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Good morning from Cars Land! You have to be here pretty early in the morning to see a sight like this – the sun rising over Ornament Valley and the businesses along Route 66. But sometimes our guests do get to see the sunrise here … especially those who have braved 24 hours here at the Disneyland Resort during our special events the past few years. So, those of you who have seen it, tell me … where is your favorite spot to watch the sunrise here at the Disneyland Resort? Good Morning from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

On New Year's Eve, guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park were treated to a glimpse of the magical coach and other “Cinderella” surprises. Here's a look at what happened when they discovered...From:Disney ParksViews:12137106ratingsTime:01:15More inTravel & Events

See all the wonderful sights and sounds of the Magic Kingdom after dark as 5-year-old Daphne gets to stay up late with her Mom and Grandmother for the first time. Are you rested and ready to...From:Disney ParksViews:2976110ratingsTime:01:20More inTravel & Events

Who else is getting excited to see Disney’s dazzling, live-action feature “Cinderella” when it comes out this spring? Well, for a limited time starting January 17, you can head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for an exclusive preview of “Cinderella” at the park’s ABC Sound Studio. This special sneak peek will be presented through March 21. The original golden coach from the film is also on its way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where it will soon be on display outside the movie theater façade on Streets of America. There, you will have an opportunity to capture your own close-up with this stunning set piece from “Cinderella.” This one-of-a-kind, red carpet appearance of the coach will be available February 1 – April 11, 2015. On New Year’s Eve, guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park were treated to a glimpse of the magical coach and other “Cinderella” surprises. Here’s a look at what happened when they discovered how “Midnight Changes Everything!” Inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay by Chris Weitz, the film stars Lily James in the title role, Richard Madden as the Prince, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett as the infamous stepmother Lady Tremaine, and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. “Cinderella” arrives in theaters March 13. ‘Cinderella’ Sneak Peek and Golden Coach Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ah, Steakhouse 55, a bastion of yesteryear near the Park That Started It All. Going to this place is like a living time capsule. Some historical exhibits celebrate the past by letting you look at it. But at Steakhouse 55, it’s like you’re actually stepping back through the years. And that’s a good thing. But if we’ve learned anything about Disney, it’s that change is always potentially on the horizon. Recently, they decided that the menu needed an overhaul. Maybe to match to some degree the rest of Disneyland’s emphasis on healthier fare? We actually visited Steakhouse 55 prior to the recent menu refresh. But there has been so much to tell you guys over the last month, I’m just getting around to sharing my experience! So be aware that if you plan to visit, the menu will look a little different than what you see here. AtmosphereWhile Steakhouse 55 underwent a bit of a refresh in the decorating department last year, we didn’t find much different when we visited recently. You’re still greeted by this iconic, enlarged photo of Walt Disney as you enter the space. Rich wood trim and painted paneling hint at the more formal environment. Once you’ve entered, it’s very hard to remember that Goofy’s Kitchen is right next door. Photo of Walt in Entryway You’ll come to the Steakhouse 55 Lounge first. Incidentally, this is a great spot to keep on your radar. Reservations are not required and they feature a bar menu with some delicious and satisfying options. Recently they’ve also begun offering the full Steakhouse 55 Restaurant Menu in the Lounge as well. Stash this away in your bag of tricks in case you find yourself starving and looking for an upscale dining experience if the steakhouse itself is booked up. Steakhouse 55 Lounge You’ll find shades of plum and silver, with plush finishes like satin and velvet. The bar area features a flat screen television, handy for checking out the latest scores. Full Bar with Seating and Television Find a spot at the bar, or enjoy comfortable seating in softly upholstered chairs and plush couches and chaises. Steakhouse 55 Lounge Seating Small tables are perfect for Bar Bites and Cocktails, but might pose a challenge if you’re enjoying a full meal. Additional Lounge Seating Exit the lounge and you’ll find the main dining room. Low lighting and white tablecloths hint at the more formal setting here. Inside the Cool and Serene Steakhouse 55 But you’ll find the same understated decor, punctuated by those large photographs of famous faces from years gone by. Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel The feeling here is retro chic, and it’s not hard to imagine what this spot may have been like when the name over the door was still Granville’s, and the people in the pictures were sitting at the next table. EatsI’ve shared with you that Steakhouse 55 is my absolute most favorite spot for breakfast at Disneyland, and Heather has written about her delicious experience dining in the Lounge. But it had been a while since I had taken in dinner here. Unfortunately, my timing was just a little off. Immediately after we enjoyed this experience, the menu underwent a change. Here is the menu that Steakhouse 55 featured at the time of our dinner. Menu: Starters, Soups, and Salads — Click to Enlarge Menu — Main Dishes and Side Dishes — Click to Enlarge Chef Marcel St. Pierre, a Disney veteran who was most recently over the kitchens of Club 33, has taken over at Steakhouse 55. Not surprisingly, he is eager to put his stamp on things here, and to experiment with some popular trends and classic French preparations. Since the changes, I’ll try to note where the dishes that we ordered have been updated. We began our meal with fresh, warm Sourdough Bread, served with softened, Unsalted Butter. Bread and Butter My husband was dining with me. And you long-term DFB Readers know — he never passes up the chance to enjoy a Caesar Salad, and this visit was no exception! The classic version of the salad was served with Olive Tapenade atop a Parmesan Crisp. This salad has been replaced with Hearts of Romaine — served with Caesar Dressing. Yep. Basically the same. Just fancier. Caesar Salad with Olive Tapenade and Parmesan Crisp Another classic dish that we couldn’t pass up ordering was the legendary Steakhouse 55 Seven Onion Soup. It’s delicious, but even better — it’s food theater. The soup comes together from two different dishes. You are presented a soup bowl with French-Fried Onion Bits. Seven Onion Soup — French Fried Onion Bits The soup is poured over the bits of onion for lots of flavor and texture. Combining the Soup Seven Onion Soup Components The finished product is a rich, brothy soup that reminds me of French Onion Soup without the cheesy crouton. Seven Onion Soup This classic has been replaced by a more decadent-sounding Creamy Onion Soup on the current menu, which no longer comes with the “presentation” element. Having thoroughly enjoyed our starters, we turned our attention to the Steaks we ordered. Our first selection was the Bone-In Ribeye, which is dressed with the signature “Steakhouse 55 Rub”. The steak was garnished with French-Fried Onions and was cooked perfectly. To dress your steaks up a bit, you can choose from a number of toppings: Bearnaise, Peppercorn, or Chimmichurri Sauce, or Bleu Cheese or 55 Butter. We opted for the 55 Butter. The rub and butter combined to provide a savory seasoning. Sadly, the Bone-In Ribeye did not make the cut on the new menu (although other classic steaks did, thank goodness). But don’t stress if this is your favorite. Steaks change here from time to time based on what’s available in the marketplace at a good price, so the ribeye may be on the menu when you’re here. Bone-In Ribeye We also decided that we couldn’t pass up the chance to compare the Filet Mignon with others at Disney, so that was our next choice. Served with the same French Fried Onion Garnish, the Filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare temperature as well. The Filet remains on the menu, of course. Filet Mignon Because steaks do not come with sides, we welcomed the opportunity to choose a few of the a la carte offerings. We started with 55 Fries. There’s really nothing special about them, but they were well executed and fresh. Fry lovers can now enjoy a more upscale version of the side on the new menu: Duck Fat-Fried Pommes Frites, which are sprinkled with Aromatic Salt and are served with Blood Orange Sabayon for dipping. (FYI — Heather tried these recently and wasn’t wowed.) French Fries Maybe I was thinking about my favorite Disney Filet, the Wild Mushroom Filet at Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse, but I knew I had to try the Seasonal Risotto. It just happened to be — you guessed it! — Mushroom! The Seasonal Risotto continues to be offered at Steakhouse 55. Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried it — and what the chef was serving up during your visit! Seasonal Risotto — Mushroom While I don’t love mushrooms on their own, I think they’re delicious in a soup or risotto with a healthy helping of cream, butter, and/or cheese. So this was a win for sure. We also couldn’t pass up the Yukon Gold Garlic Mashed Potatoes. And I’m glad we didn’t, because they were incredible. Creamy, buttery, and seasoned perfectly, they were a hit. Fortunately, this is another classic they didn’t mess with. You can still get these dreamy clouds of potato goodness when you visit these days. Yukon Gold Garlic Mashed Potatoes After such a delicious and filling dinner, we were tempted to skip dessert. But we didn’t. Dessert Menu — Click to Enlarge It was a given that we’d sample Steakhouse 55’s signature dessert, the 24 Layer chocolate Cake. Isn’t it beautiful? While I’m not always a huge chocolate cake fan, this is a thing of beauty. It’s so over the top, how could you not love it? And the Chocolate Sponge Cake combined with Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and Nutella is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. And it’s still available on the new menu. Yay! 24-Layer Chocolate Cake Our other sweet option was a little lighter — Vanilla Bean Yogurt Cheesecake. We enjoyed the tangy sweetness of the cake and the fresh, bright flavor of the Berry Compote, but honestly, the dessert isn’t one we’d order again. Vanilla Bean Yogurt Cheesecake OverallI have had delicious experiences across the board when I’ve visited Steakhouse 55. Whether I’m meeting friends for a quiet breakfast, having cocktails and snacks in the Lounge, or I’m digging into a luxurious dinner, this has always been one of my favorite spots to dine. Because it’s understated, it tends to fly under the radar a bit. But sometimes, in the midst of over the top theme park themeing, that’s not a bad thing. And if the menu were the same as it’s been in the past, I’d have no trouble recommending that you visit Steakhouse 55. It’s always been pricey, but the food quality and nod to Disney tradition was worth it for me. However, with the menu changes that have come about under Chef Marcel, I’m going to have to reserve judgement until I can visit again. Have you visited Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel? Leave us a comment and let us know your impressions of this classic dining spot. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55 Dining in Disneyland: Steakhouse 55 Lounge at The Disneyland Hotel Review: Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort View the full article

This week’s “After Dark” image was taken at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot during “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” What’s your favorite activity to do in this part of the park after the sun goes down? Watching fireworks? Devouring the pavilion’s terrific pizza? Ending the night with a yummy chocolate cannoli? GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allDisney Parks After Dark: IllumiNations in Italy by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Those of us who visit Disneyland park a lot are often asked, “What is something you [or I] must do at the park?” I’ve given this some thought, so I wanted to share my own personal list of Disneyland park must-do’s. Now, I know this is a very personal list – it will vary for each person. So, let me know in the comments … what is your own must-do list for Disneyland park? Hold on, Disney California Adventure park fans – that’s for another time! Stop #1 – Disneyland Railroad Sometimes my visit begins with the classic grand circle tour, and sometimes that’s how it ends. Sometimes it’s in the middle, whatever – the point is that no visit is complete for me without a ride on the Disneyland Railroad. Stop #2 – Market House, Main Street, U.S.A. Hear me out … I’m a coffee fan with a theme park problem. Starbucks plus Disneyland equals a happy me. So yes, this is a recent addition to the must-do list. Stop #3 – Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Main Street, U.S.A. Ice cream is only behind coffee on my list of obsessions, and there’s something extra-delicious about ice cream from Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor … am I right? Stop #4 – Indiana Jones Adventure, Adventureland Yes, I chose to go to Adventureland first and yes, I walked right past Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise – both of which I’ve loved ever since I wore acid wash denim and permed my hair. But if a choice has to be made, I’ve got to ride Indiana Jones Adventure. Feel free to discuss. Stops #5 and #6 – Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, New Orleans Square Obviously. Stop #7 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland Confession: I’m a thrill ride person, so you’ll see another mountain on this list later. And the recent refurbishment of this classic attraction has only made it more awesome. Stop #8 – Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm, Frontierland Goats! Come on, they have goats! Stop #9 – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Fantasyland A classic, and it’s only at Disneyland park. Must. Do. Stop #10 – “it’s a small world,” Fantasyland The music, the history, all the Mary Blair art and design … this attraction, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, makes me happy every time. Stop #11 – Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Another confession: this is my favorite attraction in all of the Disneyland Resort. And when it’s taken over by a ghost during Halloween Time, I love it even more. Stop #12 – Little Red Wagon, Main Street, U.S.A. You’ve got to eat, and when you’re at Disneyland park, you’ve got to eat a corn dog. No excuses. Okay, so that’s my list. I know you all have your own, so fire away! What are Your Disneyland Park Must-Do’s? by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We are off and running – literally. This morning the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna officially got underway with the Walt Disney World 5K. It was exciting to join thousands of runners at Epcot and brave the unseasonable cool temperature and run the 3.1 mile course around World Showcase, past Spaceship Earth, and cross the finish line to earn a runDisney 5K finisher medal. The costumes, energy and Disney spirit were amazing. It was fun to see first-time runners, and runners of all ages and nationalities enjoying the fun run. This morning’s run kicks off a four-day celebration of running, which includes runDisney Kids’ Races, Walt Disney World 10K tomorrow, Walt Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday and Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday. That leads me to share some exciting news. The Disney Parks Blog and runDisney want to share the excitement of the start and finish lines of our events. Building off the success of live video streams for the holidays, we will “live’ stream the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. Family and friends, and those wanting to see what a runDisney event is all about, will be able to visit the Disney Parks Blog both days starting at 5 a.m., and watch the start and finish of both races. You will be able to track, watch runners cross the finish line and share in their celebration. We are always looking for ways to enhance our runner and guest experience, and hope this live stream allows you to share in the magic of a runDisney event. For more information on runner tracking and runDisney events, visit runDisney.com. Watch Walt Disney World Half & Full Marathons Live On The Disney Parks Blog by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Bonjour! If you’ve enjoyed dinner or brunch at our French-inspired restaurant, Remy, on the Disney Fantasy or Disney Dream, no doubt you agree it’s a dining experience unlike any other. The combination of a sophisticated adult-only setting, impeccable service and elegant dishes developed by three Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement and award-winning Chef Scott Hunnel are unparalleled. Now, we’ve expanded our collection of offerings at Remy to include a unique tasting opportunity, a decadent dessert experience, a seasonal truffle menu and special caviar selections. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be telling you more about these offerings, but today I want to give you details on the brand-new Petites Assiettes de Remy, a progressive tasting experience that is the perfect introduction to this fine dining restaurant. The Petites Assiettes de Remy experience is designed to provide a taste of Remy, where adult guests travel throughout the restaurant to sample small plates of Remy’s gourmet cuisine and fine wine. It is offered during the early evening hours on the first day of each cruise and is hosted by the Executive Chef who serves as an epicurean guide for this six-course culinary journey. Throughout the Petites Assiettes experience, Remy’s Sommelier joins the Executive Chef to present specially selected wine that pairs perfectly with each dish. Following the first course of blinis with Californian caviar and Champagne in Remy’s spectacular wine room, for the next four courses guests move through the main dining room where they are presented with superb French-inspired dishes from the restaurant’s seasonal menu, such as grilled salmon with smoked salmon cream and Kobe beef with turnip and potato gratin. This unique tasting opportunity concludes with a sophisticated dessert and the final wine pairing in the private Chef’s Table dining room. Check back next week when I’ll tell you about the new offering at Remy created especially for dessert lovers. Disney Cruise Line Expands Collection of Premium Culinary Offerings at Remy, Including New Progressive Tasting Experience by Salah Chetbi: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Our favorite sidekick for Mickey Mouse has always been Pluto. This week our Learn to Draw animation series continues with a lesson on how to draw one of Mickey's best friends. http://di.sn/6007a2...From:Disney ParksViews:5193104ratingsTime:15:44More inTravel & Events

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Adult guests aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy can enjoy new premium culinary experiences and menus in Remy, one of Disney Cruise Line’s fine dining specialty restaurants. The expanded collection of offerings in the French-inspired Remy include a unique tasting opportunity, a decadent dessert experience, a seasonal truffle menu and special caviar selections. Petites Assiettes de Remy Petites Assiettes de Remy, or Small Plates of Remy, is a brand-new culinary journey at Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy that provides a taste of the elegant dishes developed by award-winning Chef Arnaud Lallement and Chef Scott Hunnel. Hosted by the Executive Chef, who serves as an epicurean guide for this progressive tasting experience, adult guests travel throughout the restaurant to sample small plates of Remy’s gourmet cuisine and fine wine. Offered during the early evening hours on the first day of each cruise, this one-of-a-kind event includes six exquisite dishes from the restaurant’s seasonal menu, along with wine pairings for each course. The first course of blinis with Californian caviar and Champagne is served in Remy’s spectacular wine room with floor-to-ceiling rows of world-class wines. For the next four courses, guests move through the main dining room where they are presented with a superb French-inspired dish, such as grilled salmon with smoked salmon cream and Kobe beef with turnip and potato gratin, along with a specially selected glass of wine at each station. This unique tasting opportunity concludes with a sophisticated dessert and the final wine pairing in the private Chef’s Table dining room. Petites Assiettes de Remy is $50 per person and includes a wine pairing with each course.  Pompidou’s Patisseries Dessert Experience  An exclusive event on the Disney Fantasy, Pompidou’s Patisseries Dessert Experience offers adult guests the chance to indulge in decadent desserts while Remy’s Executive Chef and Executive Pastry Chef provide insight into the history and artistry of crafting sweet masterpieces. Named after the dessert chef from the Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille,” the Pompidou’s Patisseries Dessert Experience begins with a greeting from these culinary masters in the private Chef’s Table dining room, Chez Gusteau, inspired by the fictional Paris restaurant in the film. Guests are then seated in the main dining room for presentations and tastings of six desserts, such as French praline topped with milk chocolate mousse and dark chocolate glaze; raspberry sorbet paired with vanilla ice cream, French vanilla meringues and fresh raspberries; and orange crème pâtissière inside an orange-flavored tuile wafer. As each dessert is served, Remy’s world-class chefs share fun facts and discuss the evolution of the dessert, allowing for an intimate and in-depth culinary dialogue. The dessert experience at Remy, offered on sea days exclusively on the Disney Fantasy, is $50 per person and includes one complimentary glass of Champagne, wine or a cocktail.  Truffle Collection From November through February on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the chefs at Remy celebrate truffle season with the addition of the Truffle Collection, a premium menu inspired by this uniquely flavored delicacy featuring white Alba and black Périgord truffles. The rich flavors of this luxurious ingredient are infused throughout the six-course menu with exquisite dishes such as gnocchi potato served with a truffle puree and garnished with grated truffle, fresh Maine lobster coupled with lobster bisque and truffle-seasoned Parisian fried potatoes and seared Wagyu beef over truffle glazed baby vegetables, followed by a selection of refined cheeses and a sweet indulgence.  The truffle menu at Remy is $250 per person. Caviar Selections Special caviar selections are offered a-la-carte at Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Options include farm-raised varieties of Osetra and Sevruga caviars from regions in France and Russia. All caviar is served with specially selected Krug Grande Année Champagne, and menu prices for a 1-ounce tin range from $99 to $360. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. # # # View the full article

One man sought in the deadly shooting at a French satirical paper has turned himself in, and police hunted Thursday for two heavily armed men with possible links to al-Qaida in the military-style, methodical killing of 12 people at the office of a satirical newspaper that caricatured the... View the full article

Today, we’re taking in afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge. This charming spot, which occupies the far end of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa’s cavernous lobby, is the perfect place to relax, dress up a bit (perhaps), and slow down, while you enjoy traditional offerings and steaming pots of tea. Menu Cover It’s become a rather hot ticket, though, so if you like what you see, be prepared to make your advance dining reservation well in advance. Tea at the Grand has become a tradition of sorts for my mom and me, and so we were excited to head there for this special treat. AtmosphereUpon entering the Grand Floridian, take a moment to notice the details of the soaring atrium. With natural light flooding the seating areas during the day, the large birdcage, and the beautiful domed skylights, it really is lovely. The Lobby and the Atrium Put the “Grand” in Grand Floridian I’ve often heard people suggest that the Grand suffers from a “lack of thememing”. I’ve never thought so. To me, the setting is beautiful — elegance with a light touch, befitting Florida’s subtropical climate. And even with families around me rushing to catch the monorail, I’m transported when I enter it to a less-rushed time and place. Whether you visit during the day or evening, you are likely to catch some form of live musical entertainment here. During the day, you’ll enjoy piano music. In the evening, be sure to catch Grand Floridian Society Orchestra playing jazz standards from the bandstand located just outside of Mizner’s Lounge on the second floor. Piano Music in the Grand’s Lobby The Garden View Lounge is located at the far end of the lobby, directly opposite from the main entrance. View of the Tea Room from the Lobby Flanking either side of the lounge are these adorable mosaics of inlaid marble. Mrs. Potts Mosaic Be sure to look down occasionally while walking around the Grand! They redid the floors a few years ago and added mosaics like these throughout. They are absolutely stunning. Chip Mosaic Garden View is also the setting for the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, a character and storytelling experience. Tea Info — Click to Enlarge The Lounge itself is an open-air spot, separated from the rest of the lobby by a wall featuring “windowless” windows. Looking Into the Lounge from the Lobby We arrived a few minutes early for our advance dining reservation, and were told that our table would be ready shortly. I’m not sure what all of the luggage by the hostess stand was about! There was a full house inside, however. And it seemed as though a few people were dressed up for a special occasion of some sort. Hostess Stand We relaxed nearby in the lobby. Soon, our pager went off, and we were shown to our table. Entrance Marble statues flank both side entrances of the lounge. Other than that, the space is sparsely decorated. Entering the Lounge The center of the room is dominated by a central service area, while mixed seating surrounds the tables and cabinets. View of the Lounge Larger tables occupy the area nearest the picture windows, which provide a stunning view of the beautiful grounds. View of the Grand Floridian Grounds The left side entrance to the lounge is roped off during tea service, but this view provides you more of an idea about the layout. As you can see, although it was busy, the small size somehow made it feel less bustling to me. View of Lounge from the Back The service area in the middle of the lounge serves as both a focal point and parking spot for many of the tea offerings. Silverware and saucers are ready for the next guests to arrive. The Pastry Table Pastries are part of nearly every tea service, and a tray gives you an idea of what you can expect. A Tray of Pastries to be Passed Sets of Jam, Cream, and Lemon Curd are on standby for our tea service as well. And since Lemon Curd is one of the best foods in the world, this makes me want to jump up and down and squeal. Sets of Traditional Tea Toppings. So. Much. Lemon Curd. Sigh. Teacups with cloth napkins are all lined up in a row, ready for use. We were a teensy bit sad to see the old Royal Albert China that used to be used in the tea room replaced by this heartier version that appears to be prosaic-ly dishwasher safe. Teacups Ready for Service Seating, as I mentioned, is mixed. Larger tables line the window area, while loveseats and wicker chairs occupy the center of the room. We were seated beside the windowless windows on the other side. Our seating consisted of a long banquette running the length of the wall, with small tables like these, and chairs on the other side of the tables. All in all, seating is comfortable and substantial. Seating Our table was set with teacups and saucers and tea strainers all ready for us. Apologies for the fleeting princess arm and superhero shoes. My son quickly discovered sugar in cube form, much to his delight. The Table is Ready Having been to tea here before, we came hungry, knowing that this can be a substantial affair. Time to check out the spread. EatsTea at Garden View Lounge is not served in the traditional prix fixe manner that you’ll often find in tea rooms or hotels. Guests choose from a set menu of offerings under different headings here. Menu of Tea Service Options — Click to Enlarge A la Carte courses were offered previously, but have since been removed from the menu. In addition to choosing which Tea Service you prefer, you also choose your Tea from a wide range of options. Tea Service Options Continued — Click to Enlarge There are teas representing many varieties, from Black, Green, and White Teas, to Oolong and Herbal Infusions. Tea Offerings — Click to Enlarge It’s also interesting to note that you can order Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Port, Beer, and other Bar Selections. And if you love the tea you’ve selected, gift tins of some of the varieties are available. Tea Offerings Continued — Click to Enlarge There were four of us dining — two adults and two children. As guest of honor, my mother chose the Princess Kate Tea. In addition to her own pot of tea and various courses, her selection came with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Veuve Clicquot Champagne I can never pass up Port or Pâté, which makes me sound a little masculine, I suspect. And so I went with my favorite offering, the Prince Edward Tea. My service began with a glass of Fonseca Bin 27 Port. The ruby Port is full-bodied and jammy. A fortified wine, it paired excellently with the rich dishes that would make up my first course. Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Port Both children in our party opted for the Mrs. Potts Tea. The children’s tea service comes with special “Dark Tea” — Chocolate Milk. That was fine for the Little Knight in our party. But the Princess is a bit older, and preferred to have real tea. And here’s my little plug for teaching children manners. I love that children are provided the same teapots and teacups that adults use. Even the “Dark Tea” came in a teapot, and our wonderful server used a strainer as she poured it out. What a lovely way to teach kids about the ritual of tea in a completely kid-friendly setting. Pouring Tea and Special “Dark Tea” The four of us all chose different teas, so we ended up with four pots on our two tiny tables. Together with strainers, cups and saucers, it soon became crowded! My Teacup and Tea Pot Add the cozy for each pot, and pretty soon, we were going to need a third table! Teacup, Strainer, and Cozy Mrs. Potts Tea consists of two courses. Tea Sandwiches make up the first course. I requested that the tea sandwiches be all Peanut Butter and Jelly for the Sir Picky. Peanut Butter and Jelly Tea Sandwiches The Princess was a bit more adventurous, throwing caution to the wind and eating what they brought her. As a result, she found out she enjoyed Tuna Salad very much! (She always wrinkled her nose at it before.) Tea Sandwiches My mother — oh heck, let’s just call her the queen to stay in the spirit of things — started with Tuna Poke served with Wonton Crisps. (She had the choice of Potted Shrimp, but went with the Poke, a Hawaiian dish of raw fish lightly tossed in a marinade before serving.) I had several bites of the dish, and it was fresh and absolutely delicious. Tuna Poke and Crisps Her second course was a Medley of Cheeses and Seasonal Fruits. Now, I had my hands full keeping the tiny knight from upending his Dark Tea all over his suit of armor. So I’m not quite sure why there are two Scone-Slash-Biscuit Things in the middle of all the beautiful Cheese, Fruit, Honey, etc. But Mom says this is how the plate landed. At any rate, presentation aside, everything here was delicious. (There was a liberal amount of sharing that day among us. I stole all the currants and some of the honeycomb, in fact.) Princess Kate Platter But my plate — ah. This is what I had been waiting for. The first course of the Prince Edward Tea is a mighty platterful of Pâtés, Cheese, and Fruit. Each slice of Pâté is accompanied by Cumberland Sauce, a fruit-based sauce typically made with Red Currants. Prince Edward Platter A side of Crostini came with the pâté and cheese, but I mostly skipped it, preferring to enjoy the strong flavors unmasked by bread. Crostini Since we had chosen to partake in some of the heartier tea service options, we were well on our way to being full. But we certainly weren’t passing up Jam Tarts and Scones. I’m showing you the tray of Jam Tarts here, because someone (ahem, that would be me) sort of gobbled up her tart before photographing it. A Whole Tray of Jam Tarts We did manage to get a photo of half a tart, beside the split scone on Mom’s plate. (Again with the sharing.) My favorite detail here are the Condiments. If I could eat something everyday for the rest of my life, I’m pretty sure it would involve Lemon Curd. The Cream and Jam were delicious on the scone as well. Scone and Jam Tarts with Jam, Cream, and Lemon Curd Yes. Um. Sorry. Apologies. That Jam Tart was Really Delicious. Finally, as if Scones and Jam Tarts weren’t enough, it was time to select our final course. For the children, that meant choosing two Pastries each. I think there was some repetition (and also some eager consumption), so I managed to snag photos of some of the selections. Mini Eclair and Pate a Choux Swan Pistachio Cake and Pate a Choux Swan Gentlemen apparently don’t prefer sweets — hrmph — so my service didn’t include dessert. However, the others were more than happy to share with me. We left, amply satisfied and in need of a walk. OverallSimply put, I love tea at the Grand Floridian. Now, to be fair, I’m a bit of an Anglophile, and am predisposed to like this kinda thing. But having been to tea, prepared tea, and held teas, I feel like they do a pretty great job. The food is always fresh, delicious, and beautiful, and the tea is expertly brewed. Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge. However, I did a bit of checking, and the prices are in line with other premium hotels that offer afternoon tea in the area. This is my second experience having tea in the Garden View Lounge, and both times, I have enjoyed very little wait for my ADR as well as impeccable, relaxed service. If you’re looking to start your own ritual, let me put tea at the Garden View up for consideration. I think you’ll be pleased. Have you had tea at the Garden View Lounge? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge Guest Review: Grand Floridian’s Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Lounge Review: Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort View the full article

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