(Review) Experiencing Disney’s Grand Floridian afternoon tea with a kid
Afternoon tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of the most refined and expensive dining experiences at Walt Disney World. On a recent visit to the newly reopened The Garden View Lounge, I experienced it as a mom.
Seeing it through my son’s eyes changed how I viewed the entire The Garden View Lounge experience.
What is the Garden View tea experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian?
Located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Garden View tea experience recently returned after years away. The setting is bright and elegant, with tiered trays, teapots, and an Alice in Wonderland–inspired menu.
When the menu was announced in March 2026, I felt curiouser and curiouser. The animated “Alice in Wonderland” film is my favorite classic Disney movie. Anytime I watch it, I feel like I am transported to Magic Kingdom or Disneyland.
My expectations should have been tempered down a little, perhaps. The experience did not feel particularly tied to “Alice in Wonderland” despite the themed treats and character details adorning the menu. Still, for any Disney fan, or anyone celebrating something special, it is a treat.
Photo by Dani Meyering
The afternoon tea comes with several prix fixe items, and the children’s tea comes with savory items, desserts, and a tea or alternative beverage. The pacing is slower than most Disney dining, with two courses served over time.
Is Disney’s Grand Floridian afternoon tea good for kids?
Yes, Disney’s Grand Floridian afternoon tea can work well for kids, especially those who enjoy quieter, sit-down experiences. The children’s menu includes familiar items like a turkey wrap and approachable herbal tea options. The pacing is a little slow, but it does allow kids to participate in the experience, like choosing and pouring their own tea. It is best suited for a special occasion rather than an everyday meal.
What it’s like to bring a kid to afternoon tea at Disney
My son settled into the experience quickly, which surprised me. After all, this is a boy who is full of energy and is still coming down from his excitement of the refreshed Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
He read through the menu carefully and took his time choosing. He immediately gravitated toward lemongrass and peppermint tea, something familiar since we’ve had peppermint tea together at home.
Watching him pour his own tea into a delicate teacup and sip it carefully was a moment I didn’t expect to stay with me. It was precious.
Photo by Dani Meyering
The kids’ menu: familiar with a few fun touches
The children’s tea includes a mix of playful desserts and approachable savory options.
Children’s afternoon tea menu
- Orange-cranberry scone with accompaniments
- Fanciful turkey wrap
- Queen of Hearts cheese toastie
- Sunflower seed butter and jelly bun
- Cheshire Cat raspberry macaron
- White Rabbit cupcake
- Brownie bar
My son loved the fanciful turkey wrap and focused on that. He isn’t big on sweets, so he didn’t eat much of the desserts. I ended up enjoying a few of his items myself. The Queen of Hearts cheese toastie stood out, and the sunflower seed butter and jelly bun was one I could have easily finished. I held back a bit, knowing we were there with other media and influencers, but it was a highlight.
Photo by Dani Meyering
What to expect at Disney’s Grand Floridian afternoon tea
- Length: about 60 to 90 minutes
- Setting: quiet, elegant dining room
- Menu: tiered trays with savory items, scones, and desserts
- Best for: special occasions and slower-paced resort days
Photo by Dani Meyering
Is it worth the price for families?
This is a splurge. It makes the most sense for a special occasion or a planned experience rather than a regular meal. If your child enjoys trying something new and can sit through a slower-paced experience, it can be a great fit.
I enjoyed the curried chicken salad tart the most, wishing I could have enjoyed more than one. The wonderland salmon crisp also topped my list.
Photo by Dani Meyering
It is important to note that our experience was hosted as part of a media invitation.
Frequently asked questions about Disney’s Grand Floridian afternoon tea
How long does afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian take?
Afternoon tea typically lasts about 90 minutes. The pacing is intentional, with multiple courses served over time. It could be a nice way to spend a hot summer in Orlando afternoon to get out of the heat, freshen up and enjoy something special.
Is there a dress code for afternoon tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian?
There is no strict dress code, but most guests opt for casual to dressy attire. Many treat it as a special outing and dress accordingly.
Can picky eaters enjoy Disney’s afternoon tea?
Picky eaters may find some options they enjoy, especially on the children’s menu, but the experience leans toward small bites and themed items. In our case, the turkey wrap was a hit, while the sweets were less appealing. Even for me, the sweets on the main tower were too sugary.
Photo by Dani Meyering
A full-circle moment
As we sat there, I kept thinking about seeing this experience years ago in its previous version. I remember being an adolescent and noticing the afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, thinking how special it must be.
I’m thankful to Walt Disney World for the invitation, and to our publisher Matt for allowing us to experience this together as mother and son. What stayed with me most was watching my son take it all in, from choosing his tea to pouring it himself.
It’s a memory I’m glad we made together, one we’d follow down the rabbit hole again.
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