Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian

Tara Mulkerin8.15.19One of the nicest experiences you can have is afternoon tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The tea is held in the Garden View Tea Room in the lobby of this fine resort. Offered daily from noon until 4:00 pm, this event is posh and elegant, yet casual. You may see ladies in hats and frills for a girlfriend’s afternoon or an entire bridal party. Or, more simply you’ll most often see regular folks in normal attire. There is no dress code beyond not coming in your bathing suit and cover up. Reservations are a must and can be made 180 days in advance. As your concierge agent it would be my pleasure to arrange that for you.When you arrive for your reservation you will check in at the podium. There is usually a brief wait. You can use those few minutes to take in the breathtaking splendor of the Grand Floridian’s main lobby. Vintage furniture, beautiful floral arrangements, and a baby grand piano with an enormous antique birdcage, complete the look. It’s a relaxing place to sit down for a break. It’s not unusual to see a tiny Princess or two skipping through!Once called for your table, you will step into English tea splendor. The tables are set beautifully with floral china and they can accommodate most any size party. The views through the very large windows are of the Grands gorgeous grounds. If you arrive later in the day, around 3:00 pm, the musician begins playing the baby grand piano in the lobby. Once seated, you’ll be given your menu with an astounding choice of teas. There are descriptions on the menu, however your server is well versed and can answer any questions. There are several choices of each style tea including black, green, white, oolong, florals, herbals, as well as seasonal and signature teas. Once your tea flavor is decided a full pot will be brought to you and kept warm under a velvet cozy. In addition to your tea choice you also choose a “Tea Package” that includes your tea with certain accompaniments. It should be noted that the Garden View Tea does not accept any of the dining plans. Cash, credit card or charge to room are all accepted. The menus do change from time to time but for the last two years it has consisted of four choices:The Berkshire Tea is created to be shared between two people and includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, a scone with traditional accompaniments, Siberian Sturgeon North American caviar with traditional accompaniments, along with two pots of tea. Each person can order whichever tea they like. Priced at $150 it is the most expensive of the choices. You can add two flutes of champagne which would bring your total to $184.The Cheshire Tea serves one and consists of an assortment of finger sandwiches, scone with accompaniments, a choice of dessert along with assorted cheeses and fruits, and of course your pot of tea. Priced at $50 I find this to be the best value. You can add a glass of Champagne to bring your total to $64.The Bedfordshire Tea entails a medley of finger sandwiches, scone with accompaniments and a choice of dessert. Priced at $35, or $52 with a flute of champagne.For children 3-9 years they have their own special tea! The Mrs. Potts Tea consists of special child friendly tea sandwiches, a jam tart, house made pastries, and tea or “special tea” chocolate or white milk or juice.Finger sandwiches comprise of: cucumber, egg salad, sweet curry chicken, pear with gorgonzola cream cheese and fire roasted tomato with oregano goat cheese. Children’s sandwiches consist of PB&J, ham and cheese, and tuna salad.If some of the sandwiches do not appeal to you it is possible to switch out and get two of the same, or you may even swap in a kid’s selection. I personally love the tuna salad, so I swap that out for the cucumber.Scones are a buttery golden raisin served with Devonshire clotted cream, a lemon curd, (So good!), and strawberry jam. There is also a strawberry tart served along with this course.And here’s where you’ll run into the hardest choice, the desserts! Delicate house made pastries with mousse filled swan, a French macaron and a chocolate covered strawberry. Fresh cut strawberries with hand whipped cream. Or how about an English trifle with ladyfingers, Chantilly, fruit and hand whipped cream?There is no ala carte menu; only the choices above. There’s also a wide assortment of other beverages for a guest who doesn’t enjoy tea, that include soft drinks, juices, several coffees, hot chocolate, milk-white and chocolate. There is also a nice selection of craft beers and wines.This is a lovely place for a girlfriend get together, a romantic date, or, as I like to do each visit, a mother-daughter tradition.I’d love to help you plan a vacation including this lovely meal.Tara Mulkerin, Concierge Agenttmulkerin@wishesfamilytravel.com412-913-8652Facebook