Florida Guide > Dining
High Tea at the Grand Floridian
Why not step back in time at the Disney Grand Floridian Hotel for ‘High Tea,’ a truly remarkable experience you won’t want to miss during your vacation in Orlando, Florida. Why not make reservations for mom and grandma and treat them to an afternoon at the Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge for High Tea in the afternoon as a special treat?
The tradition of High Tea began in England in the late 1700s when only two main meals were served: breakfast and dinner. The English breakfast was much more substantial than ours today, and still is, but dinner was served late into the evening, creating a very long gap between meals. It began with the very social, such as the Duchess of Bedford, 1788 to 1861, who felt the need for something extra to eat in the late afternoon. The Duchess invited friends to join her for High Tea in the afternoon and soon had her friends copying the idea and has remained a formal English tradition.
The emphasis on High Tea is centred on fine china, polished silver, finger sandwiches and polite conversation. The food includes a variety of sandwiches without crusts, tarts, and scones, a type of pastry slathered in Devonshire crème and home made preserves. Over the centuries the foods have varied but the experience at the Grand Floridian is 100% traditional and simply delectable. Some additional foods and desserts have been added to the menu choices.
The tiny sandwiches or appetizers are called savouries; the pastry served with jam and cream is called a scone, and cakes, cookies, shortbreads and sweets are called pastries (not dessert).
Tea enthusiasts can be as choosy as wine connoisseurs when it comes to the types and varieties of tea being served, and the menu will reflect the wide assortment available.
Fine service is as important as the food, and this truly grand hotel offers a remarkable experience right here in central Florida. Dotty has been serving in the Garden View Lounge tea room for over ten years and is knowledgeable about tea, its proper service and is more than willing to speak with patrons and share her knowledge. She can recommend loose teas to create just the right blend. With Dotty welcoming us to High Tea, the experience was truly grand, and we enjoyed it immensely.
Reservations are suggested by calling 404 WDW DINE. High Tea is served from 3pm to 6pm in the Garden View Lounge at the Disney Grand Floridian Hotel. Full tea service is provided, including imported teas, tarts, sandwiches, scones and an assortment of pastries.
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