Disney's Garden View Lounge Is Getting an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party—And We're Down the Rabbit Hole for This One
If you’ve been dreaming of a proper afternoon tea at Disney World, we have news that’s going to make you feel positively curiouser and curiouser. Disney just announced that the Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian is returning on March 19, 2026—and this time, it’s tumbling down the rabbit hole with an all-new Alice in Wonderland theme.
According to Disney Parks Blog, reservations for this whimsical afternoon tea experience will open on February 19, 2026. And based on what we’re seeing in the menu reveals, this isn’t just a simple refresh—it’s a complete reimagining that brings the magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Alice in Wonderland to one of the resort’s most elegant settings.
What Makes This Tea Experience Different
The Garden View Lounge has long been a favorite spot for guests seeking a refined dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. But this reopening takes things to a whole new level by infusing the whimsy of Wonderland into every detail.
The beverage selection alone is impressive. Guests can choose from Twinings premium loose-leaf teas including “London Strand Breakfast” and “Spicy Chai,” plus exclusive blends you won’t find anywhere else. The “Orangery of Lady Grey” is unique to Walt Disney World, and there’s even a “Nutty Chocolate Flavoured Assam” for those who like their tea with a dessert-like quality. Caffeine-free options include a “Blackcurrant and Lavender” herbal tea that sounds absolutely dreamy.
For those who prefer their afternoon tea with a little something extra, the lounge is offering signature cocktails like the Mint Tulip (whiskey-based) and the Mar-TEA-ni (gin-based). Non-alcoholic specialty teas called “Curiosi-TEA” and “This Way, That Way” lean into the Alice theme with playful names. Champagne and sparkling wines round out the beverage menu.
The Food Menu Sounds Absolutely Mad (In the Best Way)
The traditional afternoon tea format gets a Wonderland twist with both savory and sweet offerings. Guests will enjoy an orange-cranberry scone with traditional accompaniments, along with savory items like curried chicken tartlets, salmon crisps, egg salad sandwiches, and cucumber rolls.
The sweet treats are where things get truly magical. There’s a matcha-infused dessert, vanilla tarts, passion fruit choux, and an Earl Grey teacake that gets “painted tableside”—a theatrical touch that feels straight out of the Queen of Hearts’ garden party (minus the threat of beheading, we hope).
Perfect for Families (and the Young at Heart)
Disney hasn’t forgotten about younger guests. The children’s menu features adorably themed items like the “Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie,” a turkey wrap, and desserts including a “Cheshire Cat Raspberry Macaron” and “White Rabbit Cupcake.” These thoughtful touches ensure that families can enjoy this experience together without worrying about whether kids will find something they’ll actually eat.
The lounge is also offering plant-based afternoon tea options and gluten-free selections, making this experience accessible to guests with different dietary needs. For those looking to take their tea time to the next level, premium enhancements like a seasonal cheese selection and Royal Osetra Caviar with accompaniments are available.
Why This Matters for Disney Dining
This announcement is significant for several reasons. First, it shows Disney’s continued commitment to elevated dining experiences that go beyond standard theme park fare. The Grand Floridian has always been the resort’s crown jewel for luxury dining, and this reimagined tea experience reinforces that reputation.
Second, the Alice in Wonderland theming is a brilliant choice. The film’s aesthetic naturally lends itself to an afternoon tea setting, and it gives Disney Imagineers the opportunity to create something visually stunning while staying true to the elegant atmosphere of the Grand Floridian.
Finally, the timing couldn’t be better. With more guests planning longer Disney World vacations and seeking unique experiences beyond the theme parks, offerings like this give visitors compelling reasons to spend more time (and money) exploring the resorts. An afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge can easily become a highlight of a Disney vacation, especially for guests who appreciate fine dining and immersive theming.
Our Take: This Sounds Like a Wonderland We Want to Visit
We’re genuinely excited about this reopening. The combination of premium ingredients, theatrical presentation, and beloved Disney IP creates an experience that feels both luxurious and playful. The fact that Disney is putting this level of detail into a resort dining experience—down to exclusive tea blends and tableside presentations—shows they understand that guests are seeking memorable moments beyond the attractions.
The pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but given the premium ingredients (Royal Osetra Caviar isn’t cheap) and the resort location, we expect this to be a splurge-worthy experience. However, for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or just treating yourself during a Disney vacation, it could be absolutely worth it.
Mark your calendars for February 19 when reservations open, because we have a feeling this is going to be one of the hottest reservations at Disney World come March. After all, we’re all a little mad here—mad for a good cup of tea and some Disney magic.