Wonderland Tea Party - Yes or No

[mnmhouston]

Looking for something special for my girls 3 and 8 to do on our upcoming trip. Last year they did pirates league and loved it. I'm not really into the BBB for them as it is pricey and their hair is very difficult to manage.

Was thinking of the Wonderland Tea Party and could use others' opinions, so let'em rip!

Thanks in advance.

 

[BoomNLeon]

From what I read and seen it appears to be a nice experience. Something different and unique. Almost an immersive experience for the children. We saw it happening once and it looked like the children were having fun.

 

[turnlisa]

My DSs did this a few years ago. They both really enjoyed it and had a good time. It was long enough for us to go get lunch at Grand Floridian Cafe. Each parent is given a beeper so if their child gets upset or scared they contact them immediately. My youngest didn't want to stay the first year and they contacted me. By the time I got back there, he was back to having a good time and never even knew they called me. He did it again the following year and loved it - definitely a good time.

 

[CaFeeney]

We tried it last May for my DD's birthday (she's 4). Just so you know, children have to be at least 4 and potty trained to attend so your 3 year old might not be able to attend.
I think it is a great value compared to some other experiences, the room was decorated so cute and all of the girls were dressed up. Unfortunately our DD FREAKED out when the Mad Hatter joined the party. He is very loud and she was so scared they called me within 10 minutes to come pick her up. She had never been afraid of characters before but IMHO he was a bit overwhelming.
Thankfully the staff was so nice and actually refunded my money which was very fair. I just felt bad that DD was so upset.
Most of the girls were 6-8 years so maybe we would try again but right now DD said she would never go again. One of the staff told me that the Mad Hatter scares a lot of kids and it happens frequently.
All in all I would still recommend it as a very special experience for girls - they have a tea party decorate cookies, play games and have a parade in the GF lobby.

 

[MinnieMommy]

Our kids went when they were 7 & 5. They loved having their own special experience. DH and I also had a nice time relaxing at the GF and grabbing a quick bite to eat. They enjoyed the tea more than the pirate cruise!

Quick question:

How old will your youngest be during your trip? I thought the minimum age is 4, but I may be mistaken.

 

[dixonsontour]

Afternoon tea at the Grand floridian for you and your 2 girls - they do a Mrs potts 'tea' for children for $11 or so.

Thinking of doing it with DD this trip.

Another option but expensive is the perfectly princess tea party at Grand Floridian - see link in my signature.

 

[itchin2go]

My daughter did this a few years ago. She was probably 6. She LOVED it! Be forewarned that no parents are allowed. My husband and I had a late lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe while she partied with Alice and the Mad Hatter. It was adorable, with multi-colored teapots decorating the table. She got a picture with Alice and MH in a cute folio type thing. I think there was another take-home item.

Here's more info (though, FYI, this says parents can stay and that was absolutely NOT the case when we did it):

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Just_for_kids/teaparty.htm

 

[mnmhouston]

Thanks everyone. Still on the fence since it is not really cheap at $40/kid and not sure if the 3 year old (Disney's website says they can go at 3 if potty trained although one poster says it starts at 4, I'll have to nail down that answer) will stay with just her sister. It will depend on her mood of the day!

I will also check out the afternoon tea for $11/pp to see what that's about.

 

[dixonsontour]

$11 is the price per person for the kids tea - adult afternoonteas are more - $20 or so.

I'd budgeted $50 plus tip for the 3 of us to go.

 

[ellie'smom]

Yes.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

My daughter loved it when she was four and a half. She thought it was the greatest thing ever! I'll see if I can include some pictures:

 

[dixonsontour]

Great pictures looks really cute

 

[mnmhouston]

$11 is the price per person for the kids tea - adult afternoonteas are more - $20 or so.

I'd budgeted $50 plus tip for the 3 of us to go.

Thanks for the clarification. Do you kow where I can find more info on this? I assume I would need reservations?

Thanks again for your help. I think this may be the way to go. My older daughter has been (freakishly) into watching Full House on Nick in the morning and when they went to Disney they stayed at GF. Last trip everytime we passed it on the monorail she commented. I think she'll get a kick out of having tea there.

 

[quandrea]

My dd, 6 won't go to the tea party because she doesn't want to leave us and her sibs 1. She does however love tea at the Garden View lounge. They even will customize the sandwiches for your daughter if there is something she doesn't like. It is absolutely wonderful. You can call the dining line and just ask to make reservations for tea at the Garden View lounge. It runs from 2-5. We usually book late and make it our dinner, as the complete tea is very filling. They have a great cheese plate that rounds things out nicely. Just thinking ab out it makes me want to book for our next trip. Have a great time.

 

[PoohsFan1]

I will also check out the afternoon tea for $11/pp to see what that's about.

I would check out the Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian too. My DDs and I really enjoy doing this, it is something that you and your DDs can do together. My DD9, DD7, and I are going to be doing this on Mother's Day while DH goes off by himself for lunch Like the PP mentioned, the Mrs. Potts Tea (Children's tea which they can choose from chocolate milk, regular milk, any juice, or hot chocolate) plus sandwiches and dessert will cost $11 and they have different packages at different prices for you. Check out the menus and prices at allears.net. Good luck.

 

[mnmhouston]

I am definately sold on this. Thank you all. I assume that this is not included in the dining plan, so we'll just use our credit that day for breakfast and do the tea for lunch!

Do the kids get dressed up?

 

[dixonsontour]

The afternoon tea at GF does take reservations and they are recommended to avoid disappointment. You need to call the usual disney dining number - can't be booked online.

wdwinfo.com has the menu and some photos.