On our recent mother/daughter trip, this past May, my daughter Kerrigan & I decided to try afternoon tea at the Garden View Tea Lounge. Being avid tea lovers to begin with, we were excited to try some of the lovely tea blends available on their menu, as well as experience a traditional English tea service.
The Garden View Tea Room is located on the ground floor of the Grand Floridian Resort, at the far end of the main atrium, opposite of the front desk. It is a beautiful sun room, light and airy with lots of brass accents and rich upholstery and white woods. Large floor to ceiling windows allow plenty of sunlight in an provide a lovely view to the Grand Floridian's grounds.
The menu has a 4 adult choices, The Princess Kate, The Grand Tea, the Prince Edward Tea, and the Buckingham Tea. For children ages 3-9, there is Mrs. Pott's Tea which served with special "dark" tea, also known as chocolate milk. Each tea menu is served in courses ranging from 2-4 courses, and your own pot of tea of your selection. Some of the tea menus will include a glass of Champagne or Port.
For my selection, I chose the Prince Edward Tea, which is a 2 course tea that starts with a selection of pates (duck, country, chicken) & cheeses (Stilton & Irish Cheddar) with Cumberland sauce, followed by a second course of white raisin scones accompanied by lemon curd, Devonshire cream, strawberry preserves and a strawberry tart. My selection also is complimented by a glass of Port wine, which I declined in favor of non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider, as I was on medication and didn't want the alcohol. I also opted to add a dessert course to my tea, and chose the fresh strawberries and cream. For my tea selection I chose a pot of the Russian Earl Grey because the description mentioned bergamot orange and I absolutely love bergamot. It was a fantastic choice with wonderful orange notes. The pates & cheese selections were equally enjoyable and if you are a fan of country style pates, I highly recommend it.
My daughter chose the Tea which is a 3 course tea that starts with an assortment of finger sandwiches-egg salad, salmon salad, pear, cucumber & watercress and curried chicken. the second course is the same as the Prince Edward of white raisin scones, fresh Devonshire cream, lemon curd, strawberry preserves & a strawberry tart. Course 3 was definitely Kerrigan's favorite-dessert! You can choose from a traditional English trifle, fresh cut strawberries topped with fresh made whipped cream, or a choice of 2 pastries from an assortment they bring to your table. Kerrigan chose the pastry option and enjoyed "the best chocolate covered strawberry" she ever ate and an apple tart. Kerrigan's tea choice was the Imperial English Breakfast and was a blend of Ceylon & China black teas. Great balance and definitively British.
Some things to know if you go:
* Although the portions look small, you will find them quite satisfying & filling.
* While it isn't an inexpensive experience, it is definitely worth the price. The whole experience is absolutely fabulous and a great experience to check off your Disney "Bucket List".
* While you will see lots of ladies and moms & daughters there-guys don't fear the tea cup! It can be a wonderful surprise for the favorite lady or little miss in your life, and you might find yourself actually enjoying the chance to be fancy once in awhile.
* The afternoon tea is served 7 days a week between the hours of 2pm and 5pm.
* Reservations are recommended.
* And lastly, remember-pinkies out!
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**Besides being the owner and travel professional of Snapshot Getaways, Lisa is an avid traveler, food nerd, blogger & podcaster. Her answer to pretty much everything is food or travel, and is happiest when the solution includes both. You can contact her at Lisa@ SnapshotGetaways.com, to talk food, travel, Disney-whatever.
