**Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Welcomes Back Afternoon Tea Experience After Six-Year Pause**
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After a lengthy six-year break, the beloved Tea Experience at The Garden View Lounge, located within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, has officially opened its doors once again. This highly anticipated return marks a delightful revival for fans, who can now indulge in afternoon delights that marry Victorian elegance with whimsical elements inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
The Tea Experience resumed in March 2026 as one of the final offerings to restart following the extensive closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resort, which had closed in March 2020 for four months, has since seen most of its attractions reinstated, alongside various new experiences. Many fans are eager to enjoy the charm associated with this classic dining experience.
Chef Michelle Schutte expressed her enthusiasm about the revival, stating, “This has been a favourite spot for so many years. We wanted to create something that was familiar, but whimsical.” Alongside pastry chef Ally Rogers and the rest of her team, Schutte has carefully crafted a menu that not only respects the tradition of English tea but also incorporates a distinctive Disney twist.
Guests can select from an impressive array of eight different loose-leaf teas provided by Twinings, including the exclusive ‘Orangery of Lady Grey,’ which is only available at this experience and at EPCOT’s England Pavilion. Under the guidance of skilled cast members who assume the role of personal tea guides, guests can tailor their tea selections, including adding aromatic flavours during the steeping process.
In addition to the classic beverage options, the experience features two signature tea-based cocktails: the Mint Tulip, combining Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Kentucky Straight Whiskey with Twinings Refreshers Peach Mango Tea and mint, and the Mar-TEA-ni, which blends Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Twinings Earl Grey Tea, lemon, and honey.
Each rendition of the Tea Experience begins with a delightful orange-cranberry scone, inspired by Chef Rogers’ cherished Thanksgiving family recipes. Following this, guests are treated to a tiered array of savoury and sweet options. Highlights from the savoury menu include a Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart, a Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich, and a Caterpillar Cucumber Roll. Sweet treats range from a Matcha Mad Hatter sponge cake with apricot jam and yuzu buttercream to a Flamingo Croquet Choux.
Children are also catered for, with a special menu offering whimsical “savory minis” such as the Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie and a Fanciful Turkey Wrap, complemented by desserts featuring a Cheshire Cat Raspberry Macaron and a Chocolate Brownie Branch.
The ambience of The Garden View Lounge has undergone significant enhancements, featuring large windows that invite in natural light, floral motifs, and luxurious fabrics that evoke the beauty of nature. The venue has stained-glass windows that pay homage to Florida’s native birds, creating a serene yet enchanting environment for guests.
Notably, patrons can access The Garden View Lounge without the need for theme park tickets, making it a convenient dining option. However, reservations are highly advisable due to its popularity.
In keeping with the elegance of the experience, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion, with recommendations for attire that reflects a “distinctly magical flair”. Maintaining cleanliness and neatness is emphasised as part of the experience.
Pricing for the Tea Experience starts at £79 for adults and £49 for children, exclusive of gratuity. This is a modest investment for those looking to enjoy a refined afternoon steeped in both tradition and Disney enchantment.
With the return of the Tea Experience, Disney continues to draw visitors looking for unique culinary adventures in a setting that epitomises elegance and whimsical charm, reaffirming its status as a premier destination within the Walt Disney World Resort.