After a six-year pause, Disney is finally bringing back one of its most quietly beloved experiences—and if afternoon tea is your thing, this one feels especially worth celebrating.
Starting March 19, the Garden View Lounge–Tea Experience is returning to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, restoring a tradition that longtime Disney fans have been missing since it disappeared from the resort lineup in 2020. Reservations open February 19, and judging by the details, this isn’t just a revival—it’s a glow-up.
The experience keeps the elegance that made the original afternoon tea so special, but now adds playful new touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Expect less stuffy hotel tea service, more whimsical Disney storytelling layered into a polished setting. It’s classic Disney Grand Floridian charm, just with a little “down the rabbit hole” energy mixed in.
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At the center of the experience is, of course, the tea. Disney partnered with Twinings to create a menu that blends familiar favorites with a few unexpected options, including blends exclusive to Walt Disney World. Guests are guided through the process by cast members, choosing aromatics and sweeteners to customize each cup.
The food is where the experience really shows off its Alice theme. Savory bites arrive first, followed by a three-tiered tower of treats that balance playful presentation with genuinely elevated flavors. There’s also a children’s afternoon tea that mirrors the experience with kid-friendly bites and desserts, making this one of those rare Disney offerings that works equally well as a grown-up splurge or a family outing.
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For adults, there are tea-based cocktails, champagne and sparkling wine options, while non-alcoholic specialty teas keep things fun for everyone else. Plant-based menus and optional upgrades like cheese or caviar add flexibility depending on how indulgent you want to get.
In a park ecosystem that’s always racing toward the next big thing, the return of afternoon tea feels refreshingly familiar. It’s a reminder that some of Disney’s most memorable experiences aren’t about rides at all—they’re about sitting down, slowing down and enjoying something that feels just a little bit special.
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