First Look: The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian (Opening in March)

Walt Disney World has shared a first look at the Garden View Lounge, a tea experience that returns to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort after a six-year hiatus. Per Disney, the Garden View Lounge will open its doors to guests for afternoon tea starting March 19th. Reservations for this experience will open on February 19th.

The Garden View Lounge is expected to offer a subtle theming with fresh touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Alice in Wonderland. Regarding tea, options will be available for both adults and little ones, making it an experience that the entire family can enjoy together. Below, we’ll preview what to expect and have a preview of the menu.

Beverage Options

As you can imagine, an incredible selection of tea will be offered. Disney has partnered with Twinings to hand-select premium tea blends that include something for everyone. Guests can expect Twinings Loose Leaf Tea selections, like London Strand Breakfast and Spicy Chai. More unique flavors will also be offered, including Orangery of Lady Grey (a black tea with bright orange notes that’s exclusive to the Walt Disney World Resort), a Nutty Chocolate Flavored Assam black tea (think smooth chocolate and roasted hazelnut flavors) and a caffeine-free option called Blackcurrant and Lavendar.

After selecting your tea with the guidance of expertly trained cast members who serve as your own tea guide, you’ll be able to create a tea that is customized for you. Next, you’ll choose an aromatic designed to accompany the tea, which is added during the steeping process. And feel free to add some extra sweetness. We don’t judge here.

Disney Parks Blog

In addition to tea, guests can choose from a variety of cocktails. Here are a few highlighted in the press release:

• Mint Tuilip (featuring Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Kentucky Straight Whiskey, Twinings Refreshers, Peach Mango Tea Instant Beverage, and mint)
• Mar-TEA-ni (with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Twinings Earl Grey Tea, lemon, and honey)

Non-Alcoholic Specialty Options:

• Curiosi-TEA (Twinings Refreshers Strawberry Raspberry Herbal Tea Instant Beverage with a touch of shimmering magic)
• This Way, That Way (Twinings Refreshers Peach Mango Tea, Herbal Tea Instant Beverage, and mint)

Champagne and Sparkling Wines will also be available. Here are a few images shared by Disney.

Afternoon Tea Fare

As you can probably imagine, the new (once again) experience will include what looks to be some delightful, delicate items. Disney highlights an orange-cranberry scone that’s sure to make your taste buds sing. In addition to the scones, a tea tower of treats will be available that includes the following:

Savory Selections

• Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart: Savory curried chicken salad filling topped with cherry gelée
• Footman’s Feast: Wonderland Salmon Crisp with a salmon rillette on a miso brown butter crisp
• Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich: A traditional egg salad on beet bread
• Caterpillar Cucumber Roll: A delicious combination with butterfly pea-infused cream cheese and cucumbers on pumpernickel

Sweet Finishes

• The Matcha Mad Hatter: Sponge cake with apricot jam and yuzu buttercream
• Tea Party Tart: Vanilla tart, coffee custard, and chantilly cream
• Flamingo Croquet Choux filled with passion fruit cream and a raspberry crunch
• Painting the Rose: Earl Grey-flavored teacake painted tableside

*Plant-based options will also be available.

A few enhancements will also be available, including the Seasonal Cheese Selection and Royal Osetra Caviar with mini chive biscuits and traditional accompaniments.

For the Kids

Last but not least, the little ones might enjoy the Children’s Afternoon Tea. It features adorable bites that include the following:

• Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie
• Fanciful Turkey Wrap
• Sunflower Seed Butter and Jelly Bun
• Cheshire Cat Raspberry Macaron
• Chocolate Brownie Branch
• White Rabbit Cupcake

Don’t forget that reservations will be available starting February 19th, and the Garden View Lounge reopens on March 19th! I don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to check it out! We’re always exploring what’s new around Walt Disney World! Stop by Resorts Gal again soon for the latest resort details!

In the Comments

What do you think? Are you excited to finally have an opening date for the Garden View Lounge? Do you plan to book this experience? Let us know below in the comments.