Today we’re bringing you a guest review from our DFB pal Jennifer Elliott, who attended the new Rose & Crown Tea Experience in Epcot’s World Showcase! This weekend, I had the privilege to attend The Rose & Crown’s brand new Tea Experience. It began promptly at 9:45 am, so make sure to allow plenty of time to walk to the United Kingdom Pavilion.
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FULL REVIEW: Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea in Disneyland Hotel
When Disneyland Resort introduced a brand new Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea a couple of weeks ago, we were chomping at the bit to learn more — and to get in on that tea and sandwiches action! The Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea is a part of the on-going (and delicious!) Pixar Fest, so guests can reserve tea through September 3, when the festival ends.
We were there on DAY 1 to enjoy it, so let’s head over to Steakhouse 55 and enjoy afternoon tea!
The cost of the Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea is $52-$65 per adult and $35 per child, and its location at Steakhouse 55 raised our expectations. We’d already had a great experience at Steakhouse 55 for regular old afternoon tea. Imagine what would happen when they Pixar-fied it!
Dining in Disneyland: Afternoon Tea at Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55
Up until recently, Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel has only offered breakfast/brunch and dinner. This past January, they opened their doors for a lovely Classic Afternoon Tea.
When I first heard about the tea offering, I knew I wanted to try it out. Steakhouse 55 has always been one of my favorite Disneyland Resort restaurants. I especially love the atmosphere here, so I was really excited to have a new Steakhouse 55 experience. Breakfast at Steakhouse 55 is what I believe to be one of the very best breakfasts on property. Dinner is wonderful too, so I was sure afternoon tea would be a delight as well!
I tried to book immediately, but it was full almost a month out! So, I booked my month out and waited patiently. Checking in for tea is the same process as a meal. Just head on up to the podium and you will be escorted back to the dining room.
When the time came, I was joined by my best pal. We took the first reservation of the day, which was at noon, and when we got there it was basically empty. By the time we left, there was not one open table! [Read more…]
Review: Tea at Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Editor’s Note: The menu for Afternoon Tea at Garden View Lounge has changed since this review was written, and many of the items featured here are no longer available. For more details, see our news post about the changes.
Today, we’re taking in afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge. This charming spot, which occupies the far end of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa’s cavernous lobby, is the perfect place to relax, dress up a bit (perhaps), and slow down, while you enjoy traditional offerings and steaming pots of tea.
It’s become a rather hot ticket, though, so if you like what you see, be prepared to make your advance dining reservation well in advance.
Tea at the Grand has become a tradition of sorts for my mom and me, and so we were excited to head there for this special treat.
Atmosphere
Upon entering the Grand Floridian, take a moment to notice the details of the soaring atrium. With natural light flooding the seating areas during the day, the large birdcage, and the beautiful domed skylights, it really is lovely.
I’ve often heard people suggest that the Grand suffers from a “lack of themeing”. I’ve never thought so. To me, the setting is beautiful — elegance with a light touch, befitting Florida’s subtropical climate. And even with families around me rushing to catch the monorail, I’m transported when I enter it to a less-rushed time and place.
Whether you visit during the day or evening, you are likely to catch some form of live musical entertainment here. During the day, you’ll enjoy piano music. In the evening, be sure to catch Grand Floridian Society Orchestra playing jazz standards from the bandstand located just outside of Mizner’s Lounge on the second floor.
The Garden View Lounge is located at the far end of the lobby, directly opposite from the main entrance.
Flanking either side of the lounge are these adorable mosaics of inlaid marble.
Be sure to look down occasionally while walking around the Grand! They redid the floors a few years ago and added mosaics like these throughout. They are absolutely stunning.
Garden View is also the setting for the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, a character and storytelling experience.
The Lounge itself is an open-air spot, separated from the rest of the lobby by a wall featuring “windowless” windows.
We arrived a few minutes early for our advance dining reservation, and were told that our table would be ready shortly. I’m not sure what all of the luggage by the hostess stand was about! There was a full house inside, however. And it seemed as though a few people were dressed up for a special occasion of some sort.
We relaxed nearby in the lobby. Soon, our pager went off, and we were shown to our table.
Marble statues flank both side entrances of the lounge. Other than that, the space is sparsely decorated.
The center of the room is dominated by [Read more…]
News! Royal Court Royal Tea on Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy
We have news about a very special new experience that you can book with Disney Cruise Line!
Disney’s newest ship, the Fantasy, is now offering the Royal Court Royal Tea, an interactive experience featuring some of Disney’s most popular characters — the Disney Princesses.
Hosted by Lady Chamomile and Chef Brule — two new characters created to bring the event to life — guests are invited to interact with several princesses while they dine on traditional teatime fare.
Guest Review: Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge
Today, we’re visiting the Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort as DFB guest author Julie B. takes us to afternoon tea.
Tucked in the back of the Grand Floridian lobby is the Garden View Lounge, offering a perfect afternoon tea.
This is the perfect option for a Mother/Daughter getaway or a relaxing solo escape.
Atmosphere
This delightful little room is completely open to the lobby and also features huge windows to bask the entire room in afternoon light.
The icing on the cake to set the mood was beautiful piano music floating in from the lobby (especially the Disney songs!).
Of course, you may see a few familiar faces while you’re here!
Eats
This afternoon, we were at the Grand to sample the afternoon tea. There are endless possibilities on the menu. Diners can choose between many a la carte options and teas, or opt for a tea service and food accompaniment.
The two most popular choices are the Buckingham Palace or the Grand Tea (essentially the same as the Buckingham Palace service but also featuring a glass of sparkling wine).
We opted for the Buckingham Palace tea service, featuring our choice of tea, as well as tea sandwiches, scones and jam, and a choice of [Read more…]
Guest Review: Grand Floridian’s Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Lounge
We’re welcoming back guest author Melissa Sue as she shares a review of the Grand Floridian’s afternoon tea!
My husband, Rob, and I headed to the Grand Floridian for an afternoon tea experience in December.
Atmosphere
After hopping off the monorail we found the waiting area for the Garden View Lounge, which is located on the bottom floor of the Main Building lobby. The waiting area is extremely charming — though too small — and has Beauty and the Beast characters Chip and Mrs. Potts inlaid into the tile floor. How cute!
The check-in podium was easy to locate and well-appointed. Unfortunately, there were only two seats in the waiting area, so we were mostly standing while we waited.
And, boy, did we wait. I should preface this by saying that the Tea Room was obviously either overbooked or understaffed the day of our tea. Our party of two waited for [Read more…]