What's up with GF Afternoon Tea 12/7 - 12/13?!?

[m_kasch]

Does anyone know of any special events that involve the afternoon tea at GF the week of December 7? My MIL & I have a reservation on 12/10, but couldn't get one until 3:40 when we originally made it. We are trying to change it to earlier (have a dinner reservation), and when I just called they said they are no longer accepting ANY reservations for that week? We were there the same time last year, and I remember it being pretty uncrowded. What do you think the odds are of a walk up when they open at 2? We are staying at the Contemporary, so it's not to far to go check out. Thanks!!

 

[janloz]

Does anyone know of any special events that involve the afternoon tea at GF the week of December 7? My MIL & I have a reservation on 12/10, but couldn't get one until 3:40 when we originally made it. We are trying to change it to earlier (have a dinner reservation), and when I just called they said they are no longer accepting ANY reservations for that week? We were there the same time last year, and I remember it being pretty uncrowded. What do you think the odds are of a walk up when they open at 2? We are staying at the Contemporary, so it's not to far to go check out. Thanks!!

We have an ADR for 12/5 at 2:30pm but only because they didn't have our other 2 days we wanted available when I made my ADRs 180 days out, not just early ADRs but NO ADRS at all for 11/30 or 12/2. From the photos I have seen on Dis, the room looks small so maybe that is the reason plus word has gotten out what a relaxing break it is. Good Luck.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Mousefest is going on during this time as well as being a favorite time for DVC'ers and lots of DIS'ers. This group also knows the ins and outs and makes all their adr's early. NOt to mention, the GF has some of the best decorations on property!

be very happy you have an ADR and enjoy the GF. (Go early and check out the AMAZING decorations. Heck, go really early and take the monorail to all the MK resorts and see the decorations)

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I have been trying for WEEKS to get a ressie for the tea anytime during 12/7-12/15. Seating is limited and the Garden View Lounge has limited hours, so I am not surprised. So, yes, be happy you have a ressie and enjoy!!

 

[Belle5]

Whenever I have been that time of year, BUS LOADS of local senior citizens come in to the GF and other resorts to see the decorations and the tea is very popular with the ladies.

 

[Clotho]

This was my theory as well. People come for an afternoon of enjoying the decorations. Must be a busy busy time for all the restaurants there!

 

[disneystacy]

We will be there on the 14th of Dec but we made our ressies 180 days ago

 

[m_kasch]

Thanks for all of your responses! We also made our reservations at 180 days, but 3:40 was all that was available. I guess I will just check out the situation earlier in the week, maybe we will have a chance right at 2...or I will just have to eat light at Kona later. I just thought it was odd because we always go at christmas time, and the tea hasn't ever been super crowded right at 2...we'll see. Thanks again!!

 

[musicmama]

I was only able to get a 5pm ressie for 12/20. I asked how this could be if the lounge closes at 4:30pm and the CM told me that it's open til 5. I'm still not sure if we'll actually get a "tea" or just a cup of something and then get shooed out. (Hope not, DD is a tea lover and this is a secret surprise for her.)

Does anybody have experience with the "last ressie of the day" for the tea? Are we going to be OK with this?

 

[Clotho]

You will be fine. Restaurant "closing times" are actually "last seating times". The actual service extends until the last guest seating has been served and taken care of.

You may find the service a little less attentive in some locations at this time--servers are being "phased out" near the end of the night, meaning they are closing out their last tables and doing closing duties. Sometimes that means they are not on the floor as much (since they have less tables to tend to) and are more distracted by their closing duties and the thought of getting home than they are with great service. But this is not the rule, it's the exception.

In any case, don't worry. You will get your items and will be given time enough to enjoy them!