Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea

[dredick]

Can someone tell me more about the tea. Was it good, how long did it take, etc. I would also love to see pics! i have 2 boys 9 & 11....is it not a good idea? Also, My friend and her family may join us(), so it would be nice to have tea with her. Any info would be great! Thanks!

 

[mmmears]

Hi. I dont have photos but I see that you saw the ones on the food photo thread.

My family has done the GF tea a few times. Each time it was delightful.

The tea room is quite small, and it takes about an hour to eat once you are seated, so make sure to make reservations if you really want to go there.

There are lots of different choices of teas & tea food. They served my DD with the same fine china that they served us (and she was 2 and we were worried!).

The tea room is a nice relaxing experience, far removed from the heat and crowds of the parks. The view on one side is the lovely GF gardens and the other side is of the grand GF lobby.

We found it to be relaxing and, even though the food items are tiny, we left quite full and we couldn't have a big dinner after that (I'm sure some people could, though).

It's quite elegant, but not stuffy. At the end we all could choose a couple of desserts from the dessert tray -- and they were good!

This would be a great place to meet up with friends. It's quiet enough in there that you can have a nice conversation, and the tea service is not rushed at all (unlike some of the WDW restaurants).

On our trips there, the tea, food and service has always been great. It's a nice way to visit the GF, too!

 

[dredick]

Thanks for the quick reply! My one concern is if my friend does not go to Disney w/ us.....can i do this w/ DH and boys. Would they just die! Oh, to have had girls....but I hear that is another can of worms!!

does anyone else have any advice/experience/pics?

 

[Lynne M]

It really depends on the boys, and if they're not comfortable with girly stuff. It's an hour or so of sitting in an elegant little room with a lot of floral decorations and fine china. Probably not a favorite activity of boys that age, but the really yummy pastries may make up for it.

I've seen boys that age in there who were fine and happy, but I vividly remember one poor little guy, about 10, whose face was beet-red from the minute he sat down at the table with his family, and who didn't say a word the whole time, just sat there looking completely mortified. I felt so bad for him.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Here is the link to my review, tons of pics too

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24204931&postcount=126

 

[dredick]

It really depends on the boys, and if they're not comfortable with girly stuff. It's an hour or so of sitting in an elegant little room with a lot of floral decorations and fine china. Probably not a favorite activity of boys that age, but the really yummy pastries may make up for it.

I've seen boys that age in there who were fine and happy, but I vividly remember one poor little guy, about 10, whose face was beet-red from the minute he sat down at the table with his family, and who didn't say a word the whole time, just sat there looking completely mortified. I felt so bad for him.

that is what i would be afraid of!!!!

 

[dredick]

Here is the link to my review, tons of pics too

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24204931&postcount=126

thanks so much!!!

 

[goofygal531]

I've done tea several times alone. Do you HAVE to bring the family? I would bring my DH and boys but honestly they'd rather be at the pool and I enjoy my free "mommy time" which is very rare!

I don't find the tea room fancy or fussy. I've gone there in shorts, t-shirt and ponytail and didn't feel out of place. It's DISNEY!

There are many ladies dining alone, I always find a few to chat with at surrounding tables. I guess they intentionally seat us all in the same area

I just stop in Sandy's Cove first for a few Gossip Magazines to read during tea.

You could always send the boys to the CR's arcade (it's the largest resort arcade) while you have tea. I bet they'll have more fun there and you'll enjoy your tea and goodies in peace!

 

[Jenvenza]

I have recently become obsessed with the tea room and am planning on going next year. I love seeing all the pictures!!!

 

[goofygal531]

I have recently become obsessed with the tea room and am planning on going next year. I love seeing all the pictures!!!

Once you go, you become hooked! It's so convenient if you're staying at the GF or a monorail resort.

Just to note: The Buckingham Palace Tea and The Grand Tea are huge with several courses. They include the tea sandwiches. They would make a perfect late lunch (tea room opens at 2pm). Recently, I've been just getting the Sally Lunn Tea which is just two courses (Sally Lunn bread - pound cake-like toasted with apricot jam) and dessert course (triffle or strawberries and cream).

Just something to think about when planning your day. If you have lunch, don't order the large complete tea.

They also don't rush you. I've ordered the Sally Lunn Tea and read a magazine sitting there for two hours once. (I had my DS1 napping in the stroller beside me! )

I find it's the perfect place to escape the heat and parks. It's just so quiet and relaxing.

And addicting! Very addicting!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I love afternoon tea. Never been to the GF though. Thanks for starting the thread.

My DH loves afternoon tea too so it's not necessarily a girly thing. I'm not sure for your boys. Only you can decide that.

 

[dredick]

i think i am sold on a mommy only tea! What a great idea! Maybe i'll book a pedi or message afterwards at the spa!!

any more pics or advice or comments?

 

[goofygal531]

i think i am sold on a mommy only tea! What a great idea! Maybe i'll book a pedi or message afterwards at the spa!!

The spa is not located in the main building. It's over near the Wedding Pavilion. It's a lovely 10 minute walk.

With check in, lounging, treatment, lounging, check out it could be a good two hours.

So could the tea. I've stayed at tea anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours.

Would you want to be away that long? Over four hours? I think that's too much for one day. I break it up over our vacation.

The GF spa was just okay, I've heard the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin is amazing. The GF Spa didn't give me that "ahhhh" spa feeling. The Spa at SSR is larger than the GF Spa and offers more treatments.

Here the link to the spa menu: www.relaxedyet.com

 

[dredick]

well, I'm staying at SSR, so it looks like i will check that spa out! hmmmm.... 4 hours no kids after a 7 hour drive and week at Disney.....sounding not so bad!!! Any more info?

 

[jwwi]

I have always enjoyed the tea, and agree with other posts that boys may not be comfortable there. BTW I don't drink tea, just diet soda, but still love the atmosphere. It sure is nice to relax at the GF, it is such a beautiful resort.

 

[Steffiesunshine]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the Grand Tea and the Buckingham Tea? Is it only the sparkling wine?

 

[dredick]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the Grand Tea and the Buckingham Tea? Is it only the sparkling wine?

Good question, I would love to know! i think I would want the smaller choice because I will eat lunch w/the family, but the menu looks sooooo good! I may have to stuff my self w/everything!!

i saw you siggy....your almost there! Lucky!

 

[PictureJumpr]

The sparkling wine and the guaranteed option of trifle for the sweet.
On the smaller package your sweet choices are strawberries and cream or pastries, with the full package you have the option for trifle.

That being said... we do this quite often and half the time, even though we've ordered the smaller package and therefore technically it is not an option, we are offered trifle. I don't partake of it (waaaaaay too much sugar for me) but it pleases my travelmate to no end when the trifle is offered.

 

[Steffiesunshine]

The sparkling wine and the guaranteed option of trifle for the sweet.
On the smaller package your sweet choices are strawberries and cream or pastries, with the full package you have the option for trifle.

That being said... we do this quite often and half the time, even though we've ordered the smaller package and therefore technically it is not an option, we are offered trifle. I don't partake of it (waaaaaay too much sugar for me) but it pleases my travelmate to no end when the trifle is offered.

Thanks for the info!