Bringing the Grand Floridian Tea Experience Home
There’s nothing quite like the elegance of a midday tea service at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Since the recent reopening of the Garden View Lounge — Tea Experience in March 2026, guests have been flocking to the resort to enjoy the new Alice in Wonderland themed service. If you haven’t been able to secure one of those coveted reservations yet, don’t worry. In honor of National Tea Day, Disney has shared the official recipes for their signature Orange-Cranberry Scones.
Whether you’re a fan of the traditional buttery scone or you require a plant-based and gluten-friendly option, Disney’s chefs have provided the exact blueprints to recreate these treats in your own kitchen. These scones are a staple of the first course at the Garden View Lounge, typically served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and jam. Now, you can bring that sophisticated Walt Disney World flavor to your breakfast table.
The Traditional Orange-Cranberry Scone Recipe
The traditional version of this recipe relies on a blend of cake flour and all-purpose flour to achieve that perfect, light crumb that Disney fans love. One unique step in the Garden View Lounge process is the fruit soak, which happens the night before to ensure the flavors are deeply infused.
- The Soaked Fruit: Combine the zest of one orange, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 3 tablespoons of orange liqueur. Cover this and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
- The Dough: Whisk together 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of crème fraîche, and 6 tablespoons of sugar.
- The Mix: Sift 2 cups of cake flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Using an electric mixer, add 1 cup of room-temperature butter (cut into small cubes) to the dry ingredients until the texture is coarse.
- The Finish: Add the cream mixture and the soaked fruit, stirring just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix! Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness, cut into rounds, and bake at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Plant-Based and Gluten-Friendly Options
Disney is well-known for its commitment to dietary inclusivity, and the Garden View Lounge is no exception. The plant-based and gluten-friendly version of the scone uses a few clever swaps to maintain that signature texture. Instead of dairy, this version uses rice milk and applesauce. The applesauce acts as a binder and adds a subtle moisture that works perfectly with the citrus notes.
For the gluten-friendly version, simply substitute the flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. The preparation remains largely the same, but the chefs recommend ensuring all your specific brand-name ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain safety for those with high sensitivities.
Planning Your Visit to the Garden View Lounge
While baking at home is a great way to celebrate National Tea Day, nothing beats the atmosphere of the actual lounge. Located on the first floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the reimagined space features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush manicured gardens. The current Tea Experience is priced at $79 for adults and $49 for children ages 3 to 9.
If you’re planning a trip later this year, remember that reservations open 60 days in advance and fill up almost instantly. The experience now includes whimsical nods to Alice in Wonderland, with themed tea sets and a menu that includes savory bites like the Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart and the Caterpillar Cucumber Roll. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle of the Magic Kingdom.
Pro-Tips for Scone Success
- Don’t Skip the Soak: Letting the fruit sit in the orange liqueur (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version) overnight is the secret to why these scones don’t taste dry.
- Temperature Matters: While many scone recipes call for cold butter, this specific Disney recipe asks for room-temperature butter to be incorporated with an electric mixer. Follow the recipe exactly for that specific Grand Floridian texture.
- The Mickey Touch: If you want to make these feel even more like a park treat, use a Mickey-shaped cookie cutter instead of a standard round one.
Whether you’re sipping a cup of Twinings London Strand Breakfast tea or the resort-exclusive Orangery of Lady Grey, these scones are the perfect companion. Happy baking!
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.