One of the Last Pandemic Closures at Disney Reopens March 19
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will reopen its afternoon tea experience on March 19, 2026—less than a week away—after nearly six years of closure. The Garden View Lounge Tea Experience has been one of the most anticipated returns since closing during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Disney Reservation Status
Reservations opened February 19 and have been difficult to secure. Disney recommends booking 60 days in advance, but guests should continue checking as trip dates approach since cancellations can create availability.
Resort guests have an advantage: they can book for their entire trip up to 10 days starting 60 days before arrival, potentially booking up to 70 days out.
The Alice in Wonderland Theme
The reimagined experience features Alice in Wonderland theming throughout the menu and presentation. Each dish includes playful character references, inviting guests into the whimsy of Wonderland.
Tea Selections (8 options):
- Orangery of Lady Grey – Exclusive to Walt Disney World
- Nutty Chocolate Flavoured Assam • London Strand Breakfast
- Spicy Chai
- Exotic Mango & Ginger
- Redbush Caramel Velvet
- Lemongrass & Peppermint
- Blackcurrant & Lavender
Disney partnered with Twinings to hand-select premium loose-leaf tea blends. Expertly trained cast members serve as tea guides, helping guests select teas and customize them with aromatics added during steeping.
The Food Experience
The three-tier tea tower includes:
Savory Options:
- Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart
- Wonderland Salmon Crisp (Footman’s Feast)
- Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich
- Caterpillar Cucumber Roll
Sweet Options:
- Matcha Mad Hatter sponge cake
- Tea Party Tart
- Flamingo Croquet Choux
- Painting the Rose (Earl Grey teacake painted tableside)
Guests start with an Orange-Cranberry Scone. Premium enhancements include Seasonal Cheese Selection and Royal Osetra Caviar with Traditional Accompaniments.
Cocktails and Beverages
Two tea-based cocktails elevate the experience:
- Mint Tulip: Old Forester 1870 Kentucky Straight Whiskey, Twinings Peach Mango Tea, mint
- Mar-TEA-ni: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Twinings Earl Grey Tea, lemon, honey, edible violet flower
Non-alcoholic specialty teas and champagne are also available.
Children’s Menu
The $49 Children’s Afternoon Tea includes:
Savory: Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie, Fanciful Turkey Wrap, Sunflower Seed Butter and Jelly Bun
Sweet: Cheshire Cat Raspberry Macaron, Chocolate Brownie Branch, White Rabbit Cupcake
This pricing addresses feedback that the previous Perfectly Princess Tea Party was prohibitively expensive at roughly $300 per child.
Disney Pricing and Accessibility
Adult afternoon tea costs $79. A plant-based menu option ensures guests with dietary restrictions can fully participate.
The Six-Year Wait at Disney
The Grand Floridian originally offered two tea experiences: traditional afternoon tea for adults and the Perfectly Princess Tea Party for children and parents. Both were extremely popular and frequently sold out.
When COVID-19 closures happened in March 2020, most park experiences reopened within 6-20 months. However, some venues took years to return, and a handful still haven’t reopened. The Garden View Lounge Tea Experience became one of the longest closures.
The Location at Disney
The experience takes place in the Garden View Lounge, known for elegant Victorian-inspired design with large windows overlooking the resort’s gardens. Natural light and garden views complement the Alice in Wonderland theming through connections to nature and whimsy.
Why It Matters
The return fills a gap in Disney World’s dining options since March 2020. While Disney offers character dining, quick-service, and fine dining, afternoon tea provides an elegant, leisurely experience that stands out.
Priced at $79 per adult, it’s premium yet accessible compared to fine dining like Victoria & Albert’s. It appeals to guests celebrating special occasions or seeking sophisticated meals with quality ingredients and memorable presentation.
With only five days until reopening, guests wanting to experience the return of this beloved tradition should check reservation availability frequently as cancellations occur.
