Garden View Lounge

[mchelle77]

I've read a bit about the afternoon tea they hold there and wanted anyone who's been to fill me in. I was thinking it would be a nice outing for my DD(4) and me, go have tea and a snack (she LOVES tea parties) but I can't seem to find any more in-depth info on it.

Does it require reservations?

What are the times/days it occurs? (I've found conflicting information all over the web)

Is it a "price per guest" setup, or a menu where you can order whatever you want?

Answers to any of those questions (as well as additional info that might be important) would be GREATLY appreciated. TIA.

 

[MouseMomx2]

I've been taking my DD to the Garden View for tea since she was about your DD's age. It's a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it.

They use Royal Dalton china and offer a wide variety of menu options, including a special "tea" (actually chocolate milk) for kids. Of course if your DD likes real tea, as mine always has, she is welcome to get that instead.

You can see the full menu at www.allearsnet.com. Just click on "Dining" at the top of the page, then on "Menus" and then look for the Garden View Lounge.

Oh, and definitely make an ADR. The Garden View is quite small.

Have a great time!

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, Yes you should make a reservation for TEA at the GF. You can order a set TEA or a-la-carte. Enjoy! Joan

 

[mchelle77]

OK, so this is why I say I'm getting conflicting info - allears says 2-430pm, wdwinfo.com says 2-6pm ... then another site I was on said 1-230pm. Which is right?? The official WDW site doesn't list any times or menu.

Regardless, I may call tomorrow and see if I can make a res for Nov. 7 at around 2pm. We have the luau at the Poly at 515pm, so we can take the monorail and meet my DH there.

Thanks for the info!

 

[mmmears]

I don't know the exact times, but I can tell you it's a wonderful place, especially if you have a little girl who loves tea parties. The china is lovely, there is a menu with lots of choices, including a little "Belle's Tea" choice for kids. And yes, you definitely need to make an ADR for it, since it is a very small room (with a lovely view) and they don't rush people through.

 

[Brewmeister]

I am pretty sure that they open at 2:00pm, as I think that was our ADR time last year, and we were one of the first parties seated.

The atmosphere and food/tea was very good.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

I think it is between 2-4. I've never been, but I made a reservation today for when I'm there with my mom in December. When I said I'd like an ADR there the CM said, "Ok, closer to 2 or 4?" so I am assuming that those must be the hours. My reservation is for 3:30PM. Looks like fun and I hope you enjoy it!

 

[Luv2Roam]

It's been a little while since I was there. At that time their hours were 2 - 6.
We went after work, and were the last ones to leave. We all got a red rose.

 

[mchelle77]

I made a res last night for 320pm. We have reservations for the luau that night at 515pm, so my DH will meet us at the Poly and she and I will take the monorail there. She's going to be SO excited.

 

[mmmears]

I made a res last night for 320pm. We have reservations for the luau that night at 515pm, so my DH will meet us at the Poly and she and I will take the monorail there. She's going to be SO excited.

Yay! I hope you really like it! BTW, you can also walk from the GF to the Poly, but it may be more fun for your DD to ride the monorail all the way around.

 

[mchelle77]

That's an idea, I didn't know you could do that .. it might be nice to take a stroll after tea

My DH was kind of iffy on this - I wasn't sure if it was because he felt left out, but he thinks I'm overscheduling a bit. But we agreed that this vacation was first for our DD, and I know she'd love it. I said it's only a bit of a time difference that she and I would leave the hotel, so it's not taking up the whole day (instead of leaving our hotel at 430pm, she and I will leave 230pm) He can take a nap He's cool with it now that I've explained it all to him.

 

[grace&philipsmom]

We had a 3:20 time a few weeks ago. My daughter had just turned 6. She had the princess tea, a bowl of strawberries and fresh cream, and a swan pastry. We had a really nice time and it was really relaxing.

 

[aggielawyer]

I've got a 3:40 reservation two weeks from tomorrow!!!

I'm so excited!!

 

[Pats Dragon]

I thought it was over at 4 but we've got a 4:45 ressie so I guess the end time varies. We think it is a real treat. Your DD will get to choose a pastry or two which incudes a little swan and other very pretty ones. I think you will love it.

 

[mchelle77]

Because we have the luau right after that, I was thinking of just getting tea and tea sandwiches without the dessert .. plus, it keeps the price down a bit.

 

[Gigi22]

My DH loves, loves, loves the tea at the Garden Lounge. The last 2 times we visited the WDW, he insisted on tea at the GL instead of lunch! Be warned, the set menus for some of the teas can be quite filling, although "dainty" in appearance. FYI, the "regular" teas are loose teas--no bag, so a tea strainer is provided.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

Keep in mind that if you are eating at the luau that evening you will only want to order ala carte for tea.
I have gone the last several years and order the tea 'meal' or tea and cheese plate and it is enough that I am full and skip dinner. My husband and another male friend of ours has gone with us and they have both been too full for a dinner that evening...just a snack.

But, you can go and order just tea (they have a chocolate milk 'tea' for little ones as an option too) and a scone or a pretty little dessert or strawberries and cream.
We have done this also and are treated just the same...it's SO MUCH FUN!

My favorite tea is the princess tea...it's a strawberry vanilla decaf tea. I get it on ice!

Tell Dottie (the server from Latrobe PA that the PA regulars send their love)!

 

[mchelle77]

Because we have the luau right after that, I was thinking of just getting tea and tea sandwiches without the dessert .. plus, it keeps the price down a bit.

Yes, I mentioned that I was doing that.

 

[gigi1313]

i've been trying to book this online for two weeks now... i want to go in november... i guess i will have to call...

 

[mchelle77]

I did try to book it online a few times and it never worked. I called last night and she got me in within 20 minutes of the time I wanted.