Review: Wonderland Tea Party at the 1900 Park Fare Restaurant, Grand Floridian Resort

The Wonderland Tea Party is held in the 1900 Park Fare restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The tea parties are held Monday through Friday from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Our daughter attended one of the tea parties last month and had a grand time. The cost of the Wonderland Tea Party has recently increased and is now $42.60 with tax included.

We were told to check-in at the 1900 Park Fare at least 15-20 minutes prior to the scheduled time so that we could fill out paperwork. (This includes listing a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.) The party is only for children ages 4-10, no adults are allowed. I must admit the day we attended that only two boys were present for the party, the rest were girls. Several of the girls came dressed up as princesses and a few of them had on an "Alice" costume.

Once the doors are opened to the restaurant, you are allowed to take your child in, take a few pictures, and then wave goodbye. The tables were decorated beautifully just like something out of a fairytale. The children were given lunch first and were joined by Alice and the Mad Hatter. (Choices for lunch the day our daughter attended were a turkey and cheese sandwich, a raspberry jelly sandwich, and chicken nuggets.) They were also given a cupcake that they could eat and decorate.

Be sure to bring your child's autograph book and pen. The characters will take turns signing the books. Don't worry about missing an opportunity to take a picture of your child and the characters; you will be given a photo of them in a keepsake folder when you return to pick them up.

After the characters leave, the children then play games like "Simon Says" until it's almost pick-up time. At pick-up time the parents are told to have their cameras ready and are escorted to the table where you had previously left your children. The whole room is silent as the kids are pretending to be asleep. The children then wake-up and yell, "surprise" and hand flowers to the parents.

This is a wonderful chance for your child to have quality time with the characters and have a chance to play with other children.

The Grand Floridian also has many shops to browse through if you want to remain nearby while the children are having their party. I preferred waiting there just in case she had cold feet and wanted to leave.

You can make reservations for the Wonderland Tea Party by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE and up to 180 days in advance. Spaces are limited so reserve as early as possible.