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I love tea. It’s elegant without trying too hard, indulgent in a way that feels earned. There are delicate sandwiches, tiered trays, and just enough ceremony to make the moment feel like an occasion. And, if we’re being honest, it’s also the perfect excuse to dress up in something a little whimsical. Tea is best when it’s shared with someone you truly enjoy being around, someone who appreciates the ritual as much as the flavor.
So ahead of National Tea Day on Tuesday, April 21, we made our way to The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a softer, slower world.
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Let’s talk about the space first, because it deserves it.
The Garden View Lounge leans fully into the charm you expect from the Grand Floridian, but with a refreshed personality that feels both classic and playful. There’s a lightness to the room. Soft pastels mixed with darker hues, garden-inspired touches, and subtle nods to Alice in Wonderland give the experience a whimsical undercurrent without overwhelming the elegance. Large windows allow natural light to pour in, creating that perfect late-afternoon glow that somehow makes everything look better, including you. The seating feels intentionally intimate, encouraging conversation. This isn’t a rushed dining experience. It’s meant to linger.
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And that’s exactly what we did. We were welcomed by Tanya, our hostess, who set the tone immediately with warmth and ease. Then came Heather-Lynn, our server, who truly elevated the experience. She knew her teas inside and out, offering thoughtful recommendations that felt tailored rather than rehearsed. It’s that level of care that transforms a nice afternoon into something memorable. The kind of service that reminds you why people talk about “Disney magic” like it’s a real, tangible thing.
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Now onto the tea and food, because let’s be real, that’s why we’re here.
I went with a caffeinated option: the Exotic Orange and Ginger tea. It’s a rich, fragrant blend where mango and ginger sit beautifully over a green tea base. Bright, slightly spicy, and incredibly smooth. It’s the kind of tea that keeps evolving with each sip. Ten out of ten. No notes.
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The menu offers a range of Twinings tea choices depending on your mood. Their signature Orangery of Lady Grey brings a citrus-forward twist to a classic, while the Spicy Chai leans into warmth and comfort. With eight choices in all, it was hard to choose. Each option feels intentional, not just a checkbox on a menu.
We also tried one of the upgradeable specialty teas, the Curiousi-Tea, a non-alcoholic offering featuring Twining’s Refreshers Strawberry Raspberry Herbal Tea with a touch of shimmering magic. And yes, the shimmer matters. It’s playful, unexpected, and perfectly on theme without feeling gimmicky.
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Afternoon tea isn’t complete without the food, and this is where the experience rounds out beautifully. The traditional tiered service includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and pastries that lean into both classic tea traditions and Disney-inspired creativity. Think light, balanced, and thoughtfully composed rather than overly heavy or indulgent.
One standout for us was the seasonal cheese selection, an optional upgrade that is absolutely worth it. The truffle brie alone justifies the decision. Creamy, earthy, and indulgent in the best way. It adds a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the pastries and the brightness of the teas.
The orange-cranberry scones arrive warm, paired with three spreads, including clotted cream and a deliciously gooey marmalade. It was crumbly and sweet and just an all-around fantastic start to our tea. Next came the tiered tower, filled with sweet and savory bites with cute names like the Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich, Matcha Mad Hatter, and The Footman’s Feast: Wonderland Salmon Crisp; one of the best bites on the tower (the crisp part is miso brown butter). They even paint the roses red!
There is also a plant-based afternoon tea option, of which we tried the Whimsy Artichoke Crisp and the Caterpillar Cucumber Roll. Both were great.
As for pricing, the Afternoon Tea experience includes the full tiered service along with your choice of tea, with optional enhancements like specialty teas and additional plates available to customize your experience. It is $79 for adults, plus taxes and gratuity, and $49 for children 3-9.
What makes The Garden View Lounge special isn’t just the tea or the food. It’s the pacing. It’s the intention.
In a place like Walt Disney World Resort, where everything is energy and motion, this feels like a pause button. A chance to sit, sip, and actually enjoy the company you’re with. And maybe that’s the magic.
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