On a recent visit to Disneyland Resort, Pilar Hamil, general manager of Disneyland Hotel invited my friend and fellow Disney Parks Blog author, Erin Glover, my coworker and friend, Karen McClintock, and I to join her for Classic Afternoon Tea, a new offering at Disneyland Hotel.
You may not know this, but Pilar is a Tea Master, accredited by the International Tea Master’s Association, and she’s the only one at Disneyland Resort. Pilar’s love of tea began as a child, when her mother would serve tea and cookies for her and her siblings after school. While we were talking, we all agreed our love for tea began with taking a moment to sip some tea and spend time with loved ones. For me, it started with the ritual of after-dinner tea with my grandma and grandpa every night.
Pilar’s love for tea and attention to detail shine through in the Classic Afternoon Tea, which she developed and brought to Disneyland Hotel. The cast of Steakhouse 55 has embraced her passion for afternoon tea through training led by Pilar about the story behind each delicious tea on the menu and proper steeping techniques. The impressive tea list includes 12 varieties, including white, green, black and herbal. Aperitifs, wines by the glass, ports and cordials are also available.
Our group enjoyed the Classic Tea Party, which includes traditional scones with seasonal fruit preserves, Devonshire cream and lemon curd; tea sandwiches including cucumber and watercress, salmon gravlax, deviled cage-free egg salad, heirloom tomato and mozzarella. Desserts included chocolate covered strawberries, mini fruit tarts and assorted macarons ($50 per person). We followed Pilar’s advice and ate from the top to the bottom of the tower, starting with the lightly sweet scones, then the savory sandwiches and ending with the sweet desserts. Those with food allergies will be happy to know gluten-friendly options are also available.
For $15 more per person, you can enjoy the Premium Tea Party, which includes sparkling wine, a salad with green goddess dressing and a decadent farewell truffle in addition to everything served in the Classic Tea Party.
Young tea lovers will enjoy the Kids Tea Party, with a delicious chocolate chip scone and tea sandwiches including peanut butter and jelly, cucumber, and ham and cheese. Desserts include chocolate covered strawberries, mini fruit tarts and assorted macarons. Assorted loose-leaf teas, juices, milk and hot chocolate are included. Cost is $35 per child.
Everything about Classic Afternoon Tea at Disneyland Hotel is extremely elegant. Delicious food is served on beautiful Wedgwood china – a classic design with simple, clean lines. Classical music fills Steakhouse 55, which really takes on a bright, beautiful look during the day. It’s a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else at Disneyland Resort.
Reservations for Classic Afternoon Tea at Disneyland Hotel can be made by calling 714-781-DINE or by visiting Disneyland.com/dine.
