Tell Me Your GF Afternoon Tea Experiences please!!!

[SunnieRN]

I am quite excited! We are going on our next trip in June and the two Grandmas are going to tea!! I have looked at the menu. We have our reservation for 2:00, so we will just have a snack, instead of lunch.

Can you tell me what we should expect? Which tea would you choose or have you had?

Can you buy extra scones/pastries to take with you after? My daughter arranged this for us two Grandmas and I'd like to bring her a treat!

Any and all advice/opinions/information would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[PictureJumpr]

I do this with my Mom on all of her trips, it's one of her favorite things to do.

My personal favorite tea blend is the Mad Hatter (no comment on my preference for 'decadent companions'). Mom prefers Princess Breakfast, although last time she had Cassis and it was nice - just not going to replace Princess Breakfast as her favorite.

Everything I've had has always been good - we usually book a later teatime and order the Buckingham Palace.

There shouldn't be a problem with ordering a packet of scones or pastry to go, just ask your server when you are seated so they'll have time to locate a box for you if they need to, before you are ready to leave.

 

[Disney Lifeguard]

The tea room is one of my favorites. In fact I push it more than my DW does. So I guess real guys can do tea.

I love it, first I am a tea guy and second the meal is nice and light and the setting is way cool. I have two little girls who are going to do the tea at the GF a couple of times a year. Lets hope they like it.

The Sally Lunn Bread is a blast from my past, Both my mom and aunt were big fans of this bread. So even if I don't order it I ask for a piece to be added.

Usually I like getting the Grand Tea, I like the sandwiches and get either the English B-fast tea or the Russian Earl Grey. Depending on my tea mood. Might try the Grandview Blend this Sunday but who knows?


This weekend is our one night get away from the kids at the GF. We will eat and play only at the GF for the 2 days.

Sunday tea at 2 is our final item to do before we return to the real world.

The Tea room is a big

 

[scanne]

This weekend is our one night get away from the kids at the GF. We will eat and play only at the GF for the 2 days.

That sounds heavenly! I wish DH and I lived close enough to do this on occasion!

Sorry to hijack!

OK, back to the question at hand.
The tea is absolutely wonderful! I have been three times and have just loved the experience and food all three times! My favorite tea is the Princess but I also love the Cassis and Earl Grey. The food is delicious! We ordel a la carte - we share the fruit and cheese plate, strawberries with cream and last time we tried the Sally Lunn bread - yummy! We also order 3 or 4 pastries to share as well. Whatever looks good that day! (But what doesn't ever look good at the Grand?)

I probably won't get back to tea until 2012 or 2013 as we're planning on Disneyland and the Disney Cruise in the next couple of years. And this coming trip in July is just my DH and our kids. We tend to do tea when my parents and aunt come with us.

So enjoy!!!! And post a review if you can when you return...thanks!

 

[PoohsFan1]

We just did this about a week ago and loved it.....I took my DD6, DD8, and DMIL for a girls afternoon while DH and DFIL went off and did their own thing. I got the Princess Breakfast tea which was just wonderful and my DMIL got the Grand Tea that the server highly recommended and she liked that one just as much. We got the Buckingham Palace package which was very good and was just enough food for our 2pm ADR. My DDs both had the Mrs. Potts package which they both adored because each of their beverages came in their own tea pots which they got to pour themselves. Plus, while there, we got to witness a Princess wedding with Cinderella's carriage and all, so that added to our experience very nicely. I plan on doing this again in May 2011 for an adult only afternoon tea because we are going with very good friends of ours and my girlfriend and I love to have our afternoon tea together, so I know she will enjoy this...can't wait

 

[Gigi22]

DH and I both love the tea at GF. We find that one of the multi-course teas with scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts can easily serve as a late lunch. I usually get a breakfast-style black tea, DH usually gets an herbal tea. (DH also likes to order a Brandy Alexander with his tea. The drinks come from the bar upstairs at the GF). The room where the tea is served is very attractive, sort of living roomy in feel. The tea services are in a floral bone china; the teas themselves are not in bags, so individual tea strainers are provided. We find the atmosphere very relaxing, a respite from touring the parks.

 

[2littlez'sandme]

thinking of doing this for my birthday trip. My BFF & I would have a glorious time!!

Subbing...

 

[bluejasmine]

We have a Sept ADR during our anniversary trip..I was wondering can you get ice tea instead of hot tea? Im thinking about how warm it will be in Sept..I already know I want the Sally Luna bread and maybe the strawberrys and cream..
Believe my DH will want the pate and onion tarte and champagne..

 

[DaisyLady86]

I've been twice both times it was just me and my best friend and it was fantastic on both trips!! We both got the Grand Tea. She got the rose and I got the Green tea. The Duck Pate is awesome and the scones and tarts are to die for! Im a picky eater so i had my tea sandwiches replaced by the kid's ham and cheese with no problem from the wait staff. There's never been a rush. the wait staff is wonderful at allowing you to enjoy at your own pace. Just a warning, even tho you have a 2pm ressie, be careful how big of a breakfast you have because it may not seem like a lot of food but it is! I had to give up eating the FANTASTIC trifle because i was so stuffed!. It's a really great experience and the quality is worth the price. Have fun and treat yourself!!!

 

[Mel2421]

This June will be our third tea. Love the Grand Floridian.

The Princess is a sweet custom blend of South African organic rooibos flavored with vanilla bean and a hint of strawberries. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and naturally decaffeinated. I loved it. I will probably order it again. Then I get the Buckingham plate that has the scones, the sandwiches and the onion tart soooooo good. For dessert you can chose 2 pastries or strawberries and cream. I always choose the pastries. It is beautiful and my picky child gets the Mrs. Potts tea with only peanut butter sandwiches. They were great in the kitchen to accomodate her. We all left happy. This is a must do for me.

 

[jdisnut]

I was dragged reluctantly into trying the afternoon tea in October 2007. I was 19 years-old and had zero interest in partaking in a dining experience I considered feminine and dainty. After three delicious courses in one of the prettiest settings on property, I was converted. I returned with my mother and little sister last January and am already anticipating my next visit to the Gardenview Lounge.

I ordered the Buckingham Palace option both times. It's large enough to serve as a tasty late lunch. For tea, the house blend is made exclusively for the Grand Floridian. It's yummy but not particularly exotic or exciting. It's a good option for folks who are accustomed to traditional teas. My server in January suggested the Eros, which includes vanilla and orange. This was delicious, and I would definitely order it again.

Of the tea sandwiches, the chicken salad and shrimp salad are my favorites, but they're all good. The highlight of the experience, though, is the scone with the Devonshire cream. It may look like butter, but I assure you, it is infinitely better than Land O' Lakes or Breakstone's.

As you can tell, I give the tea room a glowing recommendation!

 

[jockey]

We have been here lots and with the kids too since they were just 10mths old, its totally fab. We have have had the packages and just ordered individual items. It is very relaxing and the atmosphere is lovely

 

[SunnieRN]

Thank you one and all for the reviews and suggestions!! I am SO excited about this!! More so now after all my wonderful partners in crime (dis'ers) give this a big thumbs up!!

I love tea and the princess tea sounds wonderful as caffeine and I do not get along well in the middle of the night!!

I will post a review with pictures after we return! Anyone with pictures please feel free to post them!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Well I'm bummed! I've wanted to try this for the last umpteen years and not a single member of my family or friends will do this with me! I've even offered to pay! You all make it sound so wonderful!

 

[izzy]

I've been three times and enjoy more each time that I go! I've always gotten the Sally Lund special - two pieces of Sally Lund bread toasted with apricot preserves, tea, and then your choice of strawberries and whipped cream or English trifle. My favorite tea is the Eros blend, and I love the English trifle. I think it's around $14 and absolutely delish!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Always good. All I have ordered is the Buckingham Palace.
I am not a cuke fan, so I substitute an extra chicken salad sandwich for the cucumber and watercress sandwich.
Love the chicken salad sandwiches. Not like what you think of for chicken salad.
Never been disappointed there.
(DH enjoys Aft Tea also. He LOVES their strawberries piled high with real whipped cream.)

 

[SunnieRN]

Well I'm bummed! I've wanted to try this for the last umpteen years and not a single member of my family or friends will do this with me! I've even offered to pay! You all make it sound so wonderful!

When are you going to WDW next? You would be more than welcome to join us, and you don't even have to pay our way!!



So many decisions! I can see that I will not want to make this a one time only event! It all sounds wonderful! Thank you for the tips about trading out sandwhiches! I think I would prefer an additional chicken salad sammy, rather than watercress also!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I am quite excited! We are going on our next trip in June and the two Grandmas are going to tea!! I have looked at the menu. We have our reservation for 2:00, so we will just have a snack, instead of lunch.

Can you tell me what we should expect? Which tea would you choose or have you had?

The afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge is one of my favorite things to do at WDW. My mom & I have done it half a dozen times or so.

As far as what to expect, expect a relaxing experience with tasty food and yummy tea!

My personal favorite is the Mad Hatter "A blend of passion fruit, pomegranate, and vanilla for a clean and sweet finish. Perfect with decadent desserts and companions."

My Mom's favorite is the Harmony "A tranquil blend of sweet chamomile blossoms, peppermint, allspice and orange blossoms for a mild and sweet taste."

We have also tried:

Chamomile Flowers - A tranquil and calming herbal infusion of sweet and fragrant golden chamomile blossoms combined for a mild and sweet taste. Soft and musty aroma combined with a smooth, apple-like finish.

Nobo Whole Fruit - Full bodied and rich in sweetness. An array of berries and apple, accompanied with hibiscus, rose hips, and cornflowers.

Eros - Medium bodied Ceylon: Sweet Mandarin orange with warm vanilla for a sweet, smooth and creamy finish.

Russian Earl Grey - Inspired by the old tradition of shipping tea with lemon for flavor: Made from the rind of spicy Bergamot orange to give the exotic blend of citrus.


Can you buy extra scones/pastries to take with you after? My daughter arranged this for us two Grandmas and I'd like to bring her a treat!

We were able to buy some scones and devonshire cream to bring back to the resort for my Dad, so I don't see any problem with ordering a few extra pastries to go.

Any and all advice/opinions/information would be greatly appreciated!!

Answers in red

 

[myjourney]

We will be on Disney property for two weeks in May and I want to try this. Do I need to make ressies now or can I wait until I get to Disney? What times do they serve?

 

[DisneeMommee]

Glad you are trying the tea room. It is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I have had tea there several times. I'm sorry, I'm unable to post my photos. My favorite of their teas is Eros. I have also tried the Gardenview Blend, Princess Breakfast (this would be a great choice if you prefer a rooibos), and Mad Hatter. I have had the Buckingham Palace offering and find it suitable for a meal. I tried the Sally Lunn Bread al acarte, but much prefer the tea sandwiches, scones and sweets. You can order a specialty cake, or Cinderella's slipper from their bakery ahead of time if you are looking for something extra special.

Beaslyboo - you can have tea all by yourself. On our last Disney visit, it was just a couple of our boys and myself. They went out on the water sprites while I had a delightful afternoon sipping tea and watching them zip around the lake. I keep a tea journal, so I recorded comments and thoughts. Some of the other guests commented that I could join them, but I enjoy a moment of peace in my busy life. I had no problem sipping tea alone.

According to allearsnet.com the hours are 2-4:30p.m. I usually make reservations ahead of time. I have tried to make reservations after I have arrived at Disney and they were usually booked. I have been successful walking up on occasion.