Questions on Garden View Tea

[kessieann]

I have a few questions for those of you who have attended the Garden View Tea at the GF.

1) Do they have Equal packets? If not would it be okay if I brought some? My 11 year old loves tea but only if she can use Equal.

2) I have read that they have scones, which we would like to try. Do they have more then 1 kind? A lot of reviews I have read mention raisin scones and neither dd or I like raisins.

3) What kind of service have you experienced? Seems like a lot of reviews say it is really hit or miss.

I just like to know what to expect before we go so I appreciate any insight others may have. Is there anything you may have wished you knew before you went?

 

[PictureJumpr]

1 - I know for sure they have the pink stuff and splenda (my personal favorites), not certain about the equal but it's highly likely. If you have a few packets in your bag when you are there, they won't notice or care.

2 - The scones we have always received at tea are plain, and served with jam and clotted cream. I know that scones are available at various bakery locations and on breakfast buffets around WDW; perhaps the mention of raisin scones was from one of these other locations?

3 - We've always had pleasant service. A few times we've had girls serving us who were more frazzled/less patient than others, but never unpleasant or unfriendly. They are generally quite non-conversational, more of a silent service, in keeping with the atmosphere of the tea room I suppose more than for any other reason.

I go to tea frequently, in many cities/places other than WDW, and the one at the GF is quite high among the list of my favorites. Of course, being in WDW is a definite plus for this one, but still it is always pleasant and relaxing even if not absolutely perfect all of the time.

 

[goofygal531]

1) Do they have Equal packets? If not would it be okay if I brought some? My 11 year old loves tea but only if she can use Equal.?

I'm pretty sure everywhere on WDW property offers all three (pink, yellow and blue ) I just can't recall right this minute as I prefer splenda (yellow). I would just bring a few just in case.... But I really think they have them.

2) I have read that they have scones, which we would like to try. Do they have more then 1 kind? A lot of reviews I have read mention raisin scones and neither dd or I like raisins.?

Only one plain kind. Delicious!

3) What kind of service have you experienced? Seems like a lot of reviews say it is really hit or miss.?

I've never heard of any negative reviews from the tea room. I've only have wonderful service there. Never rushed, I was there last June for 2 hours reading magazines with my napping DS1 beside me in his stroller

I'd just like to know what to expect before we go so I appreciate any insight others may have. Is there anything you may have wished you knew before you went?

First of all, it's not stuffy at all. I've been to the tea room many times in shorts, t-shirt and hair in a ponytail and never felt out of place.

The one thing I tell everyone, if you plan on getting the Buckingham Palace or Grand Tea DO NOT EAT LUNCH FIRST! They are several courses long and very very filling!! Eat a late breakfast that day. Tea service begins at 2pm.

If you like the Garden View Tea blend (the house tea) you may purchase a can at the tea room. I bought my can there in 2005, it's a very large can. It's still fresh and half full!

I love afternoon tea. Lately I go with a napping child or by myself. There are many ladies there alone and they seat you all together. I've had such wonderful conversations there.

The room is beautiful and you are never rushed. They are not looking to turn your table over. Allow plenty of time to just relax and enjoy the experience!

An ADR is mandatory! They rarely accept walk-ups.

 

[MAGGIED]

Another very happy customer here. We have gone to this tea twice... and both times it was wonderful. We had the Buckingham Tea and it was wonderful. Each of us tried a different tea. Also my DD is high allergic to nuts and is a vegetarian and they were able to make special sandwiches for her... she loved them. Service was wonderful both times... comfortable .. great food.. great service....

the above posters answered your questions about the food....

We have a reservation for tea in May... I can't wait!!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

This was the highlight of our April 08 trip...we loved it and I brought in my own Sweet N Low to use. The scones are fantastic, especially when smothered with the devonshire cream. Service was top notch, they did not rush us at all.

 

[debit34]

My family would enjoy having tea together - me, dh and a well behaved 4 year old. Do you think we would be out of place at Garden View? I'm mostly concerned about dh feeling out of place.

 

[onelilspark]

I loved the Gardenview Tea. It was wonderful, a real treat. I think with the scone I had, it did have raisins in it, but they were white raisins, not the regular ones (so they were sweeter, the kind you'd find in strudel.) But I can't be sure. You could always ask for two tarts. It was delicious.

And debit: they have a "gentleman's" tea which includes a cheese plate and coffee I think.

I recommend it. I should a full review posted (link in my siggie) in a few days.

 

[MEM]

We are also huge fans of the Garden View Tea...this includes DH the Marine and DS14. DD12 insists on bringing a sundress to wear to the Tea but its not required. The service was impeccable and the food excellent. We always get the Buckingham Palace Tea and consider it a late lunch or early dinner.

If you are concerned about the Equal, just bring it along - how much space can it take in your purse?

 

[Mrs.Reese]

DH and I love the tea! It's become our tradition to have it right before leaving the World. The scones are fabulous. Our service has always been good. We've had the same waitress three times now and she remembers us for some reason. It might be because there's a man enjoying his tea. It's nice and relaxed not stuffy at all.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

And don't feel that you have to order one of the set Tea offerings. I prefer to mix and match and order a la carte. Their lemon pound cake is wonderful and not offered in any of the set teas.

One other thing - if you are planning on ordering the Sally Lunn Bread (which I really enjoy), make an ADR for an early time (2 - 2:30pm). The last two times we've had later reservations and 1 time they were out and 1 time I got the last order - they only make a certain amount (I'm assuming it's the bread itself) and when it's gone, it's gone for the day.

 

[kessieann]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I am going to bring the blue packets to keep the princess happy. We are both very much looking forward to doing the tea. It is nice to have time on this trip to explore something other then just the parks. I will be taking her to La Nouba while dh is at his conference and that will be another fun new experience for her. I am set on the Buckingham and now I just have to try to narrow down my tea choices.

 

[goofygal531]

My family would enjoy having tea together - me, dh and a well behaved 4 year old. Do you think we would be out of place at Garden View? I'm mostly concerned about dh feeling out of place.

I don't think your DH would be out of place at all, I'm more concerned about your DD4. My kids would never be able to sit quietly for 2 hours. It's a very quiet restaurant and the majority of children I've seen there are a little older (I'm guessing 8 and up). The only time I've brought my children there is when they are napping!

now I just have to try to narrow down my tea choices.

That's the hardest part!! The tea list is so long that I always go with the garden view house blend just to make it easy on myself. Otherwise, I'd be there for 20 mins deciding on a tea blend!

As for the Sally Lunn bread, I always get an ADR right around 2pm and its hot and fresh. Good tip that it runs out ! I never knew that. I order the Sally Lunn tea when I've had lunch already, as it's not nearly as much food as the other tea packages. I agree, it's nice to mix and match items, but I'd recommend that on your return trip. The first visit it's nice to get the full traditional tea like the Buckingham tea.

 

[johnsonet]

I have a few questions for those of you who have attended the Garden View Tea at the GF.

1) Do they have Equal packets? If not would it be okay if I brought some? My 11 year old loves tea but only if she can use Equal.

2) I have read that they have scones, which we would like to try. Do they have more then 1 kind? A lot of reviews I have read mention raisin scones and neither dd or I like raisins.

3) What kind of service have you experienced? Seems like a lot of reviews say it is really hit or miss.

I just like to know what to expect before we go so I appreciate any insight others may have. Is there anything you may have wished you knew before you went?

Just wanted to say that I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time at the Garden View Lounge, as will your daughter! My daughter is now 12 and she and I have been going regularly since she was probably 5 or 6. It's a beautiful room and the service is usually very good. And the tea has ALWAYS been delicious in my experience.
Yes, the scones do have raisins (golden raisins, I think) and they are DELICIOUS. And, as someone else posted, they are really yummy with the Devonshire cream!
I always get the Grand Tea (tea sandwiches and pastries) or the Prince Edward's Tea, which is berries and cheese and pate - with a glass of champagne It's a very relaxing place to spend an hour or so in the afternoon
Enjoy!