Disney Tradition at Flagship Resort Finally Revived After 6-Year Closure
The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reopened today after being closed since March 2020. The afternoon tea experience returns with a new Alice in Wonderland theme, refreshed interior, and updated menu.
Opening Day at Disney
The restaurant opened at 11 a.m. with no special ceremony, though opening day guests brought excitement to the moment. Currently, reservations are required; there’s no walk-up waitlist or option to dine without advance booking.
Guests can make reservations through the Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. Reservations opened February 19, with booking available 60 days in advance, starting at approximately 6 a.m. EST online and 7 a.m. EST by phone.
REOPENING TODAY! ☕✨ The Garden View Tea Room returns to Grand Floridian after SIX YEARS closed! Alice in Wonderland-themed elegance with Victorian charm. First new look inside! 🫖🌸#WaltDisneyWorld #GrandFloridian #DisneyFood #DisneyDining
— MainStreetChatter (@MainStChatter) March 19, 2026
📷: WDWNT pic.twitter.com/HACEkThESp
Resort guests staying at Disney World properties can book their entire trip up to 10 days in advance, starting 60 days before arrival, potentially up to 70 days out.
The Alice in Wonderland Theme
The reimagined experience features whimsical Alice in Wonderland theming throughout the menu and presentation.
Tea Selections (8 options): Disney partnered with Twinings to offer premium loose-leaf teas:
- 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
Expertly trained cast members serve as tea guides, helping guests select and customize teas with aromatics added during steeping.
The Food
The three-tier tea tower follows traditional afternoon tea format:
Savory Tier:
- Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart
- Footman’s Feast: Wonderland Salmon Crisp
- Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich
- Caterpillar Cucumber Roll
Sweet Tier:
- The Matcha Mad Hatter (sponge cake)
- Tea Party Tart
- Flamingo Croquet Choux
- Painting the Rose (Earl Grey teacake painted tableside)
Starter:
- Orange-Cranberry Scone
Upgrades Available:
- Seasonal Cheese Selection
- Royal Osetra Caviar with Traditional Accompaniments
Beverages Beyond Tea
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/sparkling wines are also available.
Children’s Menu
The $49 Children’s Afternoon Tea includes age-appropriate portions:
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 complaints that the previous Perfectly Princess Tea Party was too expensive at roughly $300 per child.
Dietary Options
Plant-based menu available for guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring full participation rather than limited options.
Pricing
- Adults: $79
- Children: $49
The Six-Year Wait at Disney
The Garden View Lounge closed in March 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. While most Disney experiences reopened within 6-20 months, the tea room remained closed for six years—one of the longest COVID-related closures.
Originally, the Grand Floridian offered two tea experiences: • Traditional afternoon tea (mostly adults) • Perfectly Princess Tea Party (children and parents)
Both were extremely popular and frequently sold out. Their absence was noticeable to fans who’d enjoyed them pre-pandemic.
The Location
The experience takes place in the Garden View Lounge, featuring elegant Victorian-inspired design with large windows overlooking the resort’s gardens. Natural light and garden views complement the Alice in Wonderland theming.
Opening Day Reality at Disney
The dining room wasn’t completely full after all 11 AM reservations checked in, suggesting Disney may open additional availability after assessing initial demand.
However, the limited seating reflects the intimate nature of afternoon tea experiences, which typically accommodate fewer guests than traditional restaurant dining.
Why It Matters to Disney
The reopening fills a gap in Disney World dining options that’s existed since March 2020. Afternoon tea offers an elegant, leisurely experience distinct from character dining, quick-service, or fine dining options.
At $79 per adult, it’s premium yet accessible compared to fine dining like Victoria & Albert’s, appealing to guests celebrating special occasions or seeking sophisticated experiences with quality ingredients and memorable presentation.
After six years, afternoon tea has finally returned to Disney’s flagship resort.
