Take a first look inside the new Garden View Lounge, which will be reopening soon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Families visiting Walt Disney World will soon have a new way to slow down, and sip some tea together. Beginning March 19, the Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience returns to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with a reimagined menu and playful touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Even better? Kids get their own version of the classic afternoon tea.
A Tea Experience Designed for Families
While traditional afternoon tea can sometimes feel very “grown-up,” Disney specifically designed this experience to include younger guests.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Amber Trafford, a tea professional behind the experience, said creating something fun for all ages was a top priority. “It was really important for us that this Disney experience was friendly for guests of all ages,” she said. “We wanted to make sure kids felt just as included as the adults.”
That philosophy shows up in everything from the menu to the drinks.
What Kids Get at the Children’s Afternoon Tea
The Children’s Afternoon Tea includes six small bites plus a freshly baked scone, so kids can enjoy the same style of experience as adults.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Savory items include:
- Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie
- Fanciful Turkey Wrap
- Sunflower Seed Butter and Jelly Bun
Then come the desserts, which lean heavily into Wonderland fun.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Kids will find:
- Cheshire Cat Raspberry Macaron
- Chocolate Brownie Branch
- White Rabbit Vanilla Cupcake
Disney pastry chefs even designed some items to reference specific moments from the story. One highlight is the Cheshire Cat macaron placed in front of a brownie “branch,” inspired by the moment Alice first encounters the mysterious character.
Tea Options for Kids (and First-Timers)
If your kids aren’t exactly tea experts yet, don’t worry. The experience includes a wide range of approachable drinks selected with help from Twinings.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Alongside classic loose-leaf teas for adults, there are fruit-forward herbal drinks and refreshers that are especially popular with younger guests.
Some of the non-alcoholic options include:
- Curiosi-TEA (strawberry raspberry herbal tea with shimmering magic)
- This Way, That Way (peach mango herbal tea with mint)
According to Disney’s beverage team, the goal was to offer drinks for everyone—from experienced tea drinkers to kids trying tea for the first time.
A Little Disney Magic with Your Afternoon Tea
The setting also adds to the experience. The Garden View Lounge has been refreshed with inspiration from Victorian conservatories, complete with garden views, floral patterns, and hidden Disney details woven into the design.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
All together, the space feels like stepping into a whimsical garden tea party.
A New Family Tradition?
For many Disney fans, afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian used to be a special tradition. Disney hopes this reimagined version will create those same memories for a new generation. Parents can enjoy elegant tea service while kids get their own themed treats, and everyone gets a little Wonderland magic.
Not bad for an afternoon break from the parks.
Thank you to Disney for giving us the chance to speak with Cast Members behind the new Garden View Lounge tea experience.
