Perfectly Princess Tea

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

In my experience yes. Here's what happened at the PPT:

After we checked in the hostess played some games with the girls until Rose Petal came out. Then Rose Petal announced each girl one by one to enter the room and gave each a Crown. Once inside she lead the girls in more activities. When Aurora came out she did some songs and dances with the girls as well as going around to each table. At the end she lead all the girls on a grand promenade of the GF lobby (including going up the staircase). It was way way way more interaction with Aurora than either a meet and greet or character meal even if it wasn't all one on one.

Our meal at CRT was our most disappointing experience of the trip. The food was okay but not what it should be for the price and each princess was at our table for a minute. It was very rushed in terms of interaction. Akershus was only better because we paid less for it and got on to FEA after, the food wasn't great and again the interactions for really rushed. At character meals those short minutes with the characters are all you get with them. At PPT there's more.

Wow!!! That sounds amazing! Looks like we will be booking this for sure!! I truly appreciate your response!!!

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

Thanks for the reply. We've done Akershus twice but never CRT. I was going to try to get CRT for our upcoming trip but since we are staying offsite, I'm not sure if I will be able to snag an ADR there. I will consider the tea party, too. My DD will be 2 months shy of her 8th birthday when we go, so I feel like we don't have much longer before she outgrows her love of princesses. :'(

We want to do CRT and Akershus as well! This trip will be princess overload!!

 

[mom2rtk]

We did this a few years ago.
It was by far, my most special moment at WDW ever. And my daughter liked it too

We loved Rose Petal. My daughter was at the older end, maybe 8? I do think it might be something worth waiting for until they are maybe 5 or 6 or so. Just so they get the most out of it

Seriously though, it really is adorable. Yes, it is pricey, but for me, it was totally worth it. I'll never forget it.

Same here. It's a great memory. And we also loved Rose Petal.

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

We did this a few years ago.
It was by far, my most special moment at WDW ever. And my daughter liked it too

We loved Rose Petal. My daughter was at the older end, maybe 8? I do think it might be something worth waiting for until they are maybe 5 or 6 or so. Just so they get the most out of it

Seriously though, it really is adorable. Yes, it is pricey, but for me, it was totally worth it. I'll never forget it.

My daughter is 5 so I'm thinking this is the perfect age to go all out princess! I can't wait for this trip!!! Thanks so much!!!

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

Same here. It's a great memory. And we also loved Rose Petal.

Thank you!!!

 

[ArwenMarie]

We want to do CRT and Akershus as well! This trip will be princess overload!!

Go for it!
Enjoy this stage, it's so precious

 

[anomamatt]

No, it most certainly is not. I'm not sure if you've ever bought American Girl, but the Disney doll doesn't even approach those dolls in quality. It's cheaply-made with rooted hair, much like a $30 doll from Target. It would be more on par with those.

My girls have several american girl dolls... I guess I'm not a doll connoisseur, but they seem pretty similar to me (aside from plastic body for Aurora). And much higher quality than other Disney dolls. But again, I don't know much about dolls, so perhaps I'm totally wrong.

 

[DisneyBabies]

Ok, so we have done the Princess Tea twice so far (DD1 at 5 years and 9 years) and are scheduled to do it again in February (DD2 at 5 years) ... this is my take on it:

For our family, it has been worth every penny. Both of our daughters are very girly, so dressing up and going to a "real" tea party is spot on for a fun activity. And since this is not something we will do on every trip, I have no qualms about doing it now, when the girls are interested.

As for a description of the event, you start off by checking in (about 15-20 minutes early - especially if you have any food issues that need to be discussed with the chef) and some of the cast members com around and speak to the children to pass the time. Then they announce Rose Petal ...
This is the Rose Petal we have had both times so far. She was wonderful! Very engaging and plays her role (along with Baron Branch - the piano player) of a rose who came to life convincingly ~admittedly, DD1 was 5 years old the first time she went and didn't question it until the second visit at 9years old. So, Rose Petal arrives and speaks to each child one at a time before giving them a tiara to match whatever they are wearing, announcing them and having another cast member show them to their seats. We have been seated in two different areas of the tea party so far and haven't had any trouble seeing what was going on or participating in the "show".

After everyone is seated, the cast members bring out the tea:
Ham and cheese and jelly sandwiches with fruit and "apple tea" for DD and jelly, ham and cheese, and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches with cheese fruit and crackers along with Princess Tea for me. Now, the sandwiches they give me (the first time we went, they gave me ham and cheese, cucumber and watercress and pears soaked in some kind of juice) are not the standard. I have a food intolerance and they are very accommodating (all over Disney property) in giving me other sandwiches. The regular sandwiches are egg salad, chicken salad and I believe at one time there was tuna salad as well. DD and I have always enjoyed the sandwiches (except the cucumber and cream cheese ) and the fruit was very fresh. The tea was wonderful as well and they will bring you more if you would like.

While you are eating, Rose Petal and Baron Branch tell a story with words and music and the kids join in on certain parts. Rose Petal also helps the children find their "gifts". Rose Petal and Baron Branch also come around and sign autographs while everyone is eating.

When everyone is done eating, they announce dessert:
When you first come in, if you look around, you will see a very large and usually beautiful cake sitting on a sideboard (I wish I had taken pictures both times, because they were different each time and really beautiful) ... this is not the cake that is eventually served to you ... it doesn't matter in the long (or short) term, but I thought I'd just throw that info out there.

After they announce that dessert is on it's way ...
Aurora arrives!

She gathers all the children around and they do a little dance before she comes around to each table to speak to the kids and sign autographs. I felt she took more time here than at any character meal and it was a lot quieter, so the interaction was "free-er" if that makes sense.

After Aurora arrives but before she comes to each table, they bring out dessert:
The top dessert was a brownie with fresh raspberries that was given to the adults and was very good; the second trip was the first time we received this dessert, so i don't know if this is the new standard or what. The second dessert picture is the cake that we have gotten on both trips and DD and I both found it very tasty: moist cake and icing that wasn't overly sweet ~ if you want a bit more sweet, "dip" your bite of cake in the raspberry sauce.

After dessert, Aurora gathers all the children and they parade through the lobby and all the guests clap and wave while the children wave back before she leads them up the main staircase. Once there, a photopass photographer takes group and individual pictures that you can have added to your photopass account. As each girl finishes with her pictures, they direct you to the store to a special table where they will be ready with a friendship certificate and a set of scrapbook pages for the children. You may want to warn your DD that they will ask for a name for the doll to put on the certificate; we saw lots of littles who were put on the spot and couldn't think of a name and then mom and dad named the doll Aurora ... Admittedly, DD1 did this once, but SHE named the doll Aurora, not DH and I. After that, you are free to leave.

We have really enjoyed this tea party each time we have done it. I think if you go into it understanding what it is, you will be really glad you did it.

But here is a warning that I think a lot of people miss ... this is a tea party, not a meal. This is more like an afternoon tea (more of a snack between lunch and dinner which was usually served around 8p-ish) than a High Tea (served around 5p with more substantial food). Please do not go into this thinking that it will be your lunch. We usually pick up a muffin on the way out of the resort in the morning (7am), have tea the the party (10:30a) then split a counter service meal (2p), before having dinner (6p).

My other piece of advice ... if you have any food issues, make sure you tell the cast member when you make your reservation for the tea so that they can have the chef on standby when you arrive. Yes, they will come out and speak to you before the tea starts, but this way, they will already have a general idea of what they need to make separate for you.

If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer what I can. And if you choose to do this, I hope you all have a great time.

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

Go for it!
Enjoy this stage, it's so precious

Exactly!!!

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

Ok, so we have done the Princess Tea twice so far (DD1 at 5 years and 9 years) and are scheduled to do it again in February (DD2 at 5 years) ... this is my take on it:

For our family, it has been worth every penny. Both of our daughters are very girly, so dressing up and going to a "real" tea party is spot on for a fun activity. And since this is not something we will do on every trip, I have no qualms about doing it now, when the girls are interested.

As for a description of the event, you start off by checking in (about 15-20 minutes early - especially if you have any food issues that need to be discussed with the chef) and some of the cast members com around and speak to the children to pass the time. Then they announce Rose Petal ...
View attachment 264099This is the Rose Petal we have had both times so far. She was wonderful! Very engaging and plays her role (along with Baron Branch - the piano player) of a rose who came to life convincingly ~admittedly, DD1 was 5 years old the first time she went and didn't question it until the second visit at 9years old. So, Rose Petal arrives and speaks to each child one at a time before giving them a tiara to match whatever they are wearing, announcing them and having another cast member show them to their seats. We have been seated in two different areas of the tea party so far and haven't had any trouble seeing what was going on or participating in the "show".

After everyone is seated, the cast members bring out the tea:
View attachment 264100 View attachment 264101 Ham and cheese and jelly sandwiches with fruit and "apple tea" for DD and jelly, ham and cheese, and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches with cheese fruit and crackers along with Princess Tea for me. Now, the sandwiches they give me (the first time we went, they gave me ham and cheese, cucumber and watercress and pears soaked in some kind of juice) are not the standard. I have a food intolerance and they are very accommodating (all over Disney property) in giving me other sandwiches. The regular sandwiches are egg salad, chicken salad and I believe at one time there was tuna salad as well. DD and I have always enjoyed the sandwiches (except the cucumber and cream cheese ) and the fruit was very fresh. The tea was wonderful as well and they will bring you more if you would like.

While you are eating, Rose Petal and Baron Branch tell a story with words and music and the kids join in on certain parts. Rose Petal also helps the children find their "gifts". Rose Petal and Baron Branch also come around and sign autographs while everyone is eating.

When everyone is done eating, they announce dessert:
View attachment 264113 When you first come in, if you look around, you will see a very large and usually beautiful cake sitting on a sideboard (I wish I had taken pictures both times, because they were different each time and really beautiful) ... this is not the cake that is eventually served to you ... it doesn't matter in the long (or short) term, but I thought I'd just throw that info out there.

After they announce that dessert is on it's way ...
View attachment 264104Aurora arrives!

She gathers all the children around and they do a little dance before she comes around to each table to speak to the kids and sign autographs. I felt she took more time here than at any character meal and it was a lot quieter, so the interaction was "free-er" if that makes sense.

After Aurora arrives but before she comes to each table, they bring out dessert:
View attachment 264102 View attachment 264103The top dessert was a brownie with fresh raspberries that was given to the adults and was very good; the second trip was the first time we received this dessert, so i don't know if this is the new standard or what. The second dessert picture is the cake that we have gotten on both trips and DD and I both found it very tasty: moist cake and icing that wasn't overly sweet ~ if you want a bit more sweet, "dip" your bite of cake in the raspberry sauce.

After dessert, Aurora gathers all the children and they parade through the lobby and all the guests clap and wave while the children wave back before she leads them up the main staircase. Once there, a photopass photographer takes group and individual pictures that you can have added to your photopass account. As each girl finishes with her pictures, they direct you to the store to a special table where they will be ready with a friendship certificate and a set of scrapbook pages for the children. You may want to warn your DD that they will ask for a name for the doll to put on the certificate; we saw lots of littles who were put on the spot and couldn't think of a name and then mom and dad named the doll Aurora ... Admittedly, DD1 did this once, but SHE named the doll Aurora, not DH and I. After that, you are free to leave.

We have really enjoyed this tea party each time we have done it. I think if you go into it understanding what it is, you will be really glad you did it.

But here is a warning that I think a lot of people miss ... this is a tea party, not a meal. This is more like an afternoon tea (more of a snack between lunch and dinner which was usually served around 8p-ish) than a High Tea (served around 5p with more substantial food). Please do not go into this thinking that it will be your lunch. We usually pick up a muffin on the way out of the resort in the morning (7am), have tea the the party (10:30a) then split a counter service meal (2p), before having dinner (6p).

My other piece of advice ... if you have any food issues, make sure you tell the cast member when you make your reservation for the tea so that they can have the chef on standby when you arrive. Yes, they will come out and speak to you before the tea starts, but this way, they will already have a general idea of what they need to make separate for you.

If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer what I can. And if you choose to do this, I hope you all have a great time.[/QUOTE

Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so very much for the intricately detailed report! Yes, we are definitely doing this!!! Sounds like it will be an amazing experience for my DD! I really do appreciate all the information, and I love the pics!!!!

 

[otten]

Wow!!! That sounds amazing! Looks like we will be booking this for sure!! I truly appreciate your response!!!

You're welcome. It was the big splurge of my daughter's 5th birthday trip and I was super sceptical that it would be worth the tag but I was really surprised to find that I really felt it was.

 

[DisneyBabies]

@Christa Jackson-Smallwood You are very welcome! I was in your place once and it is a lot of money for something you are not sure will be worth it. Let us know how your daughter likes it when you get back ... when are you going?

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

@Christa Jackson-Smallwood You are very welcome! I was in your place once and it is a lot of money for something you are not sure will be worth it. Let us know how your daughter likes it when you get back ... when are you going?

We aren't going until May, 2018, but I'm trying to do everything possible to get all the information I can get my hands on! I will certainly post back once we are done. These boards are a plethora of information!! And everyone is so helpful and nice!!!

 

[Lynne M]

Moving this to the Restaurants board.

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

Moving this to the Restaurants board.

My apologies. I didn't mean to post inappropriately.

 

[Miumiu4me]

I've been debating about doing this with my 4 year old. We recently rented an Ariel and Belle for her birthday party and I don't think anything can top that experience. But she loves princesses and she's generally pretty girly...I'm on the fence.

 

[Christa Jackson-Smallwood]

I've been debating about doing this with my 4 year old. We recently rented an Ariel and Belle for her birthday party and I don't think anything can top that experience. But she loves princesses and she's generally pretty girly...I'm on the fence.

Last night I watched a few YouTube videos of the tea. Knowing my DD, she will absolutely go nuts at this! You might want to check a few videos for yourself if you haven't already.

 

[Miumiu4me]

I booked for December. My friend is bringing her two year old (she will be three the next day). Can she bring her own presents for the toddler and can the baby eat off of our plates? My daughter will have no issues sharing food, neither she nor I are big eaters.

 

[DisneyBabies]

I booked for December. My friend is bringing her two year old (she will be three the next day). Can she bring her own presents for the toddler and can the baby eat off of our plates? My daughter will have no issues sharing food, neither she nor I are big eaters.

First off, how many children are you bringing to this event and how old are they? When you booked, how many people did you set up the reservation for?

I called the Tea room where this is held and spoke with a CM who asked her manager to be sure. The two year old can attend at no charge and can share mom's food; mom can also bring gifts for the two year old. But everyone over 2 years old has to be paid for even if they are not interested in eating.

One adult + one child = $333.64
Additional adult (food only) = $98.66
Additional child (food and gifts) = $234.06

What I'm not sure of, is why you and your daughter will be sharing food? And is she a chicken salad/egg salad kind of kid? Also the portions are not very big, so I'm not sure how much sharing she will be able to do from her plate.

If you look at the pictures on my post above (#28) you can see the servings. You can maybe get 4 bites out of each sandwich wedge ... they are tiny. Though the salad sandwiches may be a bit bigger than the ones I have to get (food allergies), they are not much bigger ... maybe an extra bite or two. And the kids sandwiches are a bit smaller as well. The food here is not meal sized ... it's snack sized.

If I can help in any other way, please let me know.

 

[deserrai]

My daughter and I did this last summer when she was 7 and she loved it. It is a very special experience and I would do it again in a minute!