Afternoon Splendor

I thought I would post this over here also. I have it on another blog, because that is where I had it before I created this blog. This article appeared in Celebrations Magazine, April and May issue. Now this article was edited to fit, so things that you read here will include the omissions. There is another article coming out soon in the next issue (due out late June) and then I have one to do still. Enjoy!
Afternoon SplendorThe Grand Floridian! It’s a place that allows one to go back a little in time, to enjoy a tradition that is easy to fall in love with. It’s a timeless tradition that may become a Disney ritual. The Grand Floridian is a step back into the 19th century. Upon arrival you may be greeted by Richard and when you enter the lobby of the Grand Floridian, you step back into the Victorian era with the décor and ambiance. The lobby is open and airy with a ceiling six stories up, topped with two large ornate, crystal chandeliers and stained glass windows. To add to the atmosphere, of creating this step into time gone by, is the details of the cast member’s costumes, the cage style elevator, and the late afternoon music playing in the lobby from the classic pianist or the band playing on the second floor. As you look around, take it all in, and stroll to the back of the lobby. There, tucked at the end with a bank of large windows is the Garden View Tea Room.

After checking in with the Host/Hostess, you will be taken up a couple steps andseated. The tables are set with Royal Albert’s Old Country Roses cups and saucers. The tables are small along the wall, with bench seating and chairs. A few larger tables are available for a larger group seating. The view out the large windows is beautiful. You may even see a bride on her way to her wedding, or having photos done in the garden. When your server comes over she will gently lay your napkin in your lap, and introduce you to a delicious menu. The menu opens showing a variety of black, white, green and herbal teas. Two teas are exclusive to the Tea Room: the Gardenview Blend and the Princess Breakfast teas. The menu will continue with entrée options and then a’ la carte. If this is not your first trip, it can be hard to pick because you may want to try something new, but want some of your favorites.

Depending on the tea you choose, you will either get a teapot with its own cozyor a pressed pot (French pot). Your first cup is poured by your server through astrainer that sets across your tea cup, and then out of the way on a rest. You will find sugar cubes in the sugar bowl on the table, but they do provide other options. You can also ask for milk/cream, honey or lemon for you tea. Whichever offering you have decided to savor, your server will bring out each course as you progress through tea. You may start with the tea sandwiches or a cheese and fruit plate, followed by scones and Devonshire cream, ending with strawberries and cream. Depending upon your arrival time, you may start to hear the music from the lobby of the classical pianist. The music just seems to float along with your tea.

You will find it relaxing and something you want to enjoy again and again. It may be you desire a quiet time by yourself, sharing time with your girlfriends, Mother-Daughter time, or even with your Prince Charming or Pirate… just no Mad-Hatters here. (And yes, several men have been seen there enjoying tea with their wives or girlfriends). Don’t forget to get some tea to take home, that you can purchase from your server, or stop in the gift shop, the Sandy Cove, to get a tea cup to take home. This way you can recreate the moment when you back home. One thing to note about tea at the Garden View Tea Room is that it is not on the Disney Dining Plan, but you are able to use the Tables in Wonderland Card.

Some entrée menu options:
The Grand Tea - The classic English tradition of afternoon tea, Grand Floridian style. We offer you a variety of tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts, followed by your choice of our freshly baked tea pastries or English trifle, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and your choice of tea.Buckingham Palace - Our traditional tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts complimented by fresh strawberries & cream, or a selection of freshly baked pastries, served with your choice of tea.

Prince Edward's Tea - A delicious array of ducy and cherry terrine,chicken & pork roulade, country pate en croute, and English Blue Stilton,the "King" of English cheeses. Served with marinated fresh berries, andcumberland sauce. We then offer our delicious fresh baked scones served with rich Devonshire cream. Your choice of our tea with a glass of our Fonseca Bin 27Character, Port.

Mrs. Potts Tea - For the younger "tea lover" in your party, we offer a variety of tea sandwiches, tuna salad, ham and cheese and peanut butter and jelly on white bread. We serve our magical dark tea (chocolate milk) followed with a choice of 2 pastries.

A’ la carte: British Cheese Plate, English Trifle, Scones with Devonshire Cream, Strawberries and Cream, Jam Tarts, Assorted Tea Sandwiches (cucumber watercress, chicken salad, egg salad, shrimp salad, and a lovely grilled pear gorgonzola), Sally Lunn Bread.

Teas: Eros, Cassis, Mad Hatter, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Floral Jasmine Green, Jasmine White, Harmony, Lemon Verbena, Nobo Whole Fruit, Chamomile Flowers, and more.Other choices: Champagne and Sparkling Wine, bar selections, mineral water, juices, Espresso, Cappuccino, Press Pot of Colombian Coffee (also Decaf), Hot Chocolate, and sodas.

How to Brew a Pot of Tea:
· Warm your pot, while boiling water
· Add a teaspoon for each person (and don't forget one for the pot)
· Add boiling water
· Allow to steep 5-15 minutes
· Enjoy!

My sister discovered the Magic of Disney

I went to WDW this past weekend. I took my mom and my older sister. Now my mom I take fairly regular. My sister on the other hand doesn't get it. My sister is in the process of a divorce. In my opinion, she took on a lot of her soon to be ex's opinions of things. She has been to Disney a few times with her daughter when she was little, and then with her step daughter and family.

This being Mother's Day, and telling her we will take her, she finally agreed. I was able to get her a seasonal pass. This was to encourage her to make a few more trips. We picked her up, drove down the road and showed her a nice way into property with less stop lights than what she usually took.

Upon arrival to Saratoga Springs Resort, she said, "that is pretty." I smiled. "This is where we are staying." I had gotten us a one bedroom at the resort. She really liked the resort, and the room. She was impressed with the size of the room and the bath. The little details that were in the room. She even found a hidden Mickey.

We went to dinner at Cape May. Our initial plan was to be at DHS 50's Prime Time. Funny, the time was for 7:20pm and the park closed at 7pm. We were late getting there. My sister had gone to feed her horse and I was a little late getting out of work. Regardless, she enjoyed it.

We took mom back to the room, got her settled and went to Jellyrolls. My sister LOVED it! She met a couple friends of mine too. I have never gone out with my sister so it was nice. She told me, she really enjoyed the adult side of Disney.

Next morning we slept in. Got up to go to a late breakfast at the Artist Palette and then to BCV to meet Art. She really enjoyed that too.. and we met Vic! From there we went out to Epcot through the back gate. Redeemed her SP voucher and in we went. We strolled up from England to Canada. We stopped at *Heather French's kiosk (she is an artist and did the poster this year and has done others for Food and Wine). From there we went to Soarin', which again, she enjoyed.

We went to MouseGears, and then up to the front so we could see the topiaries. Saw the butterflies in the special garden. Road the ride in Mexico and Norway. Showed my sister another Hidden Mickey. She seems to like finding those. Walked around the rest of World Showcase and then back to the room to rest for a bit.

Dinner was at the Plaza and we rode Haunted Mansion and then Pirates. Next we caught the fireworks. I can't miss Wishes (okay... I can but I don't like to). Then to Teacups and a stop at the wishing well.

Next morning, my alarm didn't go off, but my sister's internal one did. Good thing too! We had breakfast at Cape May with Dorothy as our server. She is awesome! Tell her Sharon sent you.
Minnie, Goofy and Donald came by to see us. A quick run down to package pick-up to get a piece of art from *Heather French that my sister bought.

We then went to the room to pack up. We stopped at the DVC preview center. My sister went ahead with the full tour. She is going to purchase at some point. Then a stop at Downtown Disney. Unable to find one thing my sister wanted, we left to head home. It was a wonderful trip.

In the car my sister confessed (not exact quote). "I now get the adult side of Disney and why you go so much. How you go so much too. I always thought it was for kids. I like that you can go at whatever pace you want. I'm going to upgrade my pass and come down for the weekend when I want on my motorcycle and go to a water park."

Another one brought to the Mickey side. Mission accomplished

* Heather French is currently commissioned to do 2 lables for the Biltmore Estate Winery. I saw the first drafts that have to be altered because next year is the 25th Anniversary for the Winery.