After being closed for almost six years, the Garden View Lounge inside the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World is preparing to reopen.
Previously called “The Garden View Tea Room,” it’s set to open in early 2026 as part of a broader refurbishment of the Grand Floridian lobby. Notably, this “reimagining” includes the addition of the new lobby bar, “The Perch” which replaced the iconic giant bird cage structure that once elegantly graced this space.
What Was The Garden View Tea Room?
The Garden View Tea Room closed along with all of Walt Disney World due to the global lockdown in March of 2020.
When the Grand Floridian reopened in September of 2020, the tea room remained closed and has been shuttered ever since. The small but elegant space hosted two services prior to the closure.
A dessert from the Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian Resort in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The afternoon tea party was geared toward adult guests wanting indulge in an elegant, light dining experience that would include a choice of teas, finger sandwiches, desserts, and even offered champagne for an additional cost. Prices for the experience ranged from $35 per adult guest, up to a $150 for two.
The $150 “Berkshire” service even included caviar. This service was offered from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and was extremely popular, typically requiring reservations booked months in advance.
Concept art for the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Lobby – Disney Parks Blog
The tea room also offered the “Perfectly Princess Tea Party” for younger children and their parents.
The experience, while most certainly magical for the children, came with a fairly steep price tag at over $300 for one child and an adult. Even with the grand expense, it was a popular offering. Disney has yet to announce if it will return.
Disney Announces The Garden View Lounge Reopening
On November 5, 2025 Disney Parks made the following announcement on X.
☕ The Garden View Lounge reopening early 2026 pic.twitter.com/K8HOGprZh7
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 5, 2025
The Disney Parks Blog reported, “We may be putting the finishing touches on the lobby, but the story doesn’t end there. In early 2026, The Garden View Lounge will reopen with a refreshed look that complements the new lobby design. The space will offer a new tea experience with whimsical Disney touches for guests of all ages.”
What Guests May Expect Upon Reopening
The Garden View Lounge is a very small space designed for exclusive experiences. Considering the last price points we have are from it’s previous operation in early 2020, one expectation is higher prices.
By the time the Garden View Lounge reopens, nearly six years will have passed since a guest stepped foot inside. Yes, that’s over half a decade of inflation, and Disney price hikes regularly outpace inflation.
The construction of a new bar in the Grand Floridian Lobby at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradley’s Fun
Considering Disney notes “the space will offer a new tea experience,” it’s likely we won’t see an exact return of the two previous opportunities. With Disney enthusiasts anxious for the return of this exclusive venue, fan expectation is high.
With reactions to the new look of the lobby and the addition of “The Perch” bar being mixed at best, it’s important that Disney gets the new Garden View Lounge right.
