Why no High Tea service at UK in Epcot?

[abk96]

I know they have afternoon tea at the GF but I've always wondered why they don't have this in the UK Epcot?

Did they ever offer this there? Do you think it's a good idea?

Here's what I think they should do. Get rid of the clothing shop, in the castle- like building opposite the Rose and Crown, and make that a place to enjoy High Tea.

 

[jmkrat]

I know my daughter would love it. She traveled abroad last summer and that was one of the highlights from her trip.

 

[Siriusblack]

That would be awesome. They should so do it! The tea shop is right there!

 

[MrsDuck]

That'd be awesome! I'd be alllll about that!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I know they have afternoon tea at the GF but I've always wondered why they don't have this in the UK Epcot?
. . . the GF Tea commands a high price
. . . would be hard to match in-the-park

Did they ever offer this there?
. . . no

Do you think it's a good idea?
. . . no
. . . too many noisy and smelly people
. . . too much "park attire"

Here's what I think they should do. Get rid of the clothing shop, in the castle- like building opposite the Rose and Crown, and make that a place to enjoy High Tea.
. . . souvenir shops sell more than a part-time eatery would
. . . remember, revenue-per-hour-per-square foot is what matters

 

[minnie mum]

I agree with Rusty S. From a practical standpoint, there isn't enough space in that building. Where would they put the kitchen? High tea isn't (supposed to be) served all day long. Traditionally served only from 4 pm for an hour or 2. They'd lose money by having the place closed most of the day. Disney makes more money from their gift shops, I'm sure. That's their bottom line.

 

[abk96]

I still think it's a good idea. Tea is served in the UK afterall so it would make more sense to put one there.

They have restaurants in Epcot and they don't mind park attire there. I've had the tea at the GF and there were lots of people in park attire.

They have a pub so why not tea service for those who like something more elegant.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's noplace to set up in the tea shop. It's just a shop.

They could have it in the garden but that is subject to weather. and I'm sure there is no way Disney is going to close a souvenir shop to make it into a food service area that they can only open for a few hours a day.

They probably think Rose & Crown would make more money as a lunch place. I know I wouldn't like being denied access to the pub for several hours in the afternoon because they're having tea service in there. I wanna beer.

If they thought it was feasible and would sell, they'd do it. So they don't think so.

 

[abk96]

MrsDuck,Siriusblack,and jmkrat...thanks for sharing my dream.

It would be nice if they could build a small area or something in UK to offer Tea and then maybe small plates after the tea service is over. Something like what they did in Morocco maybe.

Oh well, it was just a thought.

 

[Alesia]

Afternoon Tea and High Tea are two very different things.

Afternoon tea is what most Americans think of - pretty dresses and dainty cakes and pastries. It's generally served around 4:00 and is a social ocassion for ladies.

High Tea is a much more substansial meal for working class families. It's served after work - generally between 5:00 and 7:00

 

[ElizabethB]

They used to serve afternoon tea at the Rose and Crown Pub. I never had it, but here is a thread with posters who remember it fondly.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1222468

 

[Hopefully]

I still think it's a good idea. Tea is served in the UK afterall so it would make more sense to put one there.

They have restaurants in Epcot and they don't mind park attire there. I've had the tea at the GF and there were lots of people in park attire.

They have a pub so why not tea service for those who like something more elegant.

I don't think it is a good idea. Epcot is a theme park.
Afternoon tea is already offered at the GF, as you stated.
I don't think it fits and I don't think there is enough interest and I don't think it is a draw.
Sorry

 

[abk96]

They used to serve afternoon tea at the Rose and Crown Pub. I never had it, but here is a thread with posters who remember it fondly.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1222468

Thank you for finding this thread ElizabethB.

Epcot was a theme park back then too Hopefully. I'm not understanding why it matters if it's a theme park. There are many restaurants and bakeries, etc. along World Showcase. That's what makes it fun and exciting. I wouldn't think of putting it right next to Spaceship Earth in Future World.

I wish they would consider bringing it back. Whether it's "afternoon tea" or "high tea", it doesn't really matter what they call it. I think it would be fun to bring it back.

 

[LillsnJills]

I would absolutely love to have a good tea service in park rather than having to go to GF for the experience. It really strikes me as odd that it's not offered when it's such a huge part of the British culture.

I agree it might not be wise to do it as a limited timeframe offering as a "true" high tea would be if it were in a stand alone area - that would probably be too close to the tea at GF and too much competition. But as an all day option in a stand alone, or heck, even just as a menu option at R&C would be fantastic. So much of the food on the menu as is seems so heavy - the option of some light tea sandwiches and a good scone with double Devon cream and jam or curd would be nice. Maybe a nice slice of Victoria sponge to finish it off.

Actually I'd love to see a bakery in the UK pavilion. I can't be the only one.

 

[abk96]

Actually I'd love to see a bakery in the UK pavilion. I can't be the only one.

I was just thinking yesterday that maybe a bakery with items found at a tea would be nice too if they couldn't do a full tea service place somewhere.

They served tea once upon a time at Rose and Crown but stopped it apparently. I don't remember this but someone found a thread here on the Dis about it. They should revisit bringing it back especially because they have done so many different things with the other countries (France and Morocco).

 

[DopeyDave]

I'd be satisfied with just being able to buy a good cup of tea (either hot or iced). But also a bakery counter selling scones or other "High Tea" baked goods is an idea too.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . They served tea once upon a time at Rose and Crown but stopped it apparently . . .

. . . they did serve tea
. . . but, not really Afternoon Tea, like GF
. . . it was more of an after thought

. . . love to have a good tea service in park . . . strikes me as odd that it's not offered when it's such a huge part of the British culture . . .

. . . it's a thought
. . . but, UK Culture also includes beheading, driving on the wrong side, and haggis
. . . none are a good idea for the UK Pavilion at WDW

 

[minnie mum]

Again I agree with RS, and again I will point out that there is nowhere, with sufficient room, to put such a place in the UK pavilion.

I have always enjoyed afternoon tea when visiting England, and even here in Canada. Somehow the idea of sitting down to a scalding hot pot of tea on a hot Florida afternoon loses some of its appeal. Scones and clotted cream notwithstanding.

 

[crazymomof4]

"High Tea" is the term for the workman's supper.
"Afternoon Tea" is the one with the finger sandwiches and scones.

 

[amykathleen2005]

Most British tea rooms serve all day. There is no need to limit the amount of time it would be open.