Disney's Grand Floridian Just Reopened Its Tea Room — And It's Pure Alice in Wonderland Magic
If you’ve been waiting for one of Walt Disney World’s most elegant dining experiences to make its comeback, the wait is finally over. The Garden View Lounge Tea Experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has officially reopened — and the reimagined space is turning heads with a stunning Alice in Wonderland theme.
According to The Disney Food Blog, the newly refurbished lounge blends the elegance of the Victorian era with the playful charm of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Alice in Wonderland — and from the first look inside, Disney has absolutely delivered.
Six Years in the Making
The original Garden View Tea Room was a quiet gem tucked inside the Grand Floridian — a proper sit-down afternoon tea experience that felt like a genuine escape from the theme park bustle. When it closed, it left a noticeable void for guests who appreciated something a little more refined in their Disney dining rotation. That absence is now over, and the wait appears to have been worth it.
The redesigned space features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with natural light and overlook the resort’s lush gardens. The Victorian conservatory aesthetic has been preserved but elevated, with brass-framed mirrors shaped like flower petals, stained glass windows showcasing native Floridian birds, and carpet patterned with winding garden vines. Hidden Mickey silhouettes are woven throughout for those who love a good Easter egg hunt. The overall color palette leans into gentle greens, blues, and golds — sophisticated without feeling stuffy.
What’s on the Menu
The food and tea menu is themed to Alice in Wonderland in the most delightful way, and the offerings are genuinely elevated for a Disney dining experience.
The Tea Selection
Eight premium loose-leaf Twinings teas are on offer, including:
- Orangery of Lady Grey — a citrus-forward black tea
- London Strand Breakfast — a bold Assam blend
- Nutty Chocolate Flavoured Assam — for those who want something a little different
- Spicy Chai — a warming classic
- Exotic Mango & Ginger — a fruity, aromatic option
- Plus herbal and fruit infusion specialty options
Savory Bites
The savory course includes:
- Curried chicken salad tarts
- Salmon crisps with rillette
- Egg salad sandwiches on beet bread
- Cucumber rolls with butterfly pea-infused cream cheese
That butterfly pea-infused cream cheese is a lovely nod to the Alice in Wonderland color palette — the vivid purple-blue tones feel like they were pulled right out of Wonderland itself.
Sweets and Pastries
- Orange-cranberry scones
- Matcha-flavored sponge cake
- Passion fruit choux pastries
- Earl Grey teacake — painted tableside
The tableside painting of the Earl Grey teacake is a theatrical touch that feels completely at home in a Painting the Roses Red kind of setting.
The Children’s Menu
Disney has thought of the younger guests too, with a whimsically named children’s menu featuring items like the “Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie” and the “White Rabbit Cupcake.” It’s the kind of detail that makes this experience genuinely fun for families — not just adults looking for a refined escape.
Pricing
- Adult Afternoon Tea: $79 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
- Children’s Afternoon Tea: $49 per child
- Premium Enhancements: Seasonal cheese selection or Royal Osetra Caviar available as add-ons
Adults can choose between the traditional tea service or a plant-based alternative, which is a welcome addition that makes the experience accessible to more guests.
At $79 per person, this sits comfortably in the range of other special Disney dining experiences — comparable to a signature restaurant meal, but with an entirely different, leisurely pace that makes it feel genuinely special.
Why This Matters
The return of the Garden View Tea Room fills a real gap in the Grand Floridian’s dining lineup. The resort has always leaned into its Victorian, turn-of-the-century elegance, and a proper afternoon tea experience fits that identity perfectly. The Alice in Wonderland theming is inspired — rather than forcing a Disney IP into a setting where it feels awkward, the story’s inherently tea-party-forward world makes it a completely natural match.
Most importantly for Disney dining enthusiasts: this is the kind of experience that doesn’t feel like a theme park meal. It’s slow, intentional, and genuinely indulgent — a reminder that Disney dining can be about more than grabbing a quick bite between rides.
We’d recommend booking reservations through the My Disney Experience app or DisneyWorld.com as soon as possible. Given how long guests have waited for this reopening, tables are likely to fill up fast.
Source: “NEW LOOK Inside the Grand Floridian Tea Room Opening SOON” — The Disney Food Blog, March 16, 2026