The Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge is returning today, on March 19th! It’s been 6 years since the Walt Disney World tea experience had closed, never reopening after the COVID pandemic. Garden View Lounge received a makeover while the flagship hotel was being updated and now it’s ready to welcome guests. This post will share a look at Garden View Lounge on its reopening day.

Between the two of us, Melissa is the much bigger tea drinker. I have some here and there but don’t go out of my way to get it like she does. With that in mind, she’s more excited about the reopening then I am but we’re both eager to try it out. The redone menu and photos below have added to our interest. Here’s a look at the new setting.

A Whimsical Welcome to the Reimagined Lounge

As you step into The Garden View Lounge, it feels like walking into a sunlit conservatory. That includes floor to ceiling windows that will add beautiful natural light to your tea-filled afternoon. The entire space looks like it has a warm, inviting glow, with the colors in the Grand Floridian using that natural light well.

As you look closer into the space, the furniture strikes a balance between modern comfort and classic Victorian, making the lounge feel fresh while honoring the beloved Grand Floridian style guests know and love.

Details That Bring the Space to Life

As with any Disney location, the magic is in the details. The floral patterns, plush fabrics, and gentle hues of green, blue, and gold create a serene atmosphere that feels connected to nature.

Organic shapes appear throughout the room, portraying the flowers and leaves you’d find in a flourishing garden, creating a lush escape for anyone who enters.

The brass-framed mirrors resemble flower petals, reflecting an outdoor garden, while the stained-glass windows featuring native Floridian birds add color, character, and warmth.

Looking down, the gorgeous carpet inspired by winding garden vines will have you stop in your tracks (it was one of the first things I noticed about the space!). Do you see anything special integrated into the design?

This long-awaited Afternoon Tea Service returns with a delicious menu inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, of course served with a unique presentation of loose leaf teas from Twinings. Adults are welcome to choose between a traditional tea service or a plant-based option, while younger guests can enjoy a special children’s tea. For a closer look at the menu, check out this post. Adult afternoon tea prices will be $79 and kids will be $49.

Commentary

Without having stepped foot inside of the new look Garden View Lounge yet, the remodel appears to be well done. I especially like the look of the booths, walls and windows. Victorian isn’t always my favorite style but, in a setting like this, I’d rather the tea room go all in on the design.

If there’s a bone to pick, the tables aren’t my favorite. They remind of counter-service restaurants at some of the deluxe Disney World hotels. Maybe it’s just that there’s a lot of them in the photos so I had a hard time noticing anything else. I think a different color table may have gone a long way here but I’ll reserve full judgment until we experience this in person.

I’m a little surprised to not see any Alice in Wonderland details. It’s not a bad surprise, I think I’d prefer that they keep this very Victorian instead of overly character-ing it. But that’s not how these things usually go. With the Alice tie-in to the afternoon tea experience I thought there’d be more noticeable references to the movie.

Dining reservations for the Tea Experience have gone quick, with nothing open as far out as the calendar goes. If your heart is set on dining here then make sure you’re ready to go 60 days out. If you missed that window then keep checking for your dates as time goes on, there may be slots that open up after cancellations or once the restaurant adds to their capacity.

We’re hoping to enjoy the Tea Experience in May or later this summer but, again, reservations are hard to come by. Adding this back into the fold at the Grand Floridian should only make the resort stronger.

Are you excited for the Tea Experience at the Grand Floridian? Let us know, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below! If you are planning a trip to Disney World, then check out our planning guide. This site has discount tickets to Walt Disney World. If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!