Garden View Tea-Tea etiquette ????

[shell718]

I made a reservation for myself and daughter to do the tea at GF. It sounds so relaxing and like a fun experience for us. However, I'm not much of a tea drinker and I'm not sure if there are any tea etiquette rules I should follow....

Do they just bring a little pot for you and you pour it yourself? I have seen pictures of a little strainer thing over the cups, I have NO idea what that is or what it's used for! Are different kinds of teas served different ways?

I'm excited but want to know what I'm doing. Also, what kind of tea would you suggest for someone who is not normally a tea drinker-I do want to have tea as part of the experience, I'm just not sure what kind would be best. I would like a kind that's sweeter and not so bitter. My daughter will get the Mrs. Potts tea.

Thanks so much in advance for any tea advice you have to share!

 

[TiszBear]

I did this and I loved it !! First RELAX!!!! There is no right or wrong way to drink tea or to enjoy this experience.

The will first seat you and you hostess will ask if you have done the tea before. If not they will then explain what will happen.

SHe will then hand you a menu of the teas along with a box of sample of the teas to smell. I had the one that was exclusivly for the Grand Floridean and my mother had the breakfast tea. Smell the different teas and read the descriptions. My mother and I did the Grand Tea.

They will bring your tea out and will pour your first cup. THe strainer goes over the cup each time you pourso you don't get the tea leaves.

The experience is relaxing and oh so much fun. My mom & I can not wait to go back.

Let me know if you have questions.

 

[shell718]

Thanks so much, that helps a lot! And you're right, I do need to relax, don't I? Usually restaurants don't make me nervous, I know which fork to use for every course, etc.. but a tea room, that's something out of my realm!

Very excited for it though!! I love all the pictures I've seen, it looks so beautiful there!

 

[autumnpalm]

Don't worry, the staff there are super friendly! I wouldn't worry at all. They'll explain everything to you. The tea is great, enjoy it!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

You will have fun.

1) Tea is brought in a warmed pot.
2) They pour the first cupful through the silver strainer.
3) When not pouring, place the tea cozy over the pot to keep it warm.
4) You may ask for more water if you run out of tea.

NOTE: You no longer have to hold up two pinky fingers when drinking tea. In fact, in many Eastern countries this is considered an insult. The thumb and index finger combined with the upward two small fingers makes an "OK" sign, which is a real no-no.

 

[askelton]

I love hats so when we went, we all wore them. The older gentlemen working at the GF all commented on them. If you have one, wear it. Have fun!

 

[goofygal531]

I love the Garden View Tea Blend, it's their house blend. It's delicious and I'm not a tea-lover.

The tea is brewed from tea leaves which are loose in the tea pot. The strainer is placed over the tea cup.

The tea room is not as stuffy as some people think. I've been there many times in shorts, t-shirt and ponytail. It's Disney! Just go and enjoy yourself!

Should you order the Grand or Buckinham Palace teas, do not eat lunch - they are several yummy courses!

Have fun and remember to take photos pinkys up!

 

[DisneyMim]

My daughter and I loved our trip there. Everyone already gave you great advice so I'll just say...

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[BriarRosie]

I noticed from some reports that there are a few teas served in a French press pot instead of a teapot. If you have your heart set on a ceramic teapot, you might want to ask which teas come in the French press instead of the teapot.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Last year, we ordered Eros (orange and vanilla), Lemon Verbana, and Garden View Blend. I only tried the Eros and GVB. My parents hated the Lemon Verbana. Very, very weak; also not good if you have to have caffeine in your tea (I do, so I knew not to try it). The Eros was kind of eh... The vanilla really overpowered the orange, IMO, which I didn't care for. Loved the GVB, as did my parents. It was the hands down favorite.

Also, keep in mind there's a dish filled with sugar cubes at each table, so you can add sugar as needed to any tea.

The pastries there are great too! And if you don't want a meal or package, you can always order a pot of tea and a pastry or two, or scones, etc. a la carte. That's what we did.

I did this and I loved it !! First RELAX!!!! There is no right or wrong way to drink tea or to enjoy this experience.

The will first seat you and you hostess will ask if you have done the tea before. If not they will then explain what will happen.

SHe will then hand you a menu of the teas along with a box of sample of the teas to smell. I had the one that was exclusivly for the Grand Floridean and my mother had the breakfast tea. Smell the different teas and read the descriptions. My mother and I did the Grand Tea.

They will bring your tea out and will pour your first cup. THe strainer goes over the cup each time you pourso you don't get the tea leaves.

The experience is relaxing and oh so much fun. My mom & I can not wait to go back.

Let me know if you have questions.

Unfortunately, they do not always do this. No server was doing this when we went last year. Maybe they didn't have the boxes prepared for some reason.