This Iconic Disney World Restaurant Has Finally Reopened-And I Tried It

By Carly Caramanna Parade - Trending Stories

Updated April 21, 2026 5:27 AM

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney Worldis a bona fide mecca for the curious foodie. It's home to the mouse's most applauded restaurants, including waterfront Narcoossee's and the Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert's. And I speak from personal experience: I've been visiting Walt Disney World for decades with monthly visits and have dined at hundreds of its restaurants.

And I'm pleased to share, that finally, a fan-favorite offering is back after being absent for years. Tea aficiandos, rejoice! The Garden View Lounge-Tea Experience, a whimsical afternoon tea, is back with a fun twist-and I tried it.

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What is the tea experience?

The Garden View Lounge-Tea Experience is a cherished tradition that's been reimagined with inspiration from the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios' Alice in Wonderland. Guests visiting pay one price to enjoy a set tasting experience that's modeled after a traditional British afternoon tea. Of course, this is Disney so expect storytelling and lots of little details (Spoiler: look for hidden Mickeys). Guests should allot at least an hour to enjoy this.

The intimate space, located at the rear of the flagship resort's iconic lobby, overlooks the garden just outside and has been given a major refresh, courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering, pairing elegance with Disney's signature whimsy. It's distinctly regal, yet relaxed. Inspired by Victorian Conservatories, it's light and airy, with flowery patterns and warm tones. A notable addition are three new stained-glass windows that adorn the outside wall separating the restaurant from the rest of the lobby. These are stunning and depict birds that are native to Florida.

What to eat and drink?

Here, presentation is everything. And the star of the set menu is a gorgeous tower of both sweet and savory items, with each dish almost too cute to eat and inspired by moments and characters from Alice In Wonderland.

"I love the imagination they put into the menu," Stephen Twining, 10th generation of the Twining family, shared on my visit of his partnership with The Walt Disney Company. "It's just incredible and the tiny details… we like tiny details. It's all about the details and they do details like nobody else."

And little details were what I encountered again and again on my visit.

Before the "tea tower of treats" was presented, the meal began with an orange-cranberry scone served alongside traditional butters and jam. This was an absolute highlight of the experience, a perfectly prepared scone that I could have easily devoured multiples of.

Classic tea bites, like the finger sandwich, are given a delightfully Disney twist with the Tweedledee egg salad sandwich. And when it comes to sweets, there's the matcha Mad Hatter, and the Painting the Rose, a teacake that's "painted" by staff tableside. There's also enhancements available to add, like Royal Osetra Caviar, and a seasonal cheese plate that was the talk of the dining room on my visit. Making this a true family affair, kids have their own set menu that adds approachability-and adorableness-with the Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie and a noteworthy Cheshire Cat-themed raspberry macaron.

Of course, this is a tea experience, and that was just as much a reason to visit as the eats. Disney worked directly with Twinings and their master blenders to offer a diverse line-up of teas for both the novice and tea enthusiast, and prepare staff in serving it according to its rich tradition.

"I remember my father talking about their passion for giving guests great experiences," Twining continued. "They're always working towards the future and we're always working towards the future. And it's just been one of those natural partnerships. It's just an awesome relationship."

A must-order was the Orangery of Lady Grey, a Walt Disney World exclusive tea only available at the resort and bursting with flavors of citrus. Presentation was also a fun element as Cast Members guided our party in deciding what tea was best based on our flavor preferences (they even allowed each guest to smell different teas before deciding). Tea-based cocktails are also available, with the Mar-TEA-ni being a hit. This paired lemon and honey with Twinings Earl Grey Tea and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. It balanced that line of boozy while still refreshing.

Who is this for?

This experience is suitable just as much for adults, like a girls-only vacation, as it is for families. And more so, there's something thrilling about ditching the typical theme park attire of t-shirts and Mickey ears for a more polished look. The dress code encourages visitors to dress sophisticated (absolutely no swimwear is allowed) and guests are known to go all out with classic British afternoon attire and even fascinators. There's quite a few notably excellent up-charge experiences at Walt Disney World, like the La Cava Experience at Epcot, and this holds its own with delicious foods, a unique setting that exuded Victorian charm and an engaging experience that satisfied all the senses.

How to book?

The Garden View Lounge-Tea Experience is priced at $79 for adults and $49 for children ages 3-9. Space is limited and reservations are known to book well in advance. There's a 24-hour cancellation policy and allergy accommodations are available at time of booking.

This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 4:10 AM.

What is the tea experience?

What to eat and drink?

Who is this for?

How to book?

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