Green or Jasmine White. Priced per person. - $5.95
Specialty Drinks - Brandy Alexander, Champagne Cocktail, or Grand Mimosa. - $7.50

I have done the tea many times in the past.. from when it first opened to maybe a year ago.. When it first opened, it was spectacular....I have seen lots of changes over the years, but still think it is an interesting option for lunch or tea...

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have been several times and have always enjoyed it. Last year I took my mom and MIL for a girl's afternoon while DH and FIL went golfing.

It is very nice, not a character option, and mostly adults when you go.

You can order anything and split it - we usually order one of the "teas" and then buy another cup of tea and whatever else sounds good.

I think it's a little pricey since it's not a "meal" but it's a fun experience that not everyone has back home.

 

[heartbeeps]

I was there on 4 May 2008 with my BFF. It's a small little room brightly lit with lots of windows and whiteness. There were fresh flowers on the bigger tables. Mostly tables for 2 or 5 or more. We went for the choice that included CHAMPAGNE called the Grand Tea. How could we not?!

We weren't sure if we'd like the specialty tea that was offered but once the server offered to replace it if we weren't satisfied, we tried it (and liked it)!

It wasn't considered "high tea"; however, folks were dressed in "smart casual" clothes rather than park casual clothes.

It is a hike to get from the self-park lot to the hotel so wear comfortable shoes and drop off those with walking problems at the door or valet park. The room itself is directly across the other side of the main entrance.

It was a lovely way to spend an hour of our time together. We had another commitment or we would have walked the grounds some; you might want to allow time for that as well.

No, it's not a character meal (that's at 1900 Park Fare at GF).

I believe the cost was ~$63. for the two of us.

 

[suzimar57]

we've done this (DH and myself) several times - we especially like that there are no characters, it's quiet, peaceful - the tea is enough for an afternoon light lunch for us - only downside is that it can take a long long time to complete all the courses - if you're not in any rush, that's perfect, since they won't rush you - but if you're used to eating fast like DH and me, the leisurely time between courses can seem like an eternity....

 

[F1Julie]

There are no characters during regular tea hours (2-5) at the Gardenview Lounge. Princess Aurora and Rose Petal host the Perfectly Princess Tea which is a separate event that is held in the morning. DD and I did that when she was 5 and it was great. This summer, we are going to afternoon tea. I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[Promomx2]

Do you have to order a tea package? I was thinking of going with family of 4 and just ordering a drink and then having a special cake delivered? Can I do this?

 

[lady danger]

Do you have to order a tea package? I was thinking of going with family of 4 and just ordering a drink and then having a special cake delivered? Can I do this?

You don't have to order a tea package. I went with a friend last summer and while she opted to do the Grand Tea, no one cared that I ordered off the a la carte menu. And I didn't even order tea! I don't think it would have been a problem if neither of us had opted for one of the packages. I just had a few brandy alexanders and an order of scones and we had a lovely time. I don't think having a cake delivered would be a problem, but you may want to call them and check.

 

[princesstinkerbelle]

this sounds great! i am so excited! i wanted something more "grown-up" for the two of us. we are sending my dad and brother off to disneyquest while we enjoy our day.

 

[Sandy321]

Add me to the list of a Grand Tea must do -

and I love that my dd wants to take us (she's 11 - she's been practicing drinking tea so she could fit in - last year she tried it and didnt like it, and they brought her the Kids meal - I could almost hear her sigh of relief!!)