Are you looking for a quiet, relaxing get-away from the theme park crowds at Walt Disney World for an hour or two during your vacation? Vicky Narde, a Beyond Imagination Vacations agent, suggests booking a reservation for Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Located on the first floor of the resort, away from the hustle and bustle of the lobby, the Garden View Team Room is a delightful respite, treating guests to traditional British tea service in a serene ambience. On today’s blog, Vicky shares her recent experience at the Garden View Team Room.
Last month, I traveled to one of my favorite places, Walt Disney World Resort. As it was my umpteenth visit, I have compiled an extensive roster of my favorite must-ride attractions, must-see entertainment offerings and must-eat dining venues, as you can imagine. But as a travel planner, I am also always on a quest to experience new things at Walt Disney World in order to better service my clients. On this last trip, I booked a reservation for myself at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for Afternoon Tea. What a great decision!
The menu at Garden View Tea Room consists of three tea packages from which you can choose:
The Berkshire includes a medley of finger sandwiches, a traditional scone with accompaniments, a choice of dessert and locally sourced Mote Marine Siberian Sturgeon North American Caviar. At $150, this option is for two people to share.
For $50 per guest, the Cheshire Tea includes a medley of finger sandwiches, a traditional scone with accompaniments, a selection of cheese and fruit, and a choice of dessert.
The Bedfordshire Tea offers the same menu as the Cheshire Tea but does not include the cheese and fruit. The cost is $35 per guest.
For an additional charge, you can add a glass of champagne to any of the above packages. Included at no additional charge is your tea selection. The tea will arrive in a traditional tea pot and cosy to keep it warm. There are around 20 teas from which to choose. With so many options, it may be difficult to decide. I leaned on the expertise of my server, and he suggested the Fig & Rose White Tea. He said it was one of the most popular among the staff, and I was not disappointed. It was subtle and neither flavor over-powered the other. Delicious!
Add a glass of bubbly to your tea package for the ultimate relaxing afternoon at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
If you order the Berkshire, the caviar and accompaniments will arrive first. With the Cheshire package, the cheese and fruit selection comes first. The scone and finger sandwiches are the first order of culinary business for the Bedfordshire. I ordered the Cheshire so a selection cheeses, crackers and fruit was brought to my table along with my tea and champagne. Fresh pineapple, mango, pear, raisins on the vine with three different cheeses and crackers adorned the plate. I was able to leisurely enjoy this bountiful plate while enjoying my tea.
Fresh fruit and imported cheese plate
Next to be brought to my table was a three-tiered tray which displayed the scone, finger sandwiches and dessert selection I had made. The raisin scone was accompanied by Devonshire Clotted Cream, Lemon Curd and Strawberry Jam as well as a strawberry tart. I spread some of the clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry jam on the scone and enjoyed each bite! The medley of finger sandwiches included cucumber, sweet curry chicken, egg salad, poached pear with gorgonzola cream cheese, and fire roasted tomato with Oregano Goat cheese. All are open-faced except the chicken curry. My favorites were the cucumber and the fire roasted tomato. I have to admit, I could not eat them all as I had to save room for dessert!
Strawberry tart and raisin scone with accompaniments
A medley of finger sandwiches as part of the Cheshire Tea package
Regardless of which package you select you have your choice of one of three desserts:
· Fresh strawberries topped with whipped cream
· Seasonal English Trifle
· A trio of desserts which include a house made swan filled with mousse, French Macaron, and a chocolate covered strawberry
I could not decide between the trio of desserts or the English Trifle so the server suggested the English Trifle and said he would include the swan filled with mousse. Your server will graciously package up any food you are unable to finish. I brought several of the sandwiches along with the strawberry tart back to my hotel room and placed it in the refrigerator to enjoy the next day!
While the food was delectable, one of the best things I enjoyed about the experience was the ability to get away from the fast pace at Walt Disney World. I was able to sit back and relax for a few hours and enjoy looking out the window at the lovely flowers at the resort. As an added bonus, at 3:00 pm each day live music (either a pianist or four-piece orchestra) plays in the lobby of the Grand Floridian.
The meal is not rushed and is suitable for a range of guests - from a solo diner like me to a family of five. Children three to nine years of age will order Mrs. Potts Tea service which includes kid-friendly sandwiches (ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly). Some guests choose to dress for afternoon tea, but theme park attire is acceptable. So don’t stress about what you need to pack to enjoy this experience! The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted, but the Afternoon Tea is eligible for the Tables in Wonderland discount.
After you’ve finished your tea, continue your relaxing afternoon by listening to the sounds of a pianist or four-piece orchestra.
Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room takes place daily from noon to 4:00 PM. Your Beyond Imagination Vacations agent can make an advance reservation for you as part of his/her planning services.