Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Garden View Lounge

From 2pm-5pm every day tea is served at the Garden View Lounge. You must make reservations as you would with any other sit down dining option on property. My mom and I arrived on time and only had to wait for about 5 minutes before a table opened up. The Lounge is directly off the main lobby so you can hear the piano playing while you sip your tea and champagne. 

There is an extensive menu with a few different options. The option I chose was the Grand Tea, which included three "courses," a tea selection, and a glass of champagne. The first course was a variety of tea sandwiches, second was a scone and tart with jam, and then for dessert you chose from a selection of pastries. Included with your food was any selection of tea and a glass of champagne. Options like "The Princess Kate" or "The Mrs.Potts" all have different inclusions. Throughout your meal your personal tea pot is kept warm in a tea cozy. In addition to the predetermined options, you could order appetizers/starters separately. So if one of the set menus doesn't look appealing you create your own meal. 

              

 

              

 

First Course-oops I took a bite before I took a picture!

Second Course-Lemon Curd, Butter, Jam

Dessert-my favorite! (Can you tell I like chocolate?)

I had the Masala Black Tea Chai which was one of the seasonal offerings. My mother chose the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, isn't that a fun name!? I enjoyed both-- mine was more of a traditional tea where my mothers was more fruity. Each pot of tea hold about 4 cups, so we had plenty to share with each other. 

There were a few grandmothers, mothers, daughters enjoying tea together as well as families, dads, and daughters. It really was a place for everyone, not just girls can enjoy afternoon tea! Although I'm very glad I was able to try something new and spend the afternoon with my mother, this isn't something I would put on my "to-do" list for every trip. It's nice for a celebration, or a special afternoon outing. 

Lauren

QOTD: Have you ever attended afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian? When would it be something you would consider trying?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-The Villas at the Grand Floridian

As promised, I have some great things to share with you from my most recent WDW trip. Over the 4 nights my mom and I were at Disney we stayed at The Beach Club, Saratoga Springs, and the brand new Grand Floridian Villas. Guys. They are BEAUTIFUL. I died and went to Interior Designer nerd heaven. Lets start from the beginning though before I get too ahead of myself.

The Villas are a short walking distance from the main building of the Grand Floridian. Franck's Bridal Salon and The Wedding Pavilion are your next door neighbors here so there's always a chance you can catch some magical moments being made. 

When you walk into the lobby you are greeted by this adorably Marry Poppins themed fountain. To the left are a few desks where you sit and check-in and to the right is a little seating area and of course a TV with Disney cartoons playing to keep the little ones occupied. 

We made our way up to our room which was beautifully decorated in shades of mint and pale blue. We had a studio which can sleep up to 5 people! The sofa pulls into a bed as does the console-TADA!

The Console Pulls Out Into ANOTHER Bed!

Since it's possible to sleep so many people in the smallest room offered there are 2 bathroom areas that are connected but can be closed off from one another. One central area that has the coolest sink/mirror combo ever.

Selfie!

There's a TV in the mirror!

To the left is a standard shower/tub combo and the toilet. To the right is a beautiful and very large walk-in shower. You have a choice of using either the standard shower head, or the rain shower head coming in from the ceiling. What a rough way to start the day! Do I want to use the regular or rain shower head-decisions, decisions.

I wouldn't mind showering there everyday

Directly across from the bathroom is a little wet bar area that has your standard mini-fridge, sink, coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. 

As if this room weren't amazing enough check out the view of the Magic Kingdom we had!

I spy Space Mountain

When the doors to the balcony were open you could hear the music from the Magic Kingdom and the sounds of the steam train. I didn't find the noise to be disturbing when the doors were closed and we were trying to sleep at night which will be good for those with little ones and anyone who likes peace and quite.

Admittedly, I was never that big of a fan of the Grand Floridian, but the villas have totally won me over. It's in a great location. We were able to walk to the Polynesian for Tonga Toast for breakfast. Though the monorail doesn't stop at the villas, there's a quick walk in a covered walkway to the main building to catch it. 

What I want to know is when can I move into this place? If anyone from Disney is reading I'd like to make one of the new villas into my own personal on property apartment!

Lauren

QOTD: Have you stayed at the Grand Floridian Villas or are you planning to for an upcoming trip? What are you most looking forward to?

I'm Going to Disney World!

I don't know about all my fellow North-easterners, but I am over all the cold and snow that we've been having! After living in Florida for 2 years this has been my first real winter back in NJ and it has been brutal. I have been lacking serious motivation to get out and train for my next half at the end of April. 

Fortunately, I have a little weekend getaway planner to the most magical place on earth to help me make it through these last few weeks! By tonight I'll be in Florida for a mother-daughter weekend and it couldn't have come at a better time! 

I had mentioned previously that my mom is a Disney Travel Planner, so our trips to WDW are often called "work research." Since I'm such a fantastic daughter, I'm always willing to help with this important research. We're excited to ahem research the following this weekend:

-Talking Mickey
-Macaroons in France
-Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwiches in France (YUM)
-Spice Road Table in Morocco
-Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian
-The Villas at the Grand Floridian

If you couldn't tell from that list we like to eat, we're Italian, we can't help it. Sadly we'll just be missing the beginning of the Flower and Garden Festival so I won't have much to report back to you on that front.

We'll be staying at no less than three resorts between Friday and Monday (holy magic bands batman!). I can't wait to check out the various running trails at the resorts we'll be staying at. A nice run in the warm weather is exactly what I need to kick my butt into gear! I'm also super excited to see how much I walk at the parks with my fitbit (nerd alert). 

Be sure to keep an eye on our Instagram (@halfwaytothecastle) and our Facebook this weekend as I'll be posting pictures daily! 

-Lauren

QOTD: What's your favorite "must do" activity at WDW?