How Disney’s Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge — Tea Experience Could Become Your New Family Tradition
Anyone care for some tea? đź«–
Garden View Lounge
Disney’s Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge — Tea Experience is reopening on March 19, and we can’t wait to check it out — but in the meantime, we have some special details to share!
Garden View Lounge Tea Experience Panel
We were fortunate to be invited by Disney to attend a panel discussing the Garden View Lounge — Tea Experience, including Alessandra Rogers, Chef de Cuisine-Pastry; Michelle Schutte, Chef; Amber Trafford, Proprietor, Tea Professional; and Suzanne Szak, Senior Interior Designer, Walt Disney Imagineering.
During the panel, they discussed the new design space of the Garden View Lounge, the age range for the tea experience, Twinings Tea, and more, so let’s get into it!
Design
The Garden View Lounge was described as “garden-inspired with Victorian elegance,” with the goal of immersing guests in the fanciful world of Alice in Wonderland.
Photo: Disney
The new design of the space was inspired by Victorian conservatories, featuring an earthy color palette, whimsical motifs, and floral patterns.
Photo: Disney
Guests may spot wrens and sparrows, both native birds to Florida, in some of the designs. Make sure to stop and check out the murals and stained glass!
Photo: Disney
The carpet also features unique patterns inspired by damask fabric, along with leafy vines and emblems.
Don’t forget to look for hidden Mickeys!
Photo: Disney
Good for All Ages
If you’re wondering whether this experience would be a good fit for your family, the answer is YES! This experience is for guests of all ages.
Disney actually worked with Twinings to hand-select beverages that are delicious, refreshing, and interactive for younger guests, as well as guests who don’t drink tea.
Photo: Disney
Plus, there’s an incredible kids’ menu!
Favorite Eats
The menu features a mix of pastries and savory bites along with a freshly baked scone. Some of the favorites among the panel are the Raspberry Cheshire Cat Macaron, White Rabbit Vanilla Bean Cupcake, Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie (inspired by grilled cheese), and the Caterpillar Cucumber Roll on Toasted Pumpernickel Bread.
Photo: Disney
They also noted the must-try exclusive Disney World tea flavor, Orangery of Lady Grey, which is a classic black tea with a citrus infusion.
Twinings Tea
Twinings Tea was described as “incredible partners.” Disney worked side-by-side with Twinings Master Blenders to select not only the right teas for the experience but also how to make them properly!
Cast Members and leaders were trained to cultivate the correct tea temperatures and steeping times, which are essential for developing each tea’s flavor.
Photo: Disney
Teas were chosen with all guests in mind, whether they are seasoned tea drinkers or brand new to tea. There are herbal infusions fit for most palates, caffeinated and decaffeinated options, and sweeter refreshers that are great for younger guests.
The experience itself is modeled after classic British afternoon tea service.
Repeatability
When the panel was asked whether this experience is one-and-done, they noted that guest feedback has consistently cited it as a core memory, often becoming a Disney World family tradition!
Photo: Disney
This is absolutely a repeatable experience, a great fit for families of all shapes and sizes, and it could even become your new annual tradition.
Photo: Disney
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