Big news from Walt Disney World! The beloved Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is back, and trust us, it’s more magical than ever. But behind this enchanting tea experience is a Cast Member who poured her heart into every single detail.
There’s nothing quite like bringing a magical experience to life at Walt Disney World. Just ask Amber! After starting her Disney journey over 15 years ago with the College Program, she now leads the team behind the spectacular reopening of The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Talk about a dream come true!
Amber has been knee-deep in this project since 2023, right from the very first sketches. Her mission? To bring back this beloved tea experience, making it even better and more special, while still keeping all the classic charm we adore.
“Guests asked me every single day when the tea room was reopening,” Amber shared. “It was a lot of pressure, for sure, but the best kind. It just reminded us how much this place truly means to everyone. That excitement from guests? It kept us going, every step of the way.”
But how do you become a tea master for Disney? Amber already had impressive credentials as a sommelier and cicerone, all thanks to Disney’s support. For this project, she added a new, super cool title: tea master! She and her beverage team actually teamed up directly with the legendary Twinings Master Blenders. Together, they hand-picked eight unique tea blends, each one perfect for this magical experience.
“My desk looked like a science experiment,” she laughed. Twinings really taught them everything: from the exact water temperature and steeping time to the perfect pot, the right glassware, and even how to truly taste tea using all your senses. “Each session lasted several hours, but we wanted to make absolutely sure we were offering the very best service to our guests,” she added.
And trust me, you can see all that hard work reflected directly on the menu! Besides the classic teas we all love, they’ve added fantastic non-caffeinated herbal options and delightful refreshers, perfect for guests of any age.
Want a little secret? There’s one blend you absolutely won’t find anywhere else in the entire United States! It’s the Disney-exclusive Orangery of Lady Grey. Imagine classic Earl Grey, but with a vibrant, citrusy twist alongside that familiar bergamot. Sounds incredible, right?
And where better to enjoy such a whimsical British tea service than within the storybook elegance of Disney’s Grand Floridian? This reimagined experience literally invites you to step right into the fantastical world of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Every single detail, from the breathtaking stained-glass windows to those incredible towering tiers of sweet and savory treats, just screams ‘Wonderland’!
“The food? Oh, it’s incredible!” Amber exclaimed. Chefs Michelle and Ally crafted these elegant, colorful towers of treats, and honestly, they taste even better than they look. If you remember the old service, prepare to be amazed. This is a totally new experience, bursting with imaginative touches inspired by that classic tale!
And Amber’s personal favorite from the menu? The Caterpillar Cucumber Roll! Think pumpernickel bread, topped with vibrant butterfly pea-infused cream cheese and crisp fresh cucumbers. It’s a garden-inspired bite that sounds absolutely delightful.
