After nearly five years of waiting, Disney World guests can finally circle a date on their calendars: the beloved Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is officially reopening on March 19, 2026.
And if you’ve been dreaming of sipping tea in Victorian elegance since the pandemic closure, here’s the good news—reservations open exactly one month earlier on February 19, 2026, according to the Disney Food Blog.
What’s New at the Reimagined Tea Experience
This isn’t just a simple reopening. Disney is bringing back the Garden View Lounge with a whimsical twist inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The reimagined space will feature “new touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film,” weaving references to the Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, and Mad Hatter throughout the experience.
The tea service itself gets a major upgrade too. Disney has partnered with Twinings to offer premium loose leaf teas, including signature blends like London Strand Breakfast and Spicy Chai. But here’s what caught our attention: they’re offering the Orangery of Lady Grey, an exclusive blend you won’t find anywhere else except Walt Disney World. There’s also a Nutty Chocolate Flavoured Assam for those who want something truly unique.
Three Tiers of Indulgence
The reimagined afternoon tea follows the classic British tradition with three tiers of cuisine featuring both sweet and savory items. Think curried chicken tarts, salmon crisps, egg salad sandwiches, matcha cakes, passion fruit choux, and more. There’s also a dedicated children’s afternoon tea menu, plus options for plant-based diners and even caviar enhancements for those looking to splurge.
On the beverage side, you’ll find two signature cocktails—the Mint Tulip and the Mar-TEA-ni—alongside non-alcoholic specialty teas like the Curiosi-TEA.
Why This Reopening Matters
The Garden View Lounge has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in March 2020. For nearly five years, Disney fans who loved the elegant afternoon tea experience have been waiting for its return. Disney first announced the reopening would happen in “spring 2026” back in November 2025, but the specific March 19 date was only just confirmed this week.
This reopening is part of a larger transformation happening at the Grand Floridian, which has been undergoing major refurbishments including a lobby renovation and the addition of a new lobby bar called The Perch. The resort is one of Disney World’s flagship properties, known for its Victorian elegance and proximity to Magic Kingdom.
What We’re Watching
Disney hasn’t announced pricing yet, which means we’re waiting to see how the Alice in Wonderland theming and Twinings partnership will impact the cost. Traditional afternoon tea experiences at Disney resorts typically run anywhere from $60 to $100+ per person, but the exclusive Twinings blends and premium menu items suggest this could be positioned as a premium experience.
The February 19 reservation opening date is also critical. If you’re planning a spring visit to Disney World and want to experience the reimagined tea service, you’ll want to mark your calendar now. Popular Disney dining experiences book up quickly, and this one has five years of pent-up demand behind it.
For Disney fans who’ve been missing the refined elegance of afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, March 19 can’t come soon enough. The combination of Victorian luxury and Alice in Wonderland whimsy sounds like the perfect excuse to dress up, slow down, and enjoy a proper cup of tea in the middle of a busy Disney vacation.
Just don’t be late—reservations open in less than a month.
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